Women-Led Enterprises Evolve in Odisha’s Tribal-Dominated Kalahandi

Kalahandi (Odisha): In a significant step towards fostering rural entrepreneurship, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has extended critical support to women-led self-help groups (SHGs) in Gunpur village, located in the tribal heartland of Odisha’s Kalahandi district.

As part of its ongoing community development initiatives, the company has provided essential machinery for slipper-making, paper plate production, and rice milling to enable income generation and promote microenterprise development among rural women. The initiative aims to create pathways for long-term financial independence and economic resilience in one of the country’s most socio-economically challenged regions.

Vedanta also conducted a capacity-building workshop for 45 women from three self-help groups (SHGs), equipping them with skills in enterprise management, marketing, and financial planning. Led by subject matter experts, the programme sought to enhance the participants’ business acumen and confidence in navigating market dynamics.

“We are grateful for Vedanta’s continued commitment to strengthening women’s livelihoods. This initiative has not only given us the tools but also the skills to build sustainable businesses,” said Kalendiri Dhangada Majhi, Secretary of Maa Lankeswari SHG.

Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium, remarked, “Empowering women is central to our vision of inclusive growth. In regions once marked by distress migration and acute poverty, we are witnessing inspiring stories of women emerging as confident entrepreneurs and community leaders.”

With initiatives like ‘Project Panchhi’ and ‘Project Shree Shakti,’ Vedanta continues to shape one of the region’s most comprehensive CSR ecosystems.