Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: Taking a significant step toward women’s empowerment and sustainable development, the Jindal Foundation, the CSR arm of Jindal Steel and Power (JSP), has partnered with the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) to launch an LED bulb production unit in Deojhar panchayat, Barbil, Keonjhar district, Odisha.
This pilot initiative, a part of the Jindal Foundation’s Women and Livelihood programme, will equip women from nearby villages with manufacturing skills in LED bulb production, enabling them to gain hands-on training and expertise in a growing industry. The project is expected to provide economic upliftment for the community and empower women to become financially independent, with potential for expansion to support even more individuals.
The MoU was officially signed by Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman of BCKIC, and Vargil Lakra, GM-CSR of Jindal Foundation, at the JSP’s Barbil Pellet Plant. The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of several key figures, including Purushotham MD, Unit Head; Ashish Ranjan Mohanty, Head HR & ES; and other senior officials, along with the women participants. This collaboration highlights Jindal Foundation’s commitment to local engagement, as the project centers on fostering skills within the community.
“This initiative incorporates facility creation, capacity building, and linkages for marketing and forward connections,” stated Prashant Kumar Hota, President and Group Head of CSR and Education at JSP. “It will not only generate regular income for women but also empower them with negotiation and decision-making skills, fostering equitable growth in the tribal regions of Joda, Barbil, and Deojhar.” Hota added that, with rising demand for energy-efficient bulbs, the project aims to create an eco-friendly, sustainable social business model that promotes lasting community impact.
The LED bulb production unit is the latest addition to the Jindal Foundation’s Women and Livelihood programme, which has already made significant strides through initiatives like Jindal Asha, Kishori Express, Yashasvi, and Jan Jeevika Kendra. Collectively, these efforts have positively transformed the lives of over 5 million women and girls across India, focusing on economic empowerment, skill development, and community growth.
With the new LED bulb unit, Jindal Foundation’s commitment to sustainable development and women’s empowerment continues to bring tangible benefits to rural communities in Odisha and beyond, helping build a more inclusive and self-sufficient future.
