VAL provides medical support to Brain Tumour Patient

Doimati Batra from Mundbahali village under Kurli Gram Panchayat in Niyamgiri hill slope is very happy now. After all, she got new life. Thanks to the timely medical support by Vedanta Aluminium.
Doimati was suffering from Brain Tumour (Glioma) and little knowledge about the same. She was facing several problems such as headache and vomiting. However, she never dared to visit a Hospital and seek treatment. She belongs to a very poor family and her husband Judhisti Batra earns livelihood for the family of four by daily labour and agriculture.
The mobile health team of Vedanta Aluminium, during a tour identified Doimati as a Brain Tumor Case. Immediately the Doctor of the Hospital referred her to hospital. But she hardly had enough money to go to a specialist hospital.
considering her poor economic status, Vedanta Aluminium took care of her and admitted her in St Joseph's Hospital (which is also known as American Hospital) in Vishakhapatnam from 13.09.09 to 09.10.2009. The Company provided Rs. 25,000 towards medical expenses and also a vehicle for her transportation. Now she is completely cured.
She thanks Vedanta Aluminium for its medical and financial assistance. “Vedanta doctors saved my life. I never had imagined that I would get treatment in such a superior hospital and get cured,” says beaming Doimati.
“Well being of people in our operational area is our foremost priority. we always look forward to provide medical care to the community members, especially tribals,” says Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium Limited.

Pineapple and Bamboo Cultivation for Dongria Kondh

In order to improve the livelihood of Dongria Kondh people in Lanjigarh Block of Kalahandi district, Vedanta Aluminium Limited introduced Pine apple and Bamboo Cultivation in the area. On pilot basis, the program started with 75 farmers from the tribal community in seven villages. The program was launched by Mr. Umesh Mehta, Vice President, Vedanta Aluminum Limited.
Inaugurating a One-Day Training Program for the Farmers on Pineapple and Bamboo Cultivation, Mr. Umesh Mehta said, “Vedanta thrives for providing opportunity to Dongria Kondh people to improve their life and livelihood. The project will help them in earning better return through systematic cultivation of pineapple and bamboo”. Each of the farmers was given 1000 suckers of pineapple and 500 sucker of bamboo. Tribal farmers will get required fertilizer and regular agricultural advisory from experts for the cultivation. Mr. RK Mahanty and Mr. SN Pesnia trained the farmers on scientific methodology for cultivation of pineapple and bamboo.
The climate in Niyamgiri slope is suitable for the cultivation and the project is expected to benefit the tribal more than Rs. 50000 in next three years. By integrating bamboo with pineapple cultivation, threat of wild animal for pineapple can avoided, according to Mr. Chitta Ranjan Behura, Manager (CSR), Vedanta Aluminium Limited. The Company will provide marketing support for the final produce, so that the farmers get reasonable price.
The program is being implemented by Shakti Organisation, a local NGO having expertise in livelihood programs for Tribals. Vedanta Aluminium has also successfully, introduced leaf-plate making for Dongria Kondh women under project Jeevika. The program has been highly successful and participating women are earning an average of Rs. 1500 per month by making leaf-plates.

SPV formed for Lanjigarh area development

As suggested by the Supreme Court of India, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named as Lanjigarh Project Area Development Foundation (LPADF), has been formed with the Orissa government, Sterlite Industries India Ltd (SIIL) and Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) as stakeholders. It will initiate programmes for uplift of Kutia Kondh and Dongria Kondh community on priority basis.

In the SPV, the Orissa government and its agency OMC have 26 percent and 25 per cent stake respectively while the rest 49 per cent is vested with SIIL. The first meeting of the board of directors of the SPV was held in the office of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Berhampur yesterday.

It was decided to take up developmental projects in the field of health, education, livelihood and infrastructure in both Kalahandi and Rayagada districts. Projects worth Rs 12.5 crore were discussed and approved by the Board of the Directors.

The major projects approved are upgradation of Lanjigarh hospital, water supply in Lanjigarh and Biswanathpur, upgradation of tribal school at Lanjigarh, bridge and road construction, malaria eradication program in Lanjigarh, development of girls’ school and college at Lanjigarh.

The Hyderabad based National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) has been shortlisted for taking up the need assessment study in the tribal areas which is expected to help in formulating effective development interventions.

Though the Foundation will operate from Lanjigarh, it will have offices at district collectors’ office in Kalahandi and Rayagada on a temporary basis

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/spv-formed-for-lanjigarh-area-development/373481/

Standing Committee of Orissa Assembly appreciate DAV Vedanta International School

