Tata Power: TP Northern Odisha Distribution Ltd trains over 500 Women Self-Help Groups in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts

One of the major barriers faced by women belonging to the marginal communities in rural areas is to pursue an income generating activity. Prompted by the need to overcome this barrier, TP Northern Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPNODL), trained over 500 women self-help groups in meter reading, billing and collection activities (MBC) in Udala, Baripada & Rairangpur Electrical Divisions under Baripada circles and Keonjhar, Anandpur & Joda Electrical Divisions under Keonjhar Circle.

The session witnessed an encouraging participation from them. So far, over 270 agreements have already been signed between TPNODL and the SHGs, thereby, enabling them to earn INR 8000 to INR 12000 per month. This will not only streamline the revenue collection process but also helps the women to get livelihood opportunities in rural area.

With a twin objective to empower women financially as well as promote a livelihood opportunity for them, TPNODL, through this session, imparted detailed information on behavioral and technical aspects of the metering, billing and collection activities to the WSHGs who, can now effectively undertake these activities in the coming days. The pre-agreement interaction also completed which included explaining the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, and process that is followed for agreement of WSHGs, and the daily activities to be performed by the WSHG.

Speaking about this initiative, Mr. Bhaskar Sarkar, CEO, TPNODL, said, “As a socially responsible organization, we always strive to support and empower WSHGs by providing them livelihood opportunities through our business value chain process. We will continue to create such opportunities for them through various CSR activities. We hope that the WSHGs be the drivers of change in their family and village. This training session is only a first step, which will go a long way in fostering financial independence and social mobility of these women.”