By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Mining, Steel and Hospitality Baron Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, who isChairman, MGM Minerals Ltd Group has been appointed as Chairman, ASSOCHAM’s Odisha State Development Council.
‘ASSOCHAM is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman, MGM Group, as Chairman, Odisha State Development Council, ASSOCHAM,’‘We look forward to his leadership in strengthening industry collaboration and driving inclusive economic growth across Odisha,” the Industry Body functioning since 1920, said.
Pankaj Lochan Mohanty is a prominent Indian industrialist and sports administrator from Odisha. Chairman & Managing Director of the MGM Group (MGM Minerals / MGM Group companies), based in Bhubaneswar. The group operates primarily in mining, steel, minerals, and related sectors. He has over 35–36 years of experience in industry and corporate governance.
He serves as a director in multiple companies (around 18–20 active or past associations), including roles as Managing Director, Whole-time Director.
ASSOCHAM Role: Chairman of the Odisha State Development Council (or Odisha State Council) of ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India). In this capacity, he frequently speaks on Odisha’s industrial growth, manufacturing, India-US FTA, GDP contributions, and business leadership. He has been actively involved in ASSOCHAM events and policy discussions promoting Odisha’s economic development.
He hails originally from the Boudh district but is closely associated with Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha (consistent with your location in Cuttack).
Sports Administration: President of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA): Elected unopposed in February 2025 (after the previous president’s resignation). He assumed office and has focused on modernizing facilities like Barabati Stadium (e.g., installing permanent generators for floodlights), promoting the Odisha Pro T20 League (OPTL), and overall development of cricket in the state.
He is also involved in other sports initiatives, including as Chairman of MGM School of Sports and has been linked to baseball administration (like Amateur Baseball Federation of India).
He actively participates in education/sports academies under the MGM banner and business award events.
In short, “Pankaj Lochan Mohanty’s prominent role as Chairman of the Odisha State Council of ASSOCHAM, combined with his leadership in the MGM industrial group and recent high-profile position as OCA President. He is a key figure in Odisha’s industry, business advocacy, and cricket development.
Meanwhile, ASSOCHAM is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sunil Pandey, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Reliance Industries Ltd, as Co-Chairman, Odisha State Development Council, ASSOCHAM.
‘His national-scale expertise will be a valuable asset as the Council works towards advancing Odisha’s industrial and economic priorities,’ the Industry Body said.
