Livelihood Learning: AM/NS India empowers women of Loknath SHG at Paradipgarh through sustainable livelihood programs

By Subrat Kumar Sarangi

Paradip, Aug. 3: In its efforts to empower women members of the nearby community, the CSR wing of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has commenced sustainable livelihood programme at the periphery villages in Paradeep. To bring a change in the socio-economic condition of members of Loknath SHG, the CSR team of AM/NS India has helped them in making Badi and become self-reliant. In this regard, AM/NS India has provided machinery support like; grinder, weighing machines, pace packaging machine etc. for preparing Badi and its packaging.

Laxmipriya Sahoo, a member of Loknath SHG, on behalf of their group, praised the CSR team of AM/NS India. “I had no other income to support the family and had to depend on my husband to meet family expenses. The support and right counselling of Ms Priyattama Senapati from AM/NS India helped me and other women in Paradeepgarh village to become self-reliant. Her persuasion and proper guidance helped SHG members to generate income by making Badi”, says Laxmipriya.

With preparing Badi and selling it in the local market in Paradeep, the women members of Loknath SHG are now enjoying meaningful life with a guaranteed income source.

In this Context, Sri G Suresha, Executive Director, AM/NS India, Odisha Operation said, “Our prime responsibility is to bring tangible change in the lives of our community members, especially women, who are equally eager to meaningfully contribute for the betterment of their families. We are committed for a better future for them”.