Industry Minister Shri Sampad Chandra Swain inaugurates Lok Vikas Kendra at Nuagarh built by AM/NS India
Paradeep, February 03, 2025: With an aim to empower women in its operational areas and to make them self-reliant, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), as part of its CSR initiative under Project “Nirman,” has set up a Lok Vikas Kendra (LVK) at Nuagarh village, which was inaugurated by Sri Sampad Chandra Swain, Hon’ble Minister of State (Ind. Charge), Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Govt. of Odisha, and local MLA in the presence of Sri Debendra Rout, Sarpanch, Nuagarh and other villagers.
The Lok Vikas Kendra aims to equip women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with vital vocational skills to enhance their livelihood opportunities. Training programs will be imparted at the centre on mushroom cultivation, tailoring, terracotta, soft toy making, millet-based products, processed dry food, phenyl making, and others. Beyond skill-building, the center will also host awareness sessions and seminars on key social issues such as microinsurance, family counselling, child marriage, domestic violence, positive thinking, and education, thus empowering women with knowledge and confidence.
With over 600 women set to benefit from this initiative, the Lok Vikas Kendra will play a transformative role in helping them establish their own micro-enterprises. To ensure long-term sustainability, AM/NS India will also facilitate market linkages and value chain development for the products made by these women, enabling them to access larger markets and achieve economic independence.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Sampad Chandra Swain lauded AM/NS India’s commitment to community development. He emphasised that by equipping women with essential skills and market access, way can be paved for self-reliance for rural women.
On the occasion, Shri Suresha G, Executive Director, Odisha Operations, AM/NS India, said, “These initiatives will provide the women with an alternative source of income for their families. This ability to contributeto their families is an important step in empowering them. As a company, we are committed to the upliftment of the local community, especially the women.”
