Val helps tribals

The Statesman, 21st April, 2009

Statesman News Service

BHAWANIPATNA: Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh provided 40 sewing machines to 20 tribal women groups for leaf plate making. The sewing machines were distributed by Dr Mukesh Kumar, chief operating officer of VAL in a function, attended by Dongria Kondh women at Khemdipadar village recently.Addressing the gathering, Dr Mukesh Kumar said: “VAL is committed for overall development of the area and the impact of VAL's initiatives shall be visible soon in the areas of education, health, communication besides maintaining and improving cultural heritage”. Recently, the Aluminium Company has launched a project ~"Jeevika" for women residing in eight villages on the slope of Niyamgiri. Under the project the company has trained 300 tribal women on making of leaf plate and cups.“The sewing machines will help the tribal women producing standard leaf-plate and increase their income” said Dr Mukesh Kumar.The stitched leaf-plate making business is expected to enhance the income of each person by at least Rs 100 per month as Sal or Siali leaves are abundant in the area. Vedanta will also provide marketing support for the leaf-plate. The tribal women also see a new future in their newly found income opportunities.This is a pilot initiative by the company and after seeing response from the tribal women. The company is all set to expand the livelihood intervention to other villages.Providing improved livelihood to the periphery area villagers has been the focus of the company. It has contributed in better income and living of several tribal people in Lanjigarh through various livelihood initiatives such as Shashya Shilpa Abhiyan (vegetable cultivation program), strawberry cultivation; phenyl making, rice processing unit by SHG members and fishery said a release issued by the company.