Sambalpur:(Correspondent) :-Around 500 divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities) of 30 districts of Odisha are being made “Swambalambi” (self-reliant) by way of provision of 500 E-Rikshas under the flagship CSR programme “Saksham” of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), in association with the Dept. of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Govt of Odisha, as implementing agency.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi formally distributed the e-rickshaws among the beneficiaries at the mega Bhima Bhoi Bhinnakshyama Samarthya Abhiyan (BBSA) camp held here this evening. Shri Uday Anant Kaole, CMD, MCL and Shri Keshav Rao, Director (Personnel) were prominent among the dignitaries at the flagging off ceremony.
In a significant step toward social inclusion and empowerment, MCL had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha, to roll out this transformative project aimed at providing livelihood support to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the state.
MCL has invested Rs 7.5 crore in this CSR initiative, which aims to create an enduring impact by offering PwDs an opportunity for financial independence, mobility, and dignity.
In his address, the Chief Minister thanked MCL for its support of the Odisha government’s initiatives aimed at improving the lives of differently abled individuals in the state. He also facilitated Shri Uday Anant Kaole, CMD, MCL for distinguished contribution of company under CSR.
Shri Uday Anant Kaole, CMD, MCL, while answering to queries of media persons, said, “At MCL, we are committed to creating opportunities that foster inclusive growth. We are proud to contribute to this important mission led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Ministry of Coal and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha.”
This initiative, the CMD said, marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to contribute to the social and economic development & upliftment of the state of Odisha.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Hon’ble Coal Minister for his continuous guidance on people-centric initiatives, and to the Hon’ble Union Education Minister, who, as the Lok Sabha Member from Sambalpur, has provided unwavering support to MCL,” he said.
About the CSR project ‘Saksham’, the CMD said, “it is a testament to our commitment in creating meaningful changes for Persons with Disabilities in Odisha. Through this initiative, we aim to provide both mobility and sustainable livelihoods of PwDs, enabling them to live with dignity and independence. By partnering with the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Odisha, we are ensuring that this project reaches those who need it most and creates lasting value in their lives.”
The Saksham project under MCL’s CSR not only promotes economic self-sufficiency but also encourages greater social inclusiveness and community involvement.