By JB Dash: People of Baripada have been demanding for revival of the lone handmade paper unit located at the Dantiamuhan panchayat of Mayurbhanj district. The manufacturing unit was shut down in 1994 for which the employees were jobless.
The only handmade paper unit in the district was established in the 1980s. It was running under the supervision of Betanoti block. It was using the locally available resources like grass, dry leaves, bamboos, barks etc. to produce mat paper, color paper, craft paper, drawing paper etc. – intimated Bhabotosh Mohapatra, a senior member of the Danitamuhan panchayat.
However, when quipped about the existence of the unit, the Industrial Promotion Officer (IPO) of Betnoti expressed his ignorance about the said unit.
An official of the Betonati block informed that providing regular funds to this unit was stopped (from the block) as it had no specific provision for it. However, the watchman appointed by the same block, who is guarding the unit since last 18 years is waiting to see the drooping up of the costly machineries and the 7 land-buildings of the unit.
Few days back the District Collector had been approached by the locales for reopening of the unit and he sought a DPR to be placed in the next ZP meeting for release of funds directly or through KVIC, NABARD.
It is pertinent that reopening of the handmade paper unit will provide good number of jobs to the local youths and the locally available raw materials will also be utilized as well.