Odisha Government Forms Task Force to Establish Steel Plant in Keonjhar, CM’s Home District.

On Saturday, the Odisha government announced the formation of a task force, led by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, to establish a major steel plant in Keonjhar, the home district of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. This decision came during a meeting where Majhi reviewed the state’s industrial landscape.

Despite Keonjhar’s abundant resources, including iron ore, power, and water, the district currently lacks a steel plant. Chief Minister Majhi, who hails from the district, has prioritized the development of this facility. The task force will work to expedite negotiations with potential investors for the proposed steel plant.

Previously, ArcelorMittal had planned a 12-million-ton-per-annum steel plant in Keonjhar, but the project was shelved due to local protests. The new plant is expected to benefit from the district’s ample iron ore reserves.

During the meeting, Industries Department Secretary Hemant Sharma reported that the government has received 989 proposals for industrial projects. Of these, 674 have been approved through the single-window clearance authority, and 352 projects have been allocated land. Currently, 183 projects are underway, and 74 industries are operational in the state.

Sharma also mentioned 12 proposals for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and highlighted efforts to advance 41 significant investment proposals. Chief Minister Majhi urged officials to support industrial growth and focus on labor-intensive sectors like textiles and food processing, with a goal of creating 350,000 jobs in the next five years.

State Industries Minister Sampad Swain and other senior officials were present for the review meeting.

ET