BHUBANESWAR: In a major push towards industrialisation, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday inaugurated three industrial projects and laid foundation stone for 11 more through video conference. These industries include renewable energy, metal and downstream, textile and apparel, fertiliser, plastic and food processing sectors. Some of the leading players promoting these projects include Aditya Birla Renewables Limited, IFFCO, Supreme Industries and Britannia Industries Limited.
These investment projects have combined investment potential of Rs 1,537 crore, which will generate employment opportunities for around 3,800 persons in the state.
“Odisha is fast emerging as the manufacturing hub of eastern India. My government’s stable policy and regulatory environment has enabled the growth of industries in the state. The implementation of ease of doing business reforms and facilitation provided by various departments have ensured that businesses continue to grow in the state,” said the chief minister.
Appreciating contribution of industries for their activities under corporate social responsibility (CSR), Naveen said the industries have been actively partnering with the state government not only in economic development but also in discharging social responsibility.
During the peak of the second wave, when the whole country was witnessing a shortage of medical oxygen, Odisha responded proactively and supported other states in supplying life-saving medical oxygen. Several industries in Odisha came forward to contribute medical oxygen, tankers, generators, cylinders and crucial accessories, the chief minister said.
Projects that were inaugurated include a solar power plant in Balangir by Aditya Birla Renewables Limited against an investment of Rs 353 crore, an aluminium dross refining unit at Banjari in Jharsuguda by Runaya Refining LLP against an investment of Rs 65 crore and Rs 20-crore garments manufacturing unit at Chhatabar, Khordha by Wild Lotus Fashions.
Senior executives of various industries, including Varun Berry, managing director, Britannia Industries Limited, Navin Agarwal, executive vice-chairman, Vedanta, Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, director, Wild Lotus Textile and Amitabh Verma, president (operations and technology), Aditya Birla Renewables Limited were present.
Official sources in the industries department said foundation stone laying or inauguration of 195 industrial projects were held since November 2017 comprising an investment value of Rs 92,460 crore.
