AM/NS India empowers Self Help Groups with a new Apparel Unit in Keonjhar

By Subrat Sarangi

Keonjhar, April 17: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India)laid foundation stone for construction of the Gandhamardan Apparel Unit in Jatra village, Banspal block, Keonjhar under its CSR initiative Project ‘Nirman’. This upcoming Apparel Unit will provide enhanced livelihood opportunities to the Gandhamardan Apparel Farmer Production Company (FPC)which consists of more than 480 women from 80 local SelfHelp Groups (SHGs).

While the land will be provided by the villagers and the FPC, AM/NS India will construct the building complex. The establishmentwill feature workspace to accommodate 75 stitching unitsand amenities like store, office, sales counters, rest rooms, and toilet facilities along with power supply and DG back up. Once construction is complete, the infrastructure will help the Farmer Production Company to scale up their activities as part of Odisha Livelihoods Mission and Mission Shakti. It will also help the membersestablish viable enterprises, enrich their knowledge and increase their annual income.

On April 14, 2025, members of the Gandhamardan Apparel Unit organised a ceremony where thefoundation stone was laid by Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, MLA, Telkoi and Shri T.S. Shanbhogue, Head – Greenfield Projects, EC & FC, Odisha, AM/NS India along withShri H. D. Dhanraj, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Keonjhar, Shri Raja Ranjeet Prasad Bal, Block Development Officer (BDO), Banspal, Shri Shailendra Sah, Project Head, TSF, Pipelines and Sagasahi Project, Odisha, AM/NS India. More than 500 women SHG members and local community members were present during the ceremony.

Dr. Fakir Mohan Naikcommended AM/NS India for supporting the community in enhancing livelihood sources for the local SHGs. He also assured that the government will facilitate the purchase of school uniforms and thereby help in generatingmore income for the women working at the apparel unit.

Shri H. D. Dhanraj said, “AM/NS India’s support in constructing this Apparel Unit is highly appreciated. It will provide SHG members with vital resources and livelihood opportunities, fostering skill enhancement, diversified income sources, and long-term financial and social empowerment.”

Shri T.S. Shanbhogue said, “At AM/NS India, we believe in empowering communities through meaningful initiatives that create sustainable opportunities for growth. The Gandhamardan Apparel Unit is a step forward in supporting women from local SelfHelp Groups in harnessing their potentialand establishing successful enterprises. We are proud to contribute to the vision of Odisha Livelihoods Mission and Mission Shakti and remain committed to holistic development of the community that transforms lives in Keonjhar and beyond.”