Big things come in small packages: Vedanta grp chairman

Guwahati: Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal, whose company Cairn Oil and Gas has committed Rs 50,000 crore investment to unlock Assam's hydrocarbon potential at the Advantage Assam2.0 business summit, aims to transform the state into a world-class oil-producing hub.
Cairn Oil & Gas, a Vedanta Group subsidiary, is targeting 100,000 barrels of production per day and generating one lakh new jobs.
Agarwal emphasised Assam's strategic potential in oil and gas, suggesting a model similar to the US, where small oil wells allow start-ups and entrepreneurs to participate actively.
"Big things come in small packages," he remarked, advocating simplified clearances, financial incentives, and enhanced exploration efforts to unlock the sector's full potential. Increasing domestic oil and gas production, he added, would reduce import dependency and lower energy costs.
Beyond energy, Agarwal said Assam's tea industry, which contributes over 50% of India's total production, holds vast potential. He proposed encouraging small and medium-sized tea estates with fewer regulatory hurdles, creating jobs and promoting boutique tea brands for global markets.
The company's CSR initiatives, including Nand Ghars, digital classrooms, and handloom skill centers, will also contribute to Assam's socio-economic development.