An interface program, ‘Mel Milap’, was organized by the CSR Department of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), on 19th November 2024, at the Institute of Peripheral Development, Sector-20. The event brought together representatives of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Rourkela Industrial Township and Bisra, Lathikata, Kuarmunda, and Nuagaon Blocks who had been trained in tailoring under the Usha Silai initiative, including two RSP-CSR-supported groups from Baniguni and Purnapani.
The session was presided over by Ms. Munmun Mittra, GM In-Charge (CSR), who interacted with the participants to discuss their journey and challenges. Also present on the occasion were Mr. B. Mallik, GM (CSR), Mr. T.B. Toppo, AGM (CSR), Mr. A.N. Pati, AGM (CSR), and Ms. Richa Sudhiram, Manager (CSR). The program witnessed the participation of 16 SHG representatives.
The event was organized to foster ‘Jan Bhagidari’ or people’s participation in RSP’s developmental initiatives and to facilitate mutual learning and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. During the interaction, the participating members emphasized on acquiring advance tailoring training like designing, cutting, appliqué work etc from RSP CSR to meet the growing fashion requirement of the time which will help them to compete in the market and enhance their sustainability efforts.
During the program, the SHG members shared inspiring success stories, highlighting their journey from breaking even to earning significant profits through product sales and fulfilling bulk orders. Their achievements demonstrated the potential of community-driven enterprise models supported by RSP’s CSR efforts.
The session also emphasized vertical and horizontal integration among SHGs and included a detailed feedback and assessment exercise to gauge the impact of the training programs and identify future opportunities for growth for economic self-reliance and inclusive growth.
