Report by Badal Tah; Rayagada: “Economic restructuring for the last quarter has posed a series of challenges, which are not very industry & business friendly. The spirit and determination to face those challenges of market and technology have been the prime factors for the industry to thrive. There will be a radical shift in technology where use of more and more machineries and men have diminished. Handful of people will run the show. In the West it has already happened & it is bound to take a similar shape here. Industries like JK Papers must convert these challenges to opportunities. In this context, JK Papers have grown with people by investing in communities. It needs to continue minimum quality standards by engaging and growing meaningfully with the communities and the nature. Let’s be optimistic to face those upcoming challenges”, said Sri Rahul P R, IPS, Superintendent of Police, who joined as Chief Guest on the occasion of 134th birth anniversary celebration of the Founder Lala Kamlapatji Singhania at JK Pur, Rayagada.
In the presidential address by Sri P. K Suri, Executive Vice President (Works) said, “In 1938 under the leadership of Lala Lakshmipat Singhania, the worthy son of Lala Kamlapatji Singhania, a Mill was set up in Bhopal for converting wheat straws into straw boards which later laid the foundation of JK Paper Ltd. The company operates strategically at two location i.e JK Paper Mills in Rayagada, Odisha, the plant where we have assembled today and the other Central Pulp Mills in Songadh, Gujarat. With a strategy to move up in the entire value chain, the company has gone for brands like JK Copier, Sparkel, JK Maplitho, JK Electra, Cedar digital, Max, Excel Bond and JK Bond, JK Tuff Coat etc. which are very much sought after by the consumers. JKPM is committed for continuous modifications in the mill and in the process. The joint efforts of all the employees, this year the plant has achieved highest recovery efficiency of 97.2% and also yield is increased from 39% to 41%. Further the plant is working on re-cycling of a portion of effluent water to re-use in the process for which trials are encouraging. It is hoped to reduce our water consumption level. JK Paper’s commitments towards environment have given them several accolades and awards like safety award (gold category) organized by Odisha Safety Council, Prestigious Chairman’s People Management award : 2017-18 for best people management practices. With the objective of developing entrepreneurship among tribal community and to improve the quality of life in the region, the Forest Division of JK Paper Mills has taken up massive plantation program and planted around 1 lakh hectares of land.
While JK is committed to growth, it also strives to be a responsible corporate citizen. The Company regularly conducts livelihood interventions, adult literacy, preventive healthcare and rural development programs as a part of our CSR initiative. JKPM, as a responsible corporate has always prioritized people over profits. It always believes in inclusiveness in our business practices and is putting relentless efforts for inclusive and sustainable growth of the immediate stakeholders. It is realised that future ahead is quite challenging and difficult. The uncertainty in the paper markets, rising cost of inputs, particularly raw material, imports from other countries like China, Indonesia and other countries, down swing in Paper & Pulp price, etc. are going to pose formidable challenges for us. JK’s long-term survival and competitiveness will depend on its ability to achieve international norms in cost, quality and productivity.”
At last, Suri quoted Lala Kamlapatji Singhania who said “I believe that industry, apart from serving the society by creating wealth; should also promote and take active part in the mental, physical and social uplift of man and society at large.”
“Though JKPM is renovating and expanding the Lakhmipat Singhania Public School, it must establish a centre of excellence as it has done elsewhere in the other parts of the country. This has already been suggested by Sri Y K Jethua, IPS, the then DIG, South-West Range during a similar function at JKPM premises. This will add on to the other services being currently provided in peripheral villages”, said Sri Jayaram Jena, a Gandhian and President of Rayagada Nagarika Manch.
Thirty five employees, who rendered their undaunted sevice for more than 25 years, were felicitated by the Chief Guest and the VP. While Sri B P Ratha, GM, Plantations welcomed the guests, vote of thanks was given by Sri A K Mishra, GM, Production-Paper. Sri S K Nath, PRO and Sri Harihar Khamari, Manager, CSR coordinated the event.
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