Paradip Villagers Embrace JSW Steel Project, Citing Jobs

In a dramatic reversal from the days of opposing the Rs 52,000-crore Posco Steel project (the country’s largest ever FDI bid), thousands of residents from JSW Utkal Steel project villages, including Dhinkia and adjoining areas, came forward in favor of the Rs 65,000-crore JSW initiative on Friday.

More than half of those attending the community meeting held near the project were women associated with JSW’s Sustainable Livelihoods Project. They emphasized that industrialization, which symbolizes the transition from the traditional arek leaf-based economy to the modern industrial ecosystem, is necessary for inclusive progress.

With a planned capacity of 13.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), the JSW Steel complex will include a captive power plant, dedicated jetties and allied infrastructure at Dhinkia, Nuagaon and Gadakujanga villages near Paradip.

Until a few years ago, most villagers relied heavily on betel vine cultivation and subsistence agriculture. However, rising unemployment, migration and livelihood insecurity among young people have led to increased support for industrial development as a path to sustainable prosperity.

Ranjan Bardhan of Gobindpur village, who moderated a recent press conference at Patana in Dhinkia Gram Panchayat, said, “Finally people here see hope for lasting change. The establishment of JSW’s steel plant will not only boost economic growth but also create employment and strengthen our human resources. JSW’s efforts in education, skill training and employment are already a lifeline for our villages “it has become,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, septuagenarian Sisira Mohapatra from Dhinkia noted: “JSW is continuously investing in education, health, agriculture, transportation, employment generation, women empowerment, environmental protection and technological advancement. The company works closely with village committees and residents to ensure inclusive growth.”

Minati Dalai, a young woman from Patana village who works as a security guard at the JSW Steel complex, said her life has changed dramatically. “Earlier, I was sitting idle at home, but now I can support my family. Our village, which once suffered from poor connectivity, now has proper roads and other amenities that make life much more comfortable,” he shared.

Prabhat Rout of Patana village highlighted the company’s various livelihood interventions such as paddy cultivation, seed and fertilizer support, training in animal husbandry and horticulture development, and women empowerment through mushroom cultivation, tailoring, incense stick making and spice processing. “These initiatives have helped families increase their income and become self-sufficient,” he said.