The Shree Sarala Weavers Cooperative Spinning Mill at Tirtol in Jagatsinghpur district, which has remained closed for over two decades, is set for a revival. On Thursday, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, announced that the state government has decided to establish a modern and labour-centric textile and textile industry cluster on the mill premises.
Government Takes First Step
As the initial move towards reopening the closed spinning mill, following the directive of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) recently allocated Rs 23 crore to the Handloom and Knitting Industries Department to acquire the mill property. The land will be incorporated into IDCO's 'land bank', and a new textile and textile industry cluster will be developed on the same site.
"Setting up of industries will create wider employment opportunities in the local area, boost the industry in the state, and contribute to the economic growth of the district as well as the state," said Minister Swain while speaking in Paradip on Thursday.
History of the Mill
The 44-year-old Shree Sarala Spinning Mill in Tirtol has been shut for more than 26 years. Established in 1982 at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore, it was the only industry in the Tirtol area. Around 1,200 workers were employed at the mill until it closed following the super cyclone in 1999. Valuable machinery, tools, and a large generator now lie rusting on the premises.
The closure has had a devastating impact on the workers. Many have been living in subhuman conditions without a proper source of income. The mill was their only livelihood, and they have been lamenting over unpaid gratuities and terminal benefits.
"At least 25 workers have died due to lack of medical healthcare and other essentials of life," said Parikhita Rout (65), a former worker at the spinning mill.
Political Context
The closure of the spinning mill at Tirtol was a major political issue in the last elections in the district. "We had promised the people of the district to reopen the spinning mill during the last election, and now we are going to fulfil our vow by reviving the closed spinning mill to increase employment opportunities," added Minister Swain.
