Livelihood restoration project launched by GMR in Odisha

In a bid to include more than 1460 project affected families in the mainstream of economic growth process, GMR Kamalanga Energy Limited (GKEL) has launched a livelihood restoration pilot project in Dhenkanal district of Odisha.
Launched by GKEL, the wholly-owned subsidiary of infrastructure major GMR Group, the project aims to enhance income to the families through agri-based activity, employable skill training and micro-enterprises support initiative.
"We have launched the unique pilot project with a focus on livelihood restoration for the project affected families. It will definitely enhance the financial stability of the families in Kamalanga area," said Meena Raghunathan, Director, Community Services, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, the CSR-arm of GMR Group.

She said the programme would be implemented in a very intensive and integrated manner in the plant area for the next 3 years for the benefit of 1467 project affected families.
The project affected families will get training on skill development, modern farming and micro-enterprises which will help to boost their income in a long-term basis.
The project proposes to offer 28 livelihood interventions for affected families. Considering the variation of the requirements of each of these livelihood assistance areas, implementation is planned in a phased manner.
GMR Group has been working for the development of the community in Kamalanga area for the last seven years to enhance quality of life in education, health and livelihood intervention as part of CSR activities.

"This special project is very unique. Our aim is to change the landscape of the Kamalanga area by proving economic viability to the community within three years. We have drawn up the road map accordingly and appointed highly skilled professionals for the job," said Raghunathan during a visit here to review CSR activities undertaken by the company.