JAIPUR (India CSR): Renowned industrialist and Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal was honoured with the “Pravasi Rajasthani Samman” at the first-ever Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas held in Jaipur. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma presented the award in recognition of Anil Agarwal’s contribution to industry, employment, and social development. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Bhupender Yadav, Rajasthan Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria were also present on the occasion.
During the event, Anil Agarwal made a major announcement stating the group will double its production across zinc, lead, silver, oil & gas, and renewable energy through an investment of ₹1 lakh crore. Stating that India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation will run through Rajasthan, he said “Rajasthan has abundant reserves of oil, gas, and minerals, giving it the potential to take India’s economy to even greater heights. Just as Punjab feeds the nation, Rajasthan has the capacity to supply the world with minerals and natural resources in the years to come.”
The Vedanta Group is working to strengthen small and medium zinc manufacturing industries in the state through the establishment of a Zinc Park. Chairman stated that the Zinc International Industrial Park with a capacity to host 200 new industries will provide electricity, water, raw materials, and infrastructure, giving a major boost to MSMEs and downstream sectors. Additionally, Vedanta is setting up North India’s first phosphate fertilizer plant in Rajasthan, an important step toward building a “Green Rajasthan”.
Under Chairman Anil Agarwal’s leadership, Vedanta has invested over Rs 1.5 lakh crore in Rajasthan so far, generating lakhs of jobs and contributing nearly Rs 3 lakh crore to the national and state exchequers over the past decade. He added that after acquiring Hindustan Zinc, production has increased tenfold, and today India is no longer an importer but a producer of silver.
He further added, “Rajasthan has not only given me opportunities but has shaped my identity. Coming back here always feels like returning home. I believe Rajasthan’s role in energy, technology, and financial services will become even more influential in the future.” He highlighted that the state has over 40 varieties of world-class stones, which can be polished, finished, and exported to global markets.
Anil Agarwal has both an emotional and economic connection with Rajasthan. Vedanta revived Hindustan Zinc, reopened several closed mines, and is establishing India’s first modern Zinc Park to boost MSMEs.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma acknowledged Vedanta’s ongoing investments and opportunities in Rajasthan. He recollected Anil Agarwal’s belief that youth can work with investments ranging from Rs 2 crore to Rs 100 crore and said the Government is creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs to set up industries. “Through skill development, small and large industries will generate employment for youth,” he said, urging young people to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Vedanta, through Cairn, is India’s largest private oil producer, and its company Hindustan Zinc is the country’s largest zinc, lead, and silver producer, with operations primarily in Rajasthan. The Chief Minister added that the state’s single-window and self-certification systems are ensuring fast and transparent approvals for investors.
Speaking about social development, Anil Agarwal highlighted Vedanta and the Anil Agarwal Foundation’s work in establishing 25,000 Nand Ghars, strengthening women and child nutrition and education through the Anganwadi model. He noted that Vedanta Girls PG College, Ringas has educated over 50,000 students in 30 years, while Gurukul Public School, Ringas and Vedanta School, Bharatpur have provided quality education to more than 25,000 children. He proudly shared that girls are working underground at the Dariba mine, increasing production by up to 30%, and that the country’s first women-led rescue team, formed by young women here, has become a model across India.
Speaking about Rajasthan’s potential, Agarwal said the state’s abundant oil & gas, minerals, and renewable energy can make it India’s future energy capital. With strong Ease of Doing Business policies and proactive state initiatives, Vedanta is rapidly expanding its production and investment plans. He also emphasized the need for large hotels, convention centres, and international event spaces to position Rajasthan as a global event hub.
In conclusion, he invited the state’s youth, entrepreneurs, and the global Rajasthani community to join this journey of growth, saying, “Rajasthan’s sand may be soft, but its people have the courage of rock. The state has produced some of the nation’s greatest business leaders and professionals; now I hope they will help its youth rise even further.”
(India CSR)
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