Empowering Communities: OIL‘s Rupantar Project Disburses Vital Support to Assam Families
Bikramaditya Dutta Kakoty
Catalyzing Change: Joint Liability Groups Receive Boost from OIL’s Initiative
Oil India Limited (OIL) has once again demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility and economic empowerment with the successful execution of its annual material and financial disbursement program under the Project OIL Rupantar.
The event, which was held at the OIL Swanirbhar, CSR Activity Complex in Duliajan’s Tipling area, marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to uplift local communities through its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The auspicious occasion was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Rameswar Teli, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Labour & Employment, and Terash Gowalla, MLA of Duliajan. The event also saw the participation of Anfor Ali Haque, Resident Chief Executive of OIL, Upendra Nath Jena, Executive Director of C&P at OIL, Bhairab Bhuyan, President OIRDS and ED (Engineering Services) at OIL, among other officials. The presence of beneficiaries of the project added a personal and impactful touch to the proceedings.
The Project OIL Rupantar, in the fiscal year 2023-24, has made significant strides in supporting local entrepreneurship and self-reliance. A total of 325 Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) comprising 1,550 families have been beneficiaries of the project’s comprehensive support system. On March 12, during the disbursement program, the initiative provided essential tools and financial aid to assist these families in kickstarting and sustaining their entrepreneurial ventures.
The distributed materials included 150 power tillers, 150 water pumps, and 150 sprayer machines, which are indispensable for modern agriculture and can significantly increase productivity and income. Additionally, the program distributed 750 fly shuttle handloom sets, empowering local artisans and weavers to produce textiles more efficiently and effectively.
Financially, the program earmarked Rs.15 lakh as a revolving fund, which serves as a crucial financial safety net for the JLGs, enabling them to manage cash flows and invest in their businesses without undue financial strain. The distribution of 5,250 kgs of yarn and other accessories further ensures that local weavers have the necessary raw materials to continue their craft.
The disbursement event also included agricultural enhancements such as 15 agro product carriers, which are vital for transporting goods to markets, and 20 tanks for biofloc aquaculture, a sustainable and innovative method of fish farming that can increase production and ensure a regular supply of fish for local consumption and trade.
Dubbed ‘Rupantar’, which means transformation, the project has lived up to its name by bringing about tangible social and economic changes at the grassroots level. The impact of OIL’s CSR efforts is evident in the operational districts of Upper Assam, where the project has been active. Since its inception in 2008, Rupantar has supported an astounding 4,676 SHGs/JLGs, impacting 28,785 families by extending subsidies, financial assistance, and material support through to the FY 2023-24.
The success of the Rupantar initiative is not just in the numbers but also in the stories of individual beneficiaries who have seen their lives change for the better. The project has been recognized with awards, serving as a testament to OIL’s dedication to creating sustainable community development models.
OIL’s commitment to the Rupantar project reflects a broader understanding of the role corporate entities can play in fostering community development. By providing the tools, resources, and financial support necessary for local families to thrive, OIL is not only contributing to the economic well-being of Assam but also setting an example for socially responsible corporate conduct.
In conclusion, the material and financial disbursement under Project OIL Rupantar is more than just an annual event; it is a beacon of hope and empowerment for the families and communities it serves.
The program’s continued success demonstrates that corporate social responsibility, when executed with dedication and strategic planning, can indeed lead to significant and lasting positive changes. With each passing year, OIL’s Rupantar project continues to catalyze change and inspire transformation, ensuring that the benefits of development reach even the most remote corners of society.
Bikramaditya Dutta Kakoty, Duliajan, March 13, 2024
Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking. You can send your articles to editor@mahabahu.com / editor@mahabahoo.com (For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary)