The Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a unit of Aditya Birla Group’s project ‘Kaushalya’ has made a phenomenal difference to more than 150 rural women in the Rayagada district.
In operation for nearly 5 years, under this project, women are trained in tailoring and applique making. This gives them a route to eke their livelihood over the long term. Women who benefit come from the villages of Andirakanch, Maikanch, Nuagaon, Kanchguma and Ratachuan, all from the Rayagada district.
Alongside mastering the nuances of tailoring, these women are accorded training on cost calculation and production requirements of a tailoring unit. Furthermore, Utkal Alumina has been extending financial support to some of these women for securing the fabric and other stitching accessories.
The minimum earning from this tailoring venture for every woman is in the region of Rs3,000 to Rs 3,500 every month. In the deep interiors this amount goes a long way in raising the family’s living standard.