Vedanta ESL Launches Agarbatti Unit to Empower Rural Women

Bokaro: In a bid to empower rural women, Vedanta ESL, in partnership with the Drishtee Foundation, has inaugurated an Agarbatti (incense stick) manufacturing unit under its flagship women empowerment initiative, Project Jivika.

The new facility, located in Madhuniya, Bokaro, aims to provide sustainable livelihoods for local women by offering skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities, an official announced.

The inauguration event saw the presence of prominent figures, including Kunal Daripa, Head of CSR at Vedanta ESL, Rajeev Ranjan, Project Lead at Drishtee Foundation, Pradeep Kumar, Mukhiya of Madhuniya Panchayat, and Abdul Jabbar, Ward Member.

Kunal Daripa, Head of CSR at Vedanta ESL, emphasized the transformative power of women in advancing economic and social progress. He said, “At Vedanta ESL, we are committed to empowering women through skill development and entrepreneurship. This Agarbatti manufacturing unit under Project Jivika provides women with the tools and opportunities to become self-reliant and contribute to their communities.”

The initiative has garnered strong support from the local community, with many women expressing optimism about the prospects it offers. The unit is expected to play a key role in connecting beneficiaries to broader markets, promoting rural entrepreneurship.

Project Jivika, a collaboration between Vedanta ESL and the Drishtee Foundation, focuses on improving the socio-economic status of rural women through skill-based training and livelihood generation. The initiative supports women in various fields, such as bamboo handicrafts, poultry farming, mushroom cultivation, and detergent production. With a focus on market linkages, Jivika has already made a significant impact, fostering self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

Given the growing demand for incense sticks in India and the enthusiasm shown by local women, the Agarbatti manufacturing unit presents a promising opportunity. The project not only supports rural entrepreneurship but also utilizes locally sourced materials, aligning with Vedanta ESL’s commitment to sustainability.

The Drishtee Foundation, established in 2003, works to promote sustainability and shared prosperity in rural India, focusing on empowering women and fostering micro-enterprise development. Through its value chain approach, Drishtee links rural and urban markets, ensuring essential services and sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.