CM Mohan Majhi in Baripada
The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish ten major industries in the Mayurbhanj district. This move aims to stimulate economic development in the predominantly tribal region. CM Majhi announced the inauguration of the PM Vishwakarma and National SC-ST Hub Conclave, held at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Takatpur, Baripada.
These industries are set to bring in an investment of Rs 14,000 crore and are projected to generate employment for 7,925 people. The Chief Minister highlighted that this significant investment would transform the industrial landscape of the region.
CM Majhi also mentioned the establishment of 14 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC-ST) hubs in various districts, aiming to benefit Mayurbhanj, especially renowned for its Sabai grass artisans. These hubs are to provide artisans with financial backing and facilitate bank assistance, particularly for those working with Sabai grass, sal leaves, and other forest products.
He underscored the importance of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana in rejuvenating traditional crafts. This scheme has 35% of its beneficiaries from SC and ST communities, with 29% being women. Under the scheme, 29.64 lakh beneficiaries have been recorded, out of which 1.05 lakh beneficiaries are from Odisha. So far, 77,000 individuals in the state have undergone basic skill training, with over 10,000 receiving loans totalling Rs 91 crore.
In Mayurbhanj, 1,831 beneficiaries have registered, and 1,476 have completed training. Furthermore, 216 residents have benefited from interest-free loans amounting to approximately Rs 2 crore.
The Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Jitan Ram Manjhi, expressed the central government's commitment to aiding Odisha’s development. Plans for an industrial park in Mayurbhanj were also discussed, showcasing efforts to transform the area into an industrial hub.
The conclave aimed to raise awareness about the Vishwakarma and National SC-ST Hub schemes and was attended by key figures, including Rairangpur MP Naba Charan Majhi and Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Mohanta.