Aditya Aluminium’s Project SHAKTI transforming the lives of rural women in Odisha
Bhubaneswar : Aditya Birla Group company, Aditya Aluminium, is engaged deeply in meaningful welfare initiatives in communities living in the proximity of its plant in the district of Samabalpur in Odisha. One of its project “Project Shakti” is reaching out to the unemployed rural women and through income generation helping them become self-reliant.
Speaking about the initiative, the Mining Business Head and Cluster Head of Hindalco Sambalpur, Mr Kailash Pandey says, “Project SHAKTI is not just about economic empowerment; it’s about instilling confidence and fostering leadership among women. By providing the necessary tools and resources, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change amongst more than 2000 women of the adjacent 40 villages of our vicinity.
Since its commencement in August 2019, Project SHAKTI has touched the lives of 2,185 SHG members across 215 groups. Initiatives under this Project SHAKTI include regular SHG meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies for collective growth. Income generation activities like tailoring, leaf plate making, mushroom cultivation, vegetable farming, Bamboo Craft etc are supported through proposals, mobilization, training, and market linkages to ensure sustainability. The project also increases awareness about social schemes and assists women in availing benefits, while leadership and financial literacy training equip them with necessary skills. Exposure visits to successful enterprises and participation in fairs further enhance visibility and market reach,’ adds Mr Pandey.
As the funding agency and implementation partner, Aditya Aluminium invests significantly in training, capacity building, and exposure visits. Promoting a value chain and sustainability approach, the project encourages local production and consumption. For instance, SHGs involved in turmeric farming supply raw materials to spice-making SHGs, ensuring fair profits and eliminating middlemen. Success stories of SHGs producing eco-friendly products highlight the project’s impact on local communities, contributing to environmental conservation.
One such beneficiary is Rashmi Manjula from Dhorropani village, a member of the Jai Jagannath SHG group. Trained in making mixtures and namkeen in 2019, Rashmi’s business expanded, earning recognition from ORMAS in 2021. She then pursued tailoring training, bought a sewing machine with a loan from her SHG, and now earns Rs. 5000 to 8000 monthly, supporting her family. In 2024, her group was selected for the Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana, supporting adolescent girls’ nutrition. Rashmi’s journey from homemaker to entrepreneur inspires her village.
Another example is Kailashini Oram of the ‘Maa Laxmi’ Women SHG group in Orampada village. Known for mushroom cultivation and integrated farming, Kailashini’s business growth, supported by Aditya Aluminium, earns her Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000 monthly. With dedication, she provides her children with quality education, fostering a better life for her family.
