Paradip Villagers Welcome JSW Steel Project for Job Creation

The industrial landscape of Paradip, located in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, is experiencing a significant transformation as local communities express strong support for the JSW Utkal Steel project. This marks a notable shift from previous resistance to large-scale investments, particularly recalling the backlash against the now-abandoned Rs 52,000-crore Posco Steel project, which was the largest foreign direct investment in India.

On Friday, thousands of residents from villages such as Dhinkia and its surroundings gathered to show their backing for the new Rs 65,000-crore JSW initiative. Notably, over half of the attendees at the community meeting were women actively involved in the company’s Sustainable Livelihood Project. They articulated that industrialization is vital for inclusive progress, signaling a transition from a traditional betel-leaf-based economy to a modern industrial framework.

Community Support for Industrialization

The proposed JSW Steel complex aims for a capacity of 13.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and will feature a captive power plant, dedicated jetties, and associated infrastructure across the villages of Dhinkia, Nuagaon, and Gadakujanga. Until recently, the local economy relied primarily on betel vine cultivation and subsistence agriculture. However, rising unemployment, migration, and livelihood insecurities among the youth have led to growing enthusiasm for industrial development as a means to achieve sustainable prosperity.

Ranjan Bardhan, a representative from Gobindpur village, highlighted the changing sentiments during a recent press conference in Patana, Dhinkia Gram Panchayat. “At long last, people here see hope for lasting change. The establishment of JSW’s steel plant will not only drive economic growth but also generate jobs and strengthen our human resources. JSW’s efforts in education, skill training, and employment have already become a lifeline for our villages,” he stated.

Sisira Mohapatra, a septuagenarian resident of Dhinkia, shared similar views. “JSW has been consistently investing in education, health, agriculture, transport, employment generation, women empowerment, environmental protection, and technological advancement. The company is working closely with village committees and residents to ensure inclusive growth,” she noted.

Transforming Lives and Communities

Minati Dalai, a young woman from Patana village who now works as a security guard at the JSW Steel complex, expressed how her life has changed dramatically. “I was sitting idle at home earlier, but now I’m able to support my family. Our village, which once struggled with poor connectivity, now has proper roads and other facilities that make life far more comfortable,” she shared.

Prabhat Rout, another resident of Patana village, spoke about the variety of livelihood interventions introduced by JSW Steel. These include training in paddy cultivation, support for seeds and fertilizers, livestock and horticulture development, as well as women’s empowerment programs through initiatives like mushroom cultivation, tailoring, incense stick making, and spice processing. “These initiatives have helped families enhance their incomes and become self-reliant,” he explained.

The positive feedback from the community underscores a significant shift in attitudes towards industrial projects in Paradip. As villagers rally behind the JSW Steel initiative, the potential for economic growth and improved livelihoods is becoming increasingly apparent, marking a new chapter for the region.