Odisha's Textile Industry Set for Growth with ₹7,808 Crore Investment

Major Investment in Odisha's Textile Sector

In Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the Odisha government has finalized 33 agreements, amounting to an investment of ₹7,808 crore, aimed at boosting the textile industry within the state. This announcement was made during the launch of the Exhibition-cum-Knowledge Sharing for Textile Advantage (EKTA) event, which celebrated the 11th National Handloom Day at Janata Maidan. The Chief Minister emphasized that these memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to generate approximately 53,300 jobs in the textile sector.

Majhi reiterated the government's dedication to enhancing infrastructure and support for the handloom industry, noting the establishment of handloom parks equipped with essential facilities such as dye houses, warehouses, design studios, and quality control labs in Bargarh and Cuttack districts. He highlighted that around 40 master weavers from Odisha have received national accolades for their excellence and innovation in the field. During the event, the CM also unveiled the mascot for Handloom Day, named 'Resha', along with a short film showcasing the handloom industry.

The Chief Minister honored local handloom weavers at the event. The handloom fair commenced on Thursday and will run until August 13. Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who was the chief guest, expressed her deep connection to the weavers, stating, “This industry is not merely about clothing; it embodies the identity of every Odia and represents our pride.” She further remarked, “Handloom is not just a means of livelihood; it is a vital aspect of our culture and lifestyle.” Pradeep Bal Samanta, the Minister for Handloom, Textiles, and Handicrafts, mentioned that the government is actively working to preserve the rich heritage of the textile industry while adapting it to meet modern market demands. He noted that initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Handloom Worker Honour Scheme and various grants and fairs have been implemented to support the progress of handloom artisans.