THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

KATAKA, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the CSR arm of Dalmia Bharat Ltd, has launched a tailoring training centre at Paria in Jajapur district’s Barchana block to equip rural women with livelihood-oriented skills and promote self-employment.

The centre, inaugurated near Dalmia Cement’s Cuttack plant, Kapilas Cement Works (KCW), is part of DBF’s ongoing Women Skilling and Livelihood Development Initiative, aimed at creating opportunities for women to acquire practical skills and enhance their economic participation.

The initiative was launched in the presence of around 200 women, youth, community members, local leaders and other stakeholders, including ABDO, Barchana, Gyana Da Nayak, Ranjita Rani Patnaik, BPM OLM Barchana, Debi Prasad Das, Unit Head, KCW, Benudhar Biswal, Sarpanch, Paria, Debabrata Behera, IDBI Bank Manager, Paria branch, and members of the DBF CSR team.

The first batch has 25 women trainees who will undergo a three-month training programme under the guidance of a qualified trainer. Classes will be conducted daily from 10 am to 3 pm, with the programme focusing on hands-on learning and practical tailoring skills.

Tailoring has been identified as a livelihood option that can provide women with flexibility to work from home or establish small-scale enterprises within their communities. The programme is designed to help participants explore self-employment opportunities while developing skills that can support sustainable income generation.

"Equipping women with relevant skills can create meaningful pathways towards greater economic independence and sustainable livelihoods. Through this initiative, we are creating a local platform where women can learn a practical trade, explore self-employment and take steps towards greater financial independence," said Debi Prasad Das, Unit Head, Cuttack, DCBL.

"With successive batches planned at the centre, our endeavour is to extend these opportunities to more women and contribute to stronger, more resilient livelihoods in the surrounding communities," he added.

Following completion of the first batch, the centre will enrol another group of beneficiaries, allowing the programme to progressively reach women from surrounding communities.

The initiative forms part of DBF’s broader community development efforts focusing on skill development, livelihoods and women’s empowerment. By promoting income-generating skills among rural women, the foundation seeks to strengthen their economic participation and contribute to socio-economic development in communities around its operations.