Chief Guest Shri Shaktikanta Das, Member, 15th Finance Commission of India, and India’s Sherpa to the G-20, highlights how Industrial sector has a crucial role to play in developing a New India

Bhubaneswar, 01/04/2018: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), regarded as the pride of Odisha, celebrated the Utkal Divas with gaiety and fervour, at Nalconagar, Bhubaneswar, on 1 st April. To mark the occasion, the company celebrated the day with a function at Bhubaneswar, which reflected a distinct spirit of Odisha.

While addressing the gathering Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO lauded Mines and Refinery Team for achieving 100% capacity utilization in Mines and Refinery. Dr. Chand added, ‘’Starting of new Mines-South Block Panchpatmali is a bold step. After being credited for the lowest cost producer of Alumina in the world, NALCO has done Odisha and the country proud again by clocking the highest ever bauxite excavation of 70.84 lakh tonnes since inception and also the Refinery team has done a commendable job by producing 21.11 lakh tonnes, which is also the highest ever since inception.’’

NALCO has ended financial year 2017-18 on a strong note with Smelter Collective producing cast metal of 4.25 lakh tonne, registering a growth of 9.8%. the total sales of the Company also registered sharp growth with sales of 4.26 lakh tonne and 42 alumina shipment exports, enabling company to achieve highest turnover ever since inception.

‘’My compliments to Finance and production teams for settling water dispute with the State Government. Project team has achieved the distinction of getting lease transfer for Utkal-D land and environment clearance for Caustic Soda Plant in Dahej, Gujarat,’’ Dr. Chand added.

During an inspiring keynote address delivered by Shri Shaktikanta Das, Former Economic Affairs Secretary and presently the member of the 15 th Finance Commission of India, and India’s Sherpa to the G-20, said, ‘’We live a dynamic environment and the world around us is changing at a rapid rate. The role of industries in shaping a New India is immense. It is very important for industrial sector in India to adapt to the latest technological innovation and lead the developmental charge of the nation.’’ Shri Shaktikanta Das also praised NALCO for scaling greater heights with each passing year, saying, ‘’NALCO is a jewel among the public sector enterprises and is also playing the role of a Mother industry in Odisha.’’

During the programme, Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, Nalco felicitated two promising sportspersons of Odisha viz. Ms. Aparajita Gochhikar, Chess player and Ms. Geeta Bhuyan, Baseball and softball player. Each of them received a trophy and a purse of Rs.20,000/-. The company also felicitated five MSMEs namely M/s. Koshala Engineers Rourkela, M/s. Kaybee Industries Cuttack, M/s. Gampas Plastech Balasore, M/s. Ashamani Poly Products Balasore and M/s. Orien Engineers Rourkela, for their sustained efforts and contributions in the MSME Sector of Odisha. The Company also organized essay competition and painting competition among children. The winners were handed over the prizes and certificates on the occasion.

Shri B.K. Thakur, Director (HR) welcomed the guests at the outset. Shri K.C.Samal, Director (Finance), Shri V. Balasubramanyam, Director (Production) and Shri S.K. Roy, Director (P&T) were notably present on the occasion.