Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday asserted that rapid industrialisation will soon reverse the trend of job-driven migration from Odisha, as the state positions itself as a major hub for employment generation in eastern India.
Speaking at the inauguration of a large apparel manufacturing unit set up by Page Industries at Ramdaspur in Cuttack district, the Chief Minister said the state is witnessing a transformative phase where local employment opportunities will bring back migrant workers.
The newly inaugurated unit, built with an investment of around ₹750 crore, is expected to generate employment for over 5,800 youths. In addition, foundation stones were laid for another Page Industries unit in Bhubaneswar with an investment of ₹258 crore, projected to create 3,500 jobs, and a textile plant by MAS India Clothing Pvt Ltd.
Highlighting the state’s focus on the textile and apparel sector, Majhi said the industry offers high employment potential with relatively low capital investment and plays a key role in women’s empowerment. He noted that clusters are being developed across districts such as Khordha, Cuttack and Ganjam.
Referring to the Textile Summit held in July last year, the Chief Minister said investment proposals worth nearly ₹7,800 crore have already been received and are being implemented on a fast track.
“Industrialisation creates both direct and indirect employment, strengthening MSMEs, startups, supply chains and skill development,” he said, adding that projects worth around ₹41,000 crore inaugurated or grounded in Khordha district on the day mark a “golden chapter” in the state’s industrial growth.
Majhi said nearly 60,000 employment opportunities have been generated through these initiatives, instilling fresh optimism among the youth. He reiterated the government’s vision to transform Odisha into the “Surat” and “Tirupur” of eastern India through policy reforms and an industry-friendly ecosystem.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the development of apparel parks with plug-and-play infrastructure, including land, power, water and transport facilities, to attract investors. The state aims to draw ₹7,212 crore in textile investments and generate 40,000 jobs in the sector.
During the event, Majhi interacted with returning migrant workers, including Swarnaprabha Routray from Salepur and Yamuna Tudu from Mayurbhanj, who had previously worked in Tamil Nadu and are now employed in Odisha’s textile units.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the government is prioritising employment-led industrial growth, which will also boost MSMEs and create widespread job opportunities. Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samant termed the development a milestone in Odisha’s industrial journey.
Among others present were Banki MLA Debiranjan Tripathy, Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma, Cuttack Collector Dattatreya Bhausaheb Sindhe, and senior officials of Page Industries including Managing Director V.S. Ganesh and Executive Director K. Srinivasan.
