Tata Power's Jojobera plant organised an orientation programme for ash brick entrepreneurs to understand the various challenges faced by the local Self Help Groups (SHG) in production and management of these enterprises.
More than a 100 SHG members participated in this programme. The program saw the SHG members articulating the various challenges they face in production of bricks, and maintaining the uniformity of these bricks.
The initiative threw light on efficient ways to deal with the lack of working capital and availability of timely credit. To make the project sustainable, a corpus fund has been created, and a SHG - Bank linkage will soon be established.
Further strengthening the initiative, Tata Power partnered with AIDENT social welfare organisation, an NGO, to help build capacity of these SHG's and help them effectively manage their project. This partnership will ensure a joint monthly meeting of all SHG's for cross-sharing of information and review of the progress of project.
Speaking on the occasion, V V Namjoshi, Chief - Jojobera Station, said, “In recent years Tata Power has taken a gamut of intervention to bring about overall improvement in the quality of life of people. It is imperative for us to raise the standard of living of communities through various means. Augmenting income of these people through this project will build their confidence and empower them. This initiative will also promote eco-friendly bricks in the neighbourhood.”