All-Women Subhalaxmi Co-operative Society, the Vedanta Jharsuguda’s flagship CSR initiative has crossed 4000 membership tally thus becoming one of the largest rural women’s co-operative in Odisha. Incepted by Vedanta in 2008 with 10 women and a fund base of Rs. 1000, the co-op currently prides itself on a membership count of more than 4000 and a treasury worth over Rs. 3 crores.
CN Singh, CEO – Vedanta Ltd., Jharsuguda said that Vedanta is committed to the development of women and children in India, especially those hailing from underprivileged backgrounds and marginal communities. The journey of Subhalaxmi Co-op stands testimony to how organizations like ours and such communities can collaborate to build an institution of social good, transforming many lives along the way.
Subhalaxmi Co-op is engaged in promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities among rural women, creating avenues for entrepreneurship through skill development and providing financial assistance to the members for furthering their livelihood. Though dedicated efforts and positive word-of-mouth, today the co-op has amassed the support of 331 self-help groups across 72 villages of Jharsuguda. Members of the co-op own and run several micro-enterprises like fast food centers, packaged snacks, poultry farms, grocery stores, beauty parlours, tailoring centres, vegetable cultivation, etc.
Ms. Rashmilata Behra, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies – Govt. of Odisha and Management In-Charge – Subhalaxmi Co-op, said, “Each member of Subhalaxmi has access to doorstep-facilities like savings, loans, knowledge and skills trainings for enterprise development. More importantly, they have the strength and collective security of thousands of women who continuously encourage and support each other to succeed.”
