A 12-hour bandh is being observed in Jeypore town in Odisha‘s Koraput on Thursday following a shutdown call by the Joint Action Committee demanding the revival and operationalisation of the paper mill. The paper mill has remained non-functional since 2016.

The shutdown is being observed from 6 am to 6 pm, affecting normal life across the town. Shops and business establishments remain closed, while vehicular movement is also disrupted in several areas.

Protesters staged picketing at different intersections in Jeypore since morning, raising slogans demanding the reopening of the paper mill and urging the government to intervene in the matter.

Employees Express Frustration Over Delay

Employees and retired workers associated with the paper mill reportedly said they were caught between hope and uncertainty despite repeated discussions with the government and recent inspections conducted by a new company regarding the possible revival of the unit.

However, as no concrete outcome emerged from the discussions or inspections, workers and employees called for the 12-hour bandh expressing frustration over the continued delay.

One of the protesters said, “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.”

Questions Over Investment Claims

Another protester questioned the claims made by the management regarding investment in the paper mill.

“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?” the protester alleged.

“The condition of retired workers is even more difficult as they have not received gratuity, provident fund or any other dues. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had assured us multiple times, but no concrete action has been taken. The government has already provided NOC, but it should now ask the company concerned to restart operations at the earliest,” the protester added.

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Locals Extend Support To Bandh

Local residents also extended support to the shutdown. The employees are demanding immediate steps for the reopening of the paper mill, which was once considered a major source of employment and economic activity in the region.