Let me take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt gratitude to you for electing me to the responsible position of General Secretary of this prestigious institution for the year 2024-25. It gives me immense pleasure to open my mind before you.
I have been associated with RCCI for many years and served in different positions and I am fully aware of the problems that our Members face. Our Chamber has been working in the right direction since its inception in 1962 towards development of Trade, Commerce & Industry. During this long span of time, the services rendered by the Chamber for industrial development of Odisha in general and Rourkela area in particular, is praise-worthy and the credit goes to each one of you. Without your active support and assistance, it would not have been possible for the Chamber to function so effectively.
The country has witnessed remarkable industrial growth during the past 15 years, attracting many entrepreneurs both from the country and abroad to set up a large number of industries.
Substantial number of Small and Medium industries have also come up in our district of Sundargarh, such as Sponge Iron Plants, Crusher units, Induction Furnaces and Rolling Mills. Small scale industries have emerged as a vibrant and dynamic sector, and occupies an important place in the country’s economy. But these industries are faced with problems due to lack of infrastructure like roads and railway lines, non-availability of raw materials like iron ore and coal, regular power cuts, lack of uninterrupted quality power supply, abnormal increase in power tariffs, as well as iron ore and coal, obstructions from the Pollution Control Board, etc. All these problems have been taken up with the Government at the Minister level and Secretary level, seeking solutions.
I am fortunate to have a sincere and dedicated Executive Committee this year and I am hopeful to do well for the benefit of the members. I assure you that during my tenure as General Secretary of this august forum, I shall be obliged to address your problems at the appropriate levels and try my best to live up to your expectation. I request you not to hesitate in bringing up your problems to the notice of the Chamber. Lastly, I seek your continued co-operation and support to achieve the desired goals.
