Keonjhar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone of a modern apparel manufacturing unit at Balabhadrapur in Keonjhar district, here on Saturday, marking a major step towards inclusive industrial growth and rural livelihood generation.
The unit is to be developed by Hindalco Industries Limited, the Aditya Birla Group’s metals flagship, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.The state government has allotted land for the project, reflecting its focus on promoting sustainable industrialisation in mineral-rich and backward regions. Once operational, the unit is expected to create around 1,200 direct and indirect jobs, significantly benefiting local communities, especially women and youth.
The facility will be equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced manufacturing systems, ensuring quality production standards while maintaining a safe and inclusive workplace environment. Besides direct employment within the unit, ancillary services such as logistics, supply chain management, and local sourcing are likely to create additional indirect jobs in the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister Majhi appreciated Hindalco’s continued contribution to Odisha’s development. He said the project aligns with the government’s vision of transforming mineral-bearing districts into centres of diversified economic activity.
“This apparel unit will create new employment opportunities for our 1200 youth and women, strengthening the local economy and improving family incomes. This unit will produce 24 lakhs garments every year. I thank Hindalco for partnering with the state in this important initiative,” the CM said.
Majhi said that garments from renowned brands such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England will be manufactured here and exported to global markets. It’s a matter of proud privilege for all of us and this project supports Odisha’s broader goal of expanding value-added industries beyond mining and heavy manufacturing.
President Corporate Affairs of Hindalco Industries Ltd. Ardhendu Mohapatra said that the company remains focused on empowering communities in its areas of operation.
“This apparel manufacturing unit reflects our commitment to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. We are grateful to the Government of Odisha for its support and look forward to working closely with the local community,” he said.The Keonjhar unit adds to Hindalco’s growing livelihood initiatives in Odisha. Another apparel unit is under construction at Tikiri, and a similar facility is planned in Sambalpur. Together, these projects aim to strengthen skill development and employment opportunities, particularly for underprivileged sections, added Mohapatra.
Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, Keonjhar Collector Vishal Singh, OCAC CEO Dr. Pradeep Kumar Raut, Patna MLA Akhil Chandra Naik, Telkoi MLA Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, and Keonjhar Municipality Chairperson Ms. Liku Sahu were present on the occasion.
