Keonjhar: The Odisha government is taking concrete steps for setting up a mega steel plant in mineral-rich Keonjhar district to boost economic growth of the region, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Sunday.
The Chief Minister announced the ambitious plan during the annual-day function of Chandra Sekhar College at Champua in Keonjhar, his home district.
The mega steel plant, set to be established with an investment of Rs 30,000-40,000 crore, would play a key role in bolstering economic prosperity in the region, he said.
Noting that the state government has already signed MoU with India’s JSW Steel and South Korean steel major to facilitate the proposed project, Majhi said the plant is also expected to generate considerable employment opportunities for locals while ensuring speedy progress of the region.
“MoU has already been inked by JSW and POSCO to set up the plant in Patana. The project will be implemented at a cost of Rs 30,000 crore to Rs 40,000 crore,” said Majhi.
The Chief Minister further stated that over Rs one lakh crore will be invested at different places, including Patana, Joda, Barbil, Sadar, Suakati, Anandapur, Harichandanpur, and Champua, for development and welfare activities. The state has received total investment intent of Rs 17 lakh crore through Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in Odisha Conclave 2025, Majhi said.
Around 145 MoUs for projects worth Rs 13 lakh crore have already been signed and the ventures would generate nearly nine lakh employment opportunities, he said.
The Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs four crore towards development of the college, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure in the state.