Bokaro: ESL Steel Promotes Rural Entrepreneurship with Jivika Srijan Shakti Producer Company

Bokaro: In a significant push towards strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting community-led enterprises, ESL Steel Limited supported the launch of the Jivika Srijan Shakti Producer Company at the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy in 16 Khata on Monday.

The initiative has been launched under Project Jivika with facilitation and handholding support from EMP Bindi International Association, aiming to bring local producers together under a structured, member-owned enterprise model.

The Producer Company seeks to empower rural communities by improving market access, strengthening bargaining capacity, and creating sustainable income opportunities. By encouraging collective participation among producers, the initiative aims to build stronger value chains and promote long-term economic development in the region.

The launch event began with a warm traditional welcome for ESL Steel leadership, including Ravish Sharma, Deputy CEO and Whole Time Director, and Kunal Daripa, Head–CSR, who were greeted with tribal songs by local villagers. The ceremony also featured a traditional arti ritual and the presentation of handmade grass crowns as a mark of respect. The program was formally inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The event witnessed the participation of members of the Producer Company, representatives from ESL Steel Limited, CSR team members, community leaders, and officials from EMP Bindi International Association. During the program, the vision, governance structure, and the first-year operational roadmap of the Producer Company were shared with the members.

Highlighting the progress under Project Jivika, CSR Head Kunal Daripa spoke about key livelihood initiatives such as mushroom cultivation and other income-generation programs that have been introduced to strengthen rural livelihoods.

The newly appointed directors of the Producer Company were also formally introduced during the event. Skill training certificates were distributed to participants, acknowledging their involvement in capacity-building programs.

As a gesture of appreciation, dignitaries were presented with eco-friendly gifts, including jute bags, bamboo products, and sustainable stationery, reflecting the initiative’s focus on environmentally responsible practices.

Addressing the gathering, Ravish Sharma, Deputy CEO and Whole Time Director of ESL Steel Limited, emphasised the importance of community-driven development.

He said empowering communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities remains a key pillar of ESL Steel’s development vision. Sharma expressed confidence that the Jivika Srijan Shakti Producer Company would help local producers expand their economic opportunities, improve incomes, and create a strong foundation for long-term rural growth.

He also congratulated the team behind the initiative and stressed the importance of effective management and future expansion of the Producer Company.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ravish Sharma.

The launch of Jivika Srijan Shakti Producer Company marks the beginning of a collective effort to build a self-reliant, community-led enterprise model, aimed at generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities in the Bokaro region.