Berhampur: Strengthening community development across Southern Odisha, the Digital Literacy and Women Literacy initiatives are focused on improving access to information, essential services and opportunities while empowering individuals with the skills needed in today’s digital world. Through these programmes, TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) is enhancing knowledge, confidence and self-reliance, helping communities build a more inclusive and sustainable future. Under its Digital Empowerment Initiative, TPSODL plans to reach 80,000 households across 40 Gram Panchayats in eight districts through door-to-door outreach, village meetings and awareness camps.The programme aims to help people become more familiar and comfortable with digital services and technology. It specifically targets youth, farmers, homemakers, small-scale businessmen and Self-Help Group (SHG) members. Through these efforts, beneficiaries are being empowered to access online services, digital platforms and essential government welfare schemes. The initiative also facilitates enrolment and awareness of schemes such as PM-Kisan, CM-Kisan, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, PMJJBY and Ayushman Bharat, helping communities access greater opportunities and benefits. The initiative focuses on four key areas: Digital Literacy and Government Scheme Awareness, Cyber Security and Financial Literacy, Solar Awareness, and E-Billing and Digital Payment Awareness. Through interactive sessions, participants learn about safe internet usage, fraud prevention and responsible financial management. The programme also raises awareness about renewable energy, digital transactions, online bill payments, and the effective use of digital alerts, notifications and pop-ups. The programme has already reached around 5,000 beneficiaries across eight districts of Southern Odisha. District-wise coverage includes Ganjam (1,230), Gajapati (555),Kandhamal (512)Boudh(487), Koraput (795), Malkangiri (521), Rayagada (366) and Nabarangpur (451). Through these efforts, TPSODL is promoting digital awareness and helping communities make better use of government welfare schemes and online services. The initiative also aims to strengthen cyber-security practices while encouraging the adoption of clean energy, e-billing and digital payments. Sharing her experience, Jhunu Maharana, a resident of Pujariput in Nabarangpur district, said, “Through TPSODL’s Digital Literacy Programme, I learned about e-billing and its benefits. I have now become an e-consumer and receive my electricity bill digitally. This helps me save ₹10 on my monthly electricity bill and makes bill management much more convenient. The programme has been very helpful for me.” TPSODL has also launched its Women Literacy Centre (WLC) programme to promote literacy among women above 15 years of age, particularly from underprivileged communities. As part of the first phase, three centres have been established in Ganjam district at HaldiaPadar in Rangeilunda Block, Raju Dhoba Sahi in Goshani Nuagaon, and Dhemarasahi in Bijipur. Each centre has enrolled a minimum of 40 participants. The initiative aims to improve literacy levels, build confidence and create greater opportunities for women in the community. The Women Literacy Centres (WLCs) provide a structured classroom-based learning environment where women can develop essential reading, writing and basic numeracy skills. The programme also focuses on building confidence and enhancing awareness among participants. It aims to encourage greater self-reliance and active participation in social and economic activities. Mr. Amit Kumar Garg, CEO, TPSODL, said, “Literacy today goes beyond reading and writing. It is about having the confidence to access information, understand opportunities and make informed choices. Through our Digital Literacy and Women Literacy initiatives, we are working to equip communities with practical skills that can strengthen their independence and contribute to a more empowered and inclusive society.” Through these initiatives, TPSODL continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive community development and empowering communities across Southern Odisha.
On the occasion of International Literacy Day TPSODL Empowering Communities Through Learning
