Russian Soldiers March On Boots Made In Chirag Paswan's Lok Sabha Constituency

Hajipur, primarily known outside Bihar for being represented by Ram Vilas Paswan in Lok Sabha, is witnessing another success story unfolding.

After a long time, its glory as an industrial hub is making national and international headlines.

The credit goes to Competence Exports, a Kanpur-based company which mainly focuses on exporting boots, slippers and ankle boots. Competence Exports is currently exporting Hajipur-made boots to Russian soldiers, which are being used by them in the Ukraine war.

The company began its Hajipur facility at a specially dedicated industrial area of Hajipur in 2018. 

The industrial area, spread over more than 150 acres of dedicated land, houses companies like Pepsico, Britannia, HUL, Godrej, Anmol, Sudha, Wayss Ice Cream, Bansal, Treat and Avon Cycle among others. 

Ram Vilas Paswan, father of current Member of Parliament Chirag Paswan is largely credited with developing it and helping it survive through the onslaught of 'jungle raj'.

Over the last six years, Competence Exports has focussed on two goals — specialisation and generating local employment. The Russian Army has specific demands regarding its geography — lightweight and slip-resistant boots.

Shib Kumar Roy, general manager of Hajipur facility said, "Their requirements are that shoes should be lightweight, slip-resistant, have special features in the sole, and withstand extreme weather conditions like -40 degrees Celsius. We manufacture the safety shoes, considering these conditions."

Strict adherence to the standards increase company’s face value in Russia. In 2023 alone, 15 lakh shoes, worth over Rs 100 crore were exported to the Russian Army. The company is planning to take this number to 22.5 lakh this year. In fact, among Indian companies, Competence Exports is one of the largest exporters to Russia.

Apart from exporting boots to the Russian Army, Competence Exports also exports luxury designer and fashion shoes to European countries like Italy, France, United Kingdom and Spain.

Mazhar Pallumiah, head of Fashion Development and Marketing said that in the beginning, foreign companies used to doubt the efficiency of products. Competence Exports assured them with their samples.

The grand success has motivated Competence Exports to look for more markets. With its eye on the Belgian market, it is currently in talks with a local company.

In all of these manufacturing, the company has made sure that the local economy benefits from it. 210 out of 300 employees working in this unit are women.