Demand raised to reopen Chaibasa Cement Plant

Wife of former GM writes to PM Modi

Parvinder Bhatia

Jamshedpur

Demands for reconsidering the permanent closure of the Chaibasa Cement Plant at Jhinkpani in West Singhbhum district have gained momentum, with a heartfelt appeal now reaching the Prime Minister’s Office. Kiran Singh, a resident of Varanasi and wife of the plant’s retired General Manager (HR) Surendra Singh, has written an emotional letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the revival of the decades-old industrial unit.

In her letter, Kiran Singh described the cement plant as far more than a commercial enterprise, calling it the economic backbone of the Kolhan region and a source of livelihood for thousands of families, including members of the tribal community. She highlighted that her husband dedicated 38 years of service to the factory and witnessed its role in shaping the region’s socio-economic development.

Referring to the plant’s expansion in 2004 during the tenure of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda, she noted that the installation of a 4,000-tonne-capacity clinker unit significantly boosted production and generated employment opportunities for nearly 2,000 people. According to the letter, the plant once served as a catalyst for growth and prosperity across the region.

Kiran Singh also pointed to the extensive infrastructure developed around the facility, including nearly 900 residential quarters within the plant township, which continue to stand as reminders of its past significance. She stated that complications related to the renewal of mining leases were the primary factors behind the plant’s closure and argued that these hurdles could be resolved through coordinated efforts by the Central and State governments.

Appealing for the revival of the unit in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and tribal development, she stressed that reopening the plant would restore employment, economic activity and hope for thousands of families dependent on the industry.

Concluding her letter on an emotional note, Kiran Singh recalled how the sounds of the factory had sustained generations of workers and their families. Expressing sadness over its silence, she urged the Prime Minister to take steps to bring the Chaibasa Cement Plant back to life before memories of its contribution fade away.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Jharkhand Industry Department clarified that the company has not approached the department seeking assistance to resolve issues related to the plant’s operations.

Speaking on the matter, the official said the department remains willing to extend support if the company requires any intervention from the government. “If the company approaches us with specific concerns, we are ready to help within the scope of our responsibilities,” the official stated.

However, the official emphasized that the Industry Department’s role is primarily to facilitate the establishment of industries and investments in the state. It does not have the authority to intervene in the day-to-day functioning or operational management of private industrial units.