Background Information Khetri Copper Complex is in the Aravalli range of hills in Rajasthan. In 1967, Hindustan Copper Ltd, a central public sector enterprise, was entrusted with the teak of prospecting, mining, extraction and fabrication of metals and manufacture of primary products, alloys and by- products at the huge complex. Before this project came up in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, there used to be only three small factories employing just 57 persons. Around 8000 persons suddenly found employment in the new copper complex. Two separate townships were constructed for residential requirements of employees working in the complex. There are about 5000 residential quarters along with other amenities such as hospitals, nursery, primary and secondary schools, schools, shopping centres, sports grounds and community centres. Another noteworthy point was more than 80 percent of the employees were drown from the local areas. The project was fully functional from 1975 and in a couple of years time the production targets of the company were fully realised. The setting up of the complex had a multiplier effect. A number of ancillary establishments, small industries, transport network, building contractors, retail shops, hotels and restaurants sprang up which also generated considerable additional employment.
Unique Characteristics The pre-copper complex situation at Khetri represented an underdeveloped typically rural, traditional society which had earlier remained unexposed to modern industrial climate. With the setting up of the complex around 8000 people with the rural agricultural background were thrown into the industrial life and culture.
Management Initiatives, Findings and Steps As a management philosophy the company decided to induct communications as part of day-to-day working of the complex. A number of management trainees, HR professionals and public relations executives were inducted