Green enterprise takes root as Vedanta launches jute centre to empower women in Jharsuguda

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, FEBRUARY 28, 2026

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has inaugurated a jute processing centre at Kelendamal village in Jharsuguda, creating new livelihood opportunities for rural women. Undertaken under the aegis of its Subhalaxmi Cooperative self-help group (SHG) project, the facility enables members to produce reusable jute products, promoting eco-friendly alternatives while strengthening women-led enterprises.

Equipped with four jute-processing machines in its first phase, the centre will initially manufacture reusable jute bags, supporting the shift away from single-use plastics and enabling sustainable income generation at the grassroots. By integrating skill development, infrastructure and market linkages, the initiative establishes a locally anchored green enterprise model.

The jute processing centre was inaugurated by Sushrita Naik, Sarpanch of Kelendamal village, in the presence of Pankajini Oram, President, Subhalaxmi Cooperative, and Harmeet Sehra, Head – CSR, Vedanta Aluminium.

Highlighting the impact of the initiative, C Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Jharsuguda, said, “Sustainable development requires balancing economic opportunity with environmental responsibility. Through this partnership with the Subhalaxmi Cooperative, we are empowering women to build enterprises that strengthen household incomes while promoting eco-friendly lifestyles. The jute processing centre demonstrates a scalable model for community-driven entrepreneurship that combines economic growth with sustainability.”

Pankajini Oram, President, Subhalaxmi Cooperative, said, “The jute processing centre is a significant step forward in empowering women from our community. With the support of Vedanta, the women are receiving training and upskilling opportunities that help them develop valuable skills and run successful enterprises. We are proud to see them lead initiatives that benefit both their families and the environment.”

The Subhalaxmi Cooperative, extensively supported by Vedanta Aluminium, has emerged as one of Odisha’s most impactful women-empowerment models. Today, it engages over 5,000 women across 440 SHGs in the district, providing market-relevant skills, access to credit and entrepreneurship training, enabling thousands to pursue sustainable livelihoods and financial independence. Under this initiative, over ₹2.55 crore has been disbursed in microfinance loans, supporting more than 1,500 women entrepreneurs.

Beyond economic advancement, Subhalaxmi has fostered greater confidence, mobility and social participation among rural women, enabling them to emerge as changemakers within their communities. It reflects Vedanta’s commitment to inclusive, community-driven development across diverse initiatives such as VedSuta handloom, VedMurtika terracotta art, candle-making units and snack-making enterprises. The jute processing centre further expands this ecosystem by aligning women’s economic participation with environmentally responsible livelihoods.