Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated a major apparel manufacturing unit of Page Industries at Ramdaspur in Cuttack district, describing the occasion as a “golden chapter” in Odisha’s industrial growth.
The unit, set up with an investment of Rs 750 crore, is expected to generate direct employment for over 5,800 young men and women.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said the state government’s focused push on the textile and apparel sector would transform Odisha into the “Surat-Tirupur of eastern India”. He added that large-scale industrialisation would soon trigger reverse migration, with youth returning to the state for jobs instead of leaving in search of opportunities.
On the same day, the foundation stone was laid for a second Page Industries unit at Bhuinpur with an investment of Rs 258 crore that will create 3,500 jobs. The foundation stone of a textile plant by MAS India Clothing Pvt Ltd was also laid at Bhuinpur.
Majhi highlighted that the apparel industry offers high employment with relatively low capital investment and is particularly beneficial for women. “Our policy is to create an industry-friendly environment so that skilled Odia artisans can find opportunities within the state,” he said.
He noted that a textile summit held in July last year had attracted investment proposals worth Rs 7,800 crore, most of which are now being implemented rapidly. Today alone, industrial projects worth nearly Rs 41,000 crore were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid in Khordha district, creating employment opportunities for around 60,000 youths.
The government has set a target of Rs 7,212 crore investment and 40,000 jobs in the textile sector. To attract investors, “plug-and-play” apparel parks are being developed with ready land, power, water, and connectivity.
The Chief Minister interacted with two local women workers — Swarnaprabha Rautaray from Salepur and Yamuna Tudu from Mayurbhanj — who are employed in the Odisha textile industry, and heard about their experiences and skill levels.
Industry Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the focus remains on generating maximum employment through industries, which will also nurture MSMEs and strengthen the local supply chain. Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samant thanked the Chief Minister and termed the development a “golden chapter” for Odisha’s industrial progress.
Among those present were Banki MLA Devir Ranjan Tripathy, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma, Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, Page Industries Managing Director V.S. Ganesh, and Executive Director K. Srinivasan.
