Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recently embarked on a two-day visit to North Karnataka, where he inspected several community development initiatives led by the JSW Group in and around Toranagallu, Ballari district.
At the OPJ Centre on Saturday, Mr. Rio explored various flagship programmes, including JSW Shakti and Sakhi, North Karnataka’s largest women-led BPO initiative, along with development activities at the Bunkai and Safety Centre. Impressed by the scale and impact of the initiatives, the Chief Minister praised JSW’s dedication to inclusive growth.
“It is commendable that JSW is working tirelessly not just in production and trade, but also for the holistic development of the surrounding communities,” he remarked.
Mr. Rio noted that Nagaland, known for its rich cultural and artistic heritage, is looking to adopt similar models to enhance its development trajectory.
“Nagaland has made significant strides in literacy, gender equality, and human development. Despite existing challenges, we remain committed to building a prosperous state and view JSW as a valuable partner in this journey,” he said.
During the visit, Peddanna Beedala, Zonal Head (South India) of the JSW Foundation, presented an overview of the foundation’s rural development and social impact programmes. Rahul, Chief Operating Officer of JSW Shakti, also shared expansion plans to take the BPO model to Nagaland, outlining a strategic roadmap already in motion.
The visiting delegation included Sunil Ralph, Senior Vice-President of JSW Steel, officials from the JSW CSR team, and representatives from the Ballari District Administration, Police, and Health Department.
The high-level team also toured JSW Steel’s Vijayanagar Works, India’s largest integrated steel plant and soon to become the world’s largest. As part of the itinerary, the Chief Minister and his team explored key initiatives under the JSW Foundation, including JSW Shakti, which focuses on sustainable livelihood and women’s empowerment.
The delegation also visited the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), a world-class training facility for athletes in combat sports, swimming, and track & field. The visit aimed to explore opportunities to replicate similar models in Nagaland for youth empowerment through sports and skill development.
Further engagements included visits to the Hampi Art Labs, a global platform for contemporary art, and Kaladham, a cultural hub preserving Hampi’s rich heritage through exhibitions and collaborative events.
An immersive tour of the JSW Group Experience Centre and the company’s advanced steelmaking facilities rounded off the visit, showcasing JSW’s leadership in technology and sustainability.
Chief Minister Rio expressed appreciation for the diverse range of women-centric and socially impactful initiatives, reaffirming the role of Mrs. Sangita Jindal in driving holistic development, cultural preservation, and community upliftment.