• New Zinc Park to Boost Industries and
Generate Large-Scale Employment
• Boost to Self-Reliance: New Fertilizer Plant to Significantly Reduce Imports
Jaipur : Renowned
industrialist and Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal was honoured with the “Pravasi Rajasthani
Samman” at the first-ever Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas held in Jaipur.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma presented the award in recognition of
Anil Agarwal’s contribution to industry, employment, and social development.
Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Bhupender Yadav, Rajasthan Governor Hari Babu
Kambhampati, and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria were also present on the
occasion.
During the event, Anil Agarwal made a major
announcement stating the group will double its production
across zinc, lead, silver, oil & gas, and renewable energy through an investment of
₹1
lakh crore. Stating that India’s journey toward becoming a developed
nation will run through Rajasthan, he said “Rajasthan
has abundant reserves of oil, gas, and minerals, giving it the potential to
take India’s economy to even greater heights. Just as Punjab feeds the nation, Rajasthan
has the capacity to supply the world with minerals and natural resources in the
years to come.”
The Vedanta Group is working to strengthen
small and medium zinc manufacturing industries in the state through the
establishment of a Zinc Park. Chairman stated
that the Zinc International Industrial Park with a capacity to host 200 new
industries will provide electricity, water, raw materials, and infrastructure,
giving a major boost to MSMEs and downstream sectors. Additionally, Vedanta is
setting up North India’s first phosphate fertilizer plant in
Rajasthan, an important step toward building a “Green Rajasthan”.
Under Chairman Anil Agarwal’s leadership,
Vedanta has invested over ₹1.5 lakh
crore in Rajasthan so far, generating lakhs of jobs and contributing
nearly ₹3 lakh crore to the
national and state exchequers over the past decade. He added that after
acquiring Hindustan Zinc, production has increased tenfold, and today India is
no longer an importer but a producer of silver.
He further added, “Rajasthan has not only given me opportunities but has shaped my
identity. Coming back here always feels like returning home. I believe
Rajasthan’s role in energy, technology, and financial services will become even
more influential in the future.” He
highlighted that the state has over 40
varieties of world-class stones, which can be polished, finished, and
exported to global markets.
Anil Agarwal has both an emotional and economic
connection with Rajasthan. Vedanta revived Hindustan Zinc, reopened several closed
mines, and is establishing India’s first modern Zinc Park to boost MSMEs.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma acknowledged
Vedanta’s ongoing investments and opportunities in Rajasthan. He recollected Anil
Agarwal’s belief that youth can work with investments ranging from ₹2 crore to
₹100 crore and said the Government is creating opportunities for young
entrepreneurs to set up industries. “Through
skill development, small and large industries will generate employment for
youth,” he said, urging young
people to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Vedanta, through Cairn, is India’s largest
private oil producer, and its company Hindustan Zinc is the country’s largest
zinc, lead, and silver producer, with operations primarily in Rajasthan. The
Chief Minister added that the state’s single-window and self-certification
systems are ensuring fast and transparent approvals for investors.
Speaking about social development, Anil Agarwal
highlighted Vedanta and the Anil Agarwal Foundation’s work in establishing 25,000 Nand Ghars, strengthening women
and child nutrition and education through the Anganwadi model. He noted that Vedanta Girls PG College, Ringas has educated
over 50,000 students in 30 years, while Gurukul Public School, Ringas and Vedanta School, Bharatpur have
provided quality education to more than 25,000 children. He proudly shared that
girls are working underground at the
Dariba mine, increasing production by up to 30%, and that the country’s
first women-led rescue team,
formed by young women here, has become a model across India.
Speaking about Rajasthan’s potential, Agarwal
said the state’s abundant oil & gas, minerals, and renewable energy can
make it India’s future energy capital. With strong Ease of
Doing Business policies and proactive state initiatives, Vedanta is rapidly
expanding its production and investment plans. He also emphasized the need for
large hotels, convention centres, and international event spaces to position
Rajasthan as a global event hub.
In conclusion, he invited the state’s youth,
entrepreneurs, and the global Rajasthani community to join this journey of
growth, saying, “Rajasthan’s sand may
be soft, but its people have the courage of rock. The state has produced some
of the nation’s greatest business leaders and professionals; now I hope they
will help its youth rise even further.”