Keonjhar, April 16, 2025: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) laid
foundation stone for construction of the Gandhamardan Apparel Unit in Jatra village,
Banspal block, Keonjhar under its CSR initiative Project ‘Nirman’. This upcoming
Apparel Unit will provide enhanced livelihood opportunities to the Gandhamardan
Apparel Farmer Production Company (FPC) which consists of more than 480 women
from 80 local Self Help Groups (SHGs).
While the land will be provided by the villagers and the FPC, AM/NS India will construct
the building complex. The establishment will feature workspace to accommodate 75
stitching units and amenities like store, office, sales counters, rest rooms, and toilet
facilities along with power supply and DG back up. Once construction is complete, the
infrastructure will help the Farmer Production Company to scale up their activities as
part of Odisha Livelihoods Mission and Mission Shakti. It will also help the members
establish viable enterprises, enrich their knowledge and increase their annual income.
On April 14, 2025, members of the Gandhamardan Apparel Unit organised a ceremony
where the foundation stone was laid by Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, MLA, Telkoi and Shri T.S.
Shanbhogue, Head – Greenfield Projects, EC & FC, Odisha, AM/NS India along with
Shri H. D. Dhanraj, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Keonjhar, Shri Raja Ranjeet
Prasad Bal, Block Development Officer (BDO), Banspal, Shri Shailendra Sah, Project
Head, TSF, Pipelines and Sagasahi Project, Odisha, AM/NS India. More than 500
women SHG members and local community members were present during the
ceremony.
Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik commended AM/NS India for supporting the community in
enhancing livelihood sources for the local SHGs. He also assured that the government
will facilitate the purchase of school uniforms and thereby help in generating more
income for the women working at the apparel unit.
Shri H. D. Dhanraj said, “AM/NS India's support in constructing this Apparel Unit is
highly appreciated. It will provide SHG members with vital resources and livelihood
opportunities, fostering skill enhancement, diversified income sources, and long-term
financial and social empowerment.”
Shri T.S. Shanbhogue said, “At AM/NS India, we believe in empowering communities
through meaningful initiatives that create sustainable opportunities for growth. The
Gandhamardan Apparel Unit is a step forward in supporting women from local Self Help
Groups in harnessing their potential and establishing successful enterprises. We are
proud to contribute to the vision of Odisha Livelihoods Mission and Mission Shakti and
remain committed to holistic development of the community that transforms lives in
Keonjhar and beyond.”
AM/NS India empowers Self Help Groups with a new Apparel Unit in Keonjhar
