Sundargarh: The women self-help groups (SHGs), artisans and farmers in peripheral villages of industrial town Rajgangpur have become not only become economically self-sufficient but also found a way for socio-economic sustainability.
The women SHGs and others have been able to make a turn-around in their lives due to CSR initiatives of Rajgangpur unit of the Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited (DCBL) in the peripheral villages of Lanjiberna mines and RGP cement plant.
As part of the initiative, the plant has formed a 10-member spice production group named “Maha Lakshmi SHG” at Lanjibarna-1 village. After receiving training support, the group has started production of spices like cumin powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and curry powder.
The group has received an annual order worth Rs 1.45 lakh to supply 5 quintals of spices to the Dalmia Guest House, Rajgangpur every year. The SHP group also plans to sell its products in the local market.
Similarly, three SHGs from Gyanpali and Gundipara villages have tied up with the cement plant to supply plates and bowls made of sal leaves to the guest house. Five other SHGs from Lanjibarna, Katang and Dhaurada villages have started growing mushrooms with technical support from the CSR wing of the plant of DCBL and Lanjiberna-based Jagriti SHG is supplying “Arisha Peetha”, a local delicacy.
A rural artisan of Tarkera village has tied up with the cement plant to supply various terracotta items on regular basis, thus promoting his craft items in the area and increasing his income.
Besides, DCBL has been supporting local farmers and women SHGs to take up pisciculture, floriculture and organic vegetable farming and providing market linkage support.
“Dalmia Cement aims at improving the quality of life and building capacities of the local communities. Through these initiatives, the women of the peripheral villages will benefit financially and with this, the villages will also witness development,” DCBL’s Rajgangpur unit head Chetan Shrivastav said.
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