C B Singh Jeypore

Theprolonged closure of the Sewa Paper Mill has once again triggered widespread public concern, with employees, labour unions, contractors, transporters and local representatives jointly urging Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take immediate steps for the reopening of the industrial unit. In a memorandum submitted through the district administration of Jeypore, the stakeholders highlighted the severe socio-economic distress caused by the prolonged shutdown of the mill, which was once regarded as one of the largest industrial establishments in the undivided Koraput region.

The memorandum recalled that during his visit to Jeypore on September 9 last year, the Chief Minister had reportedly assured the public that necessary measures would be taken to restart the mill at the earliest. However, despite repeated assurances at different forums, the signatories alleged that no visible progress has yet been achieved.

The appeal further stated that on March 11, 2026, Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, along with representatives of two labour unions, had submitted a demand letter requesting government intervention for reopening the factory. According to the memorandum, several former ministers, political leaders cutting across party lines, trade unions and members of the Chamber of Commerce have repeatedly approached the State government seeking urgent action for revival of the paper mill. The issue was also reportedly raised during the previous Assembly session, where assurances were said to have been given regarding steps for restarting operations.

The workers further claimed that in April 2025, a prospective investor, identified as Mark AB Capital, had visited the factory premises and expressed willingness to resume operations after obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Odisha government. Despite this development, the unit continues to remain defunct. Established during the early 1980s with the objective of promoting industrialisation and generating employment in the economically backward and tribal-dominated belt of southern Odisha, the Sewa Paper Mill had emerged as a major economic backbone for the region. During its operational years, the mill reportedly provided direct employment to nearly 1,500 regular and contractual workers.