Hindalco’s Project Shakti transforms Hirakud women into entrepreneurs, revives local skills

By Subrat Sarangi

Bhubaneswar, Jan.18 : Aditya Birla Group company Hindalco Industries Limited, through its support to Mahashakti Foundation, is driving a visible socio-economic shift in Hirakud Municipality in Sambalpur district of Odisha, by enabling women to emerge as entrepreneurs, artisans and service providers under “Project Shakti”, its flagship women empowerment and livelihood initiative.

Speaking on this Mr Kailash Pandey, the Mining Business Head and the Cluster Head of Hindalco says, “Anchored in the belief that sustainable livelihoods are the foundation of genuine empowerment, Project Shakti focuses on strengthening women-led non-farm enterprises by formalising informal livelihoods. The initiative combines skill development, statutory compliance, access to infrastructure and strong market linkages to help women transition from subsistence activities to viable, income-generating businesses. Launched in last Dec 25, till date, Project Shakti has directly benefited 55 women across 11 villages under Hirakud Municipality, while strengthening SHG networks covering 120 SHG families and influencing nearly 1,200 women-led livelihood activities. Building on this foundation, the project has set an ambitious future target of reaching 5,000 women beneficiaries through enterprise development, skill enhancement and institutional convergence,” adds Mr Pandey.

One of the most notable success stories under the project is “OM SHANTI DELIGHT – Catering Services,” a women-run community kitchen in Hirakud’s New Market area. What began as a small informal meal service by Golap Swain and Shusama Swain for daily wage workers has evolved into a fully licensed catering enterprise engaging 20 self-help group (SHG) women. Through structured mentoring in food safety, hygiene, pricing, portion control and service professionalism, along with facilitation of FSSAI, GST and Shop & Establishment registrations, the enterprise received significant support including 70 per cent funding for kitchen and catering equipment.

Project Shakti has also played a key role in reviving Saura tribal art in Nimpali village by transforming cultural heritage into a sustainable livelihood. Interested SHG women were mobilised and provided training and exposure visits to Kalahandi, followed by continuous handholding, raw material support and regular practice sessions at the community hall. Their live demonstrations at a CSR event in Jharsuguda drew widespread appreciation and market interest. The next phase includes a three-month advanced training programme with professional experts, formation of a dedicated Producer Group and convergence with government schemes to ensure long-term sustainability.

Recognising the initiative’s impact, an official from the District Industries Centre said, “The District Industries Centre (DIC) has appreciated the work of Project Shakti in empowering women through sustainable enterprises and has assured full support at every step for scaling and formalisation of these initiatives.”