Nagpur: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is continuing its support for Project Saudamini, a flagship initiative aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment through sustainable livelihood opportunities. The project is being implemented in partnership with Aroha Multipurpose Society and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Urban Livelihood Mission.
The initiative supports the Saudamini–Sonchiraaiya Stitching Cluster at the City Livelihood Centre in Somalwada, Nagpur, with the objective of helping women develop skills, establish microenterprises and achieve greater economic independence.
Project Saudamini to Support 35 New Women Beneficiaries
Under the latest phase of the initiative, 35 new beneficiaries will receive advanced training in stitching and production.
The project will focus on:
- Advanced stitching and production training
- Strengthening the training-cum-production centre
- Entrepreneurship and leadership development
- Market-linkage opportunities
- Financial-access support
- Development of a cluster of 100 women artisans
The initiative is designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and encourage self-employment among marginalised urban women and their families in Nagpur.
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WCL Partners with Aroha Society for Women’s Empowerment
Project Saudamini is being implemented in collaboration with Aroha Multipurpose Society and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Urban Livelihood Mission.
Through the partnership, the Saudamini–Sonchiraaiya Stitching Cluster is being developed as a platform where women can receive training as well as access production and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The project aims to move beyond skill development by connecting beneficiaries with markets and financial resources, helping them build sustainable microenterprises.
MoU Signed to Strengthen Project Saudamini
The MoU for the initiative was signed in the presence of Bikram Ghosh, Director (Human Resources), WCL.
The agreement was signed by:
- Lalit Prakash Tirkey, General Manager (CSR), WCL
- Visakha Rao Jathar, President, Aroha Multipurpose Society
- Sharmistha Gandhi, CEO, Aroha Multipurpose Society
The partnership formalises continued support for the project and its efforts to expand livelihood opportunities for women in Nagpur.
Project Targets Cluster of 100 Women Artisans
A key objective of Project Saudamini is to build a cluster of 100 women artisans.
The cluster-based approach is expected to help beneficiaries develop collective capabilities in production, entrepreneurship and market access.
By combining technical training with business-oriented support, the project aims to enable women to:
- Establish sustainable microenterprises
- Generate independent livelihoods
- Improve household economic opportunities
- Develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills
- Gain greater access to markets and financial resources
Project Saudamini Focuses on Sustainable Livelihoods
Project Saudamini reflects WCL’s focus on supporting communities through livelihood-oriented CSR initiatives. The programme seeks to provide women with practical skills and opportunities that can support long-term economic participation.
The initiative is guided by the leadership of Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, WCL, and seeks to strengthen women’s participation in sustainable income-generating activities.
WCL’s CSR Initiative Promotes Inclusive Economic Development
The partnership between WCL, Aroha Multipurpose Society and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Urban Livelihood Mission combines skill development, production, entrepreneurship and market access.
The expansion of the stitching cluster is expected to create a stronger ecosystem for women artisans in Nagpur while contributing to self-employment, economic independence and inclusive community development.
About Western Coalfields Limited
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited engaged in coal mining operations in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The company also undertakes various CSR and community development initiatives focused on education, healthcare, livelihood generation, skill development and social welfare.
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