Bhubaneswar, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, inaugurated and laid the groundwork for 20 industrial projects boasting a total investment of Rs 8,884 crore. This initiative is set to create 6,832 job opportunities in the western part of the state.

During the Silver Jubilee edition of Enterprise Odisha in Rourkela, Chief Minister Majhi officially grounded and inaugurated these projects.

An official statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) indicated that during this event, MoUs and investment intents totaling Rs 52,026 crore were secured, with the potential to generate 20,427 jobs, marking a significant enhancement in the region's industrial landscape.

The statement further emphasized that the western region of Odisha has become a pivotal force in the state's industrial expansion.

In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Majhi asserted that western Odisha is no longer seen as the "next frontier" of growth; it is now a fundamental engine driving Odisha's development.

Numerous prominent companies were present at the event.

Over 500 attendees gathered to celebrate this landmark moment in the industrial advancement of Western Odisha.

The theme for this year's Silver Jubilee edition of Enterprise Odisha is 'Odisha: Best Place to Live, Work and Do Business'.

On referring to the event's theme, the Chief Minister stated, "This demonstrates our renewed vision that economic growth must coincide with an enhanced quality of life. Industrial growth should generate employment opportunities, improve living conditions, and align the ease of doing business with a better quality of life for all citizens."

During his speech, Chief Minister Majhi also outlined the state government's industrial strategy.

"Our strategy is straightforward—establish a number of anchor industries across every region and cultivate hundreds of MSMEs surrounding them as suppliers, vendors, logistics partners, fabricators, maintenance providers, packaging units, and technology collaborators. This will ensure that our young population will not have to migrate for jobs; opportunities will be available right at their doorstep," he expressed.

The event celebrated the launch of 11 industrial projects, attracting an investment of Rs 5,708.00 crore and creating jobs for 4,183 individuals.

Additionally, nine projects were grounded with an investment of Rs 3,176.00 crore, which will provide employment for 2,649 persons.

While in Rourkela, the Chief Minister also took part in three significant roundtable discussions with the Rourkela Chamber of Commerce, the Orissa Sponge Iron Manufacturing Association (OSIMA), and had a special dialogue with delegations from Ranchi and Raipur.

These discussions showcased the expanding RRR Corridor—Raipur–Ranchi–Rourkela, highlighting improved regional cooperation and shared growth opportunities.

Through these roundtables, 22 MoUs worth Rs 43,349 crore were signed, creating 18,985 jobs, while five investment intents amounting to Rs 8,677 crore with a job creation potential of 1,442 were also received.

Chief Minister Majhi also presented a letter offering 1,447.927 acres of land at Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal to a prominent aluminium company for their proposed three million tonnes per annum aluminium smelter and 4,900 MW Captive Power Plant project.