Koraput, July 5: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday visited the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility at Sunabeda in Odisha’s Koraput district and highlighted ambitious plans to enhance the role of HAL’s Koraput division in India’s aerospace and educational sectors, while championing local development.

Visited the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facility in Koraput. A premiere aeronautical manufacturing company, HAL’s Koraput facility has the unique distinction of being one amongst the few aero engine manufacturers for MiG and Sukhoi series aircrafts in the world.

Appreciate… pic.twitter.com/jBh90yKSuT
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 5, 2025

During his visit to HAL's Koraput facility, Pradhan praised its status as one of the few global manufacturers of aero engines for MiG and Sukhoi aircraft. Calling it a “premiere aeronautical manufacturing company,” he emphasized its growing competence in avionics, aerospace, defence, and allied fields.

To bolster socio-economic growth, Pradhan suggested the development of a robust MSME cluster around the facility. “This will create large-scale employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the local population,” he said. He also proposed integrating local businesses into HAL’s supply chain, thereby fostering inclusive economic participation.

In a move toward nurturing scientific and technological aptitude among youth, Pradhan recommended that HAL invest in STEM Labs across schools in Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada. Additionally, he encouraged collaboration between HAL, IIT Madras, and Central University of Odisha to roll out Diploma/UG programs in aerospace, defence and allied sectors. “These initiatives will support and encourage innovation at the school level and help build a talent pipeline with advanced knowledge in aerospace engineering,” he said.

The Union Minister lauded HAL for its CSR initiatives, promoting sports, education, skill-building, and sustainability. He also urged the organization to support Odisha’s tribal heritage, specifically Koraput Coffee, Kotpad Handloom, and indigenous crafts, aligning with PM Modi’s “Vocal for Local” campaign.

Pradhan’s vision marks a pivotal moment for Koraput, combining high-tech industry, grassroots education, and cultural revival to drive self-reliant regional development.

Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Surya Banshi Suraj; Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Gokul Nanda Mallik; Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, MLAs Raghu Ram Machha, Gauri Shankar Majhi, and Narasing Bhatra accompanied the Union Minister during his visit to the HAL facility.

Read More Odisha News

Argus English: Odisha's Top English News Platform | Latest Breaking News, Politics, Sports & Live TV