A 12-hour bandh called by the Joint Action Committee over the long-pending demand for revival of the paper mill brought normal life to a standstill in Jeypore in Koraput on Thursday.
The shutdown, being observed from 6 AM to 6 PM, was organised demanding immediate reopening and operationalisation of the paper mill, which has remained closed since 2016. The bandh received support from employees, retired workers and local residents who alleged that repeated assurances regarding revival of the industrial unit have failed to produce concrete results.
Shops, business establishments and commercial activities remained shut across several parts of Jeypore, while vehicular movement was disrupted due to picketing and protest demonstrations at key intersections.
Protesters Demand Immediate Government Intervention
Protesters staged demonstrations since morning, raising slogans demanding urgent intervention by the Odisha government to restart the mill, which was once considered a major source of employment and economic activity in the region.
Employees and retired workers associated with the unit expressed frustration over delays despite multiple rounds of discussions and inspections reportedly conducted by companies interested in reviving the mill.
One protester said political parties had repeatedly promised to reopen the paper mill after its closure nearly a decade ago, but operations have still not resumed.
“Ever since the paper mill shut down in 2016, all concerned political parties have repeatedly expressed interest and made efforts to restart it. However, it is still not functioning. Only the government knows the exact reason behind the delay. We request the government to take cognisance of the matter and resolve it soon,” the protester said.
Workers Raise Questions Over Investment Claims
Another protester questioned claims made regarding investments in the paper mill during recent years.
According to the protesters, after a gratuity-related case was filed in the Orissa High Court, the management reportedly stated that nearly Rs 225 crore had been invested in the unit between 2020 and 2025-26.
However, employees alleged that despite such claims, no payments have been made to retired workers, contractual staff, permanent employees, contractors or wood suppliers.
“After the gratuity case was filed in the Orissa High Court, the management stated that around Rs 225 crore had been invested between 2020 and 2025-26. If that is true, then why has not a single employee — whether retired, contractual or permanent — nor contractors and wood suppliers received any payment?” a protester alleged.
Retired workers also highlighted difficulties arising from non-payment of gratuity, provident fund and other dues after the mill’s closure.
The protesters further claimed that Mohan Charan Majhi had assured them multiple times regarding steps for revival, but concrete progress has not yet materialised.
Paper Mill Closure Continues To Impact Local Economy
The paper mill was once among the key industrial establishments in the region, generating employment for thousands of workers directly and indirectly. Its closure in 2016 reportedly affected livelihoods of employees, transporters, contractors and several businesses dependent on mill operations.
Locals supporting the bandh said reopening the mill is essential for reviving economic activities in the area and improving employment opportunities in southern Odisha.
The protesters demanded that the government direct the concerned company to immediately resume operations and clear pending dues of employees and retired workers.
