THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
FEBRUARY 5, 2026
The Utkarsh Odisha
Summit once again underscored the state’s ambitious industrial vision,
spotlighting projects with the potential to generate employment for tens of
lakhs across Odisha. Yet, even as several regions move ahead, districts in
Western Odisha — particularly Kalahandi and Rayagada — continue to face a
shortage of formal employment opportunities. Residents, community leaders, and
stakeholders believe that a faster and more inclusive impact is possible by
fully operationalising existing projects alongside rolling out new investments.
Western Odisha
already possesses substantial industrial strengths, including operational
alumina refineries, captive power infrastructure, and established bauxite
blocks. However, many of these facilities are functioning below their designed
capacities, significantly curtailing their ability to generate jobs. Local
stakeholders stress that the region should no longer be viewed merely as a
resource hinterland, but as a ready-made industrial ecosystem capable of
delivering immediate economic dividends if supported by timely policy action
and execution.
Abhay Raj Mishra,
President and National Convener of PRAHAR, highlighted the urgency of the
issue, stating: “New projects are always welcome, but their benefits often take
years to reach the ground. In the meantime, districts like Kalahandi have
underutilised industrial assets. Unlocking their full potential through
stronger value-chain linkages and ecosystem support can deliver immediate,
inclusive employment and spur local growth.”
PRAHAR (Public
Response Against Helplessness and Action for Redressal), a national
non-governmental organisation working in the areas of livelihoods, employment
generation, and economic inclusion, has recently submitted a set of
recommendations to the Ministry of Finance. These proposals aim to accelerate
factory-based employment in Odisha’s backward regions and are based on extensive
grassroots consultations conducted across Kalahandi and Rayagada.
Over the past two
decades, Odisha’s industrial policies have sought to position Western Odisha as
a major hub for aluminium production, leveraging its abundant bauxite reserves.
While significant private investments have already flowed into the region,
several projects are still in the ramp-up phase, and their employment potential
remains largely untapped. With bauxite reserves, refineries, land, and a
willing workforce already in place, stakeholders argue that targeted policy
support and swift implementation could quickly convert dormant capacity into
substantial job creation, ensuring that Odisha’s industrial ambitions translate
into more balanced and equitable regional growth.
Residents of
Kalahandi and Rayagada have expressed strong willingness to participate in
industrial development, noting that factory and mining jobs offer greater
stability and better incomes compared to traditional farming or small-scale
trading. Communities are now calling for an industrialisation model that
generates immediate employment, strengthens local infrastructure, and drives
sustainable economic progress — so that the promise of Odisha’s industrial
growth reaches those who are ready and eager to be part of it.
