Bhubaneswar– The Odisha government has facilitated self-employment opportunities for 11.21 lakh youth through 2.49 lakh MSME units in the state, a minister said on Thursday.

Replying to a written question of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Prabhat Ranjan Biswal, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Minister Jogendra Behera told the state assembly that 2.49 lakh MSME units have been set up with an investment of Rs 12,203 crore in the state.

The enterprises have provided employment opportunities to 11,21,146 educated youth in the state by December last year, he added.

He said the government has set a target to invest Rs 653 crore in 91 identified ancillary projects with the help of large industries, which have set their projects in the state.

He also said both the central and state governments are providing financial assistance to different clusters in the state.