India CSR News Network
BHUBANESWAR: The livelihood Restoration Program (LRP), launched by GMR Kamalanga Energy Limited (GKEL) for project affected families in Mangalpur Panchayat of Dhenkanal district has gained stronger momentum by generating sustainable livelihood opportunities in farm and non-farm sectors. The pilot project is underway in full swing and raised standard of living by increasing household income in the panchayat.
A demure housewife, today she has become an entrepreneur in her own right. A sexagenarian Uli Behera of Manpur village in Mangalpur Panchayat depends on milk selling. She wanted to expand her business in innovative way, but money was big hurdle on her way. GKEL came forward and extended all kind of support to start her own venture.
Today, Uli is a happy woman and gets good return from her business. Uli has expanded her selling of milk and curd. “I thank GKEL for not only enhancing my entrepreneurial skills but also instilling in me a sense of belief that women can find their space on earth no matter whatever circumstances they may be in,” a proud and beaming Uli says. Like Uli, GKEL has changed the economic landscape of many affected families in the panchayat through LRP.
GKEL, which operates 1050 MW thermal power plant at Kamalanga, launched a livelihood restoration pilot project in the panchayat with an aim to boost income to the project affected families through agri-based activity, employable skill training and micro-enterprises support initiative. The project affected families get training on skill development, modern farming and micro-enterprises which help to boost their income in a long-term basis.
The 40-year-old Lingaraj of Barasahi villages has ventured into a new business and set up a fast food shop in the township area of the plant. He is now getting returns at least Rs 400 per day. “I was a cook and was always thinking to set up a food shop. GKEL has fulfilled my aspiration,” he said. The lifestyle of daily wager Akhila Khillar from Durgapur Village has been improved. He has set up a shop in the village and expanded it with the help of GKEL. Now, he is earning not less than Rs 300 per day.
The LRP being implemented in a very intensive and integrated manner in the project area for three years for the benefit of 1500 project affected families. The project affected families get training on skill development, modern farming and micro-enterprises which help to boost their income in a long-term basis. The project proposes to offer 28 livelihood interventions for affected families.
GKEL has established a 28-bed well-quipped hospital and an English Medium DAV Public School in Kamalanga area to provide better health facility and to promote quality education for project affected family. The company also distributed health insurance policies to 2,500 members of the local community.
(As received from GMR Kamalanga Energy Limited)
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