A team of seven MLAs of Departmentally Related Standing Committee – IV visited DAV Vedanta International School at Lanjigarh on October 13, 2009. The committee was led by Surendra Singh Bhoi, MLA, Titlagarh and other members of the committee were Rajendra Dholekia, MLA, Nuapada; Pratap Chandra Sarangi, MLA, Nilagiri, Rajendra Kumar Das, MLA, Dhamnagar, Braja Kishore Pradhan, MLA, Talcher and Bijay Kumar Mohanty, MLA, Bhubaneswar-Central. MLA of Bhawanipatna, Dushmanta Nayak also accompanied the Standing Committee.
The legislators interacted with the Students and teachers of the School and appreciated Vedanta’s effort to include students from periphery area in the school. They praised the quality of education imparted by the school. The effort of DAV School by Vedanta is commendable. Similar, system of education should be replicated in other areas of the district to provide opportunity for more children, according to Surendra Singh Bhoi, Chairman of the Standing Committee.
Ms. Sukla Chakravarty, Principal of the School informed about several initiatives taken up by the Company to improve the quality education in the area. At the end of the visit, Dr. Mukesh Kumar made a presentation on several development initiatives taken up by the Company in Lanjigarh for integrated development of people in the periphery.
Mr. Chudamani Seth, ADM, Kalahandi and Dr. Mrugaraj Sahoo, DPC, Kalahandi accompanied the team to Lanjigarh. Mr. Balabhadra Majhi, Ex-Minister and Ex-MLA, Lanjigarh; Ms. Srimati Majhi, Chairman, Lanjigarh Block, Mr. Sanjay Pattnaik, AVP, Mr. Bikash Das, AGM and Mr. Samiron Sarkar, AGM of Vedanta Aluminium were also present.

First CSR Led PPP in Orissa Health at Kalahandi

Vedanta Aluminium, signs MoU with Zilla Swasthya Samiti, Kalahandi to upgrade health service of Lanjigarh Area Hospital
The ownership of the hospital will continue to remain with the Government and will be managed by VAL under Public Private Partnership arrangement.
Renewing its commitment to provide improved health care service to people of Lanjigarh, Vedanta Aluminium Limited (VAL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zilla Swasthya Samiti, Kalahandi to upgrade the infrastructure, management and delivery of health service of Lanjigarh Area Hospital, catering to the health needs of the populace of Biswanathpur block under PPP mode. This is the first ever Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) led Public Private Partnership in Orissa Health sector. The MOU has been signed based on the concurrence of Govt of Orissa and under the guidance of Mr. RS Gopalan, District Collector Kalahandi. Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium Limited and Dr. Sushil Rath, Chief District Medical Officer, Kalahandi signed the MoU on September 23, 2009 at Bhawanipatna.
The MoU will facilitate Vedanta Aluminium Limited to upgrade the available infrastructure, quality of management, outreach program and indoor and outdoor facility for the benefit of local people. As per the arrangement, the ownership of the hospital will continue to remain with the Government and the management, operation, medical and outreach service will be taken up by VAL. The Company will provide comprehensive secondary health care, both referral and specialist, to the community through the hospital.
Signing the MoU Dr. Mukesh Kumar, COO, VAL said, “this has been a long-standing commitment to people of Lanjigarh and Vedanta will ensure that quality oriented healthcare service is delivered at the Hospital”. The Hospital will deliver specialized services in General medicine, general surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, anesthesia, Radiology, dermatology, dental and AYUSH. In addition, Ambulance service will be provided by the Hospital.
The hospital will operate as a part of the Government health service network and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Chief District Medical Officer, Kalahandi and Zilla Swasthya Samiti (ZSS) will monitor the functioning of the Hospital.
Mr. PK Hota, GM (CSR), Dr. Sabita Swain, Chief Medical Officer, Ms. Alka Minj, Associate Manager (CSR) of VAL; Mr. Prasanta Acharya, Chief Program Coordinator, NRHM, Bhubaneswar; Mr. Santosh Nayak, District Program Manager, NRHM, Kalahandi were present in the MoU signing ceremony.

Medical Support for Diarrhea Affected Lanjigarh block

In a response to control the spreading Diarrhea in Lanjigarh block Kalahandi, Vedanta Aluminium has joined hand with the district administration in taking number of measures to stop the spreading of the epidemic. The Company has set up temporary medical camps with one doctor and pharmacist in seven villages in the hilly tribal areas. It should be noted that at least 24 tribals have died due to diarrhea in Kalahandi district during the last two weeks.The Medical Teams are providing primary treatment and medicines to the affected persons. Critical patients are being sent to nearest hospital for comprehensive treatment. In last three days, the health team of the company has provided treatment to more than 110 people and referred more than 20 patients to local health centers. The villagers where temporary camps are set up are Kankutaru, Bandhapari, Musanal, Bengaon, Trilochanpur, Bijepur and Malijubang in Lanjigarh Block. Two teams of Doctors from BALCO have also joined with the medical team of VAL for the same. “We assure all support for prevention of the disease and we will continue the same for more time till situation comes under control,” Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of VAL.
As a prevention measure, The Company has also taken up several awareness building initiatives in the area. Banners are put in villagers to sensitize the community on control of the disease. The CSR Team members are visiting the affected area and explaining the community about prevention and control method for Diarrhea.

Dongria Kondh women weave their Success through Sal leaves

They have never througt that they can earn Rs. 2000/- sitting at home and doing their daily chore. For them earning this much money requires hard work in the farmland or daily labour work under the heat and sun. However, when Katili Majhi of Phuldumer village earned Rs. 2370/- by selling leaf plates, she could not believe herself. Like her more than 318 women in 10 villages in Niyamgiri region are happy with their newfound income avenue. They are all determined to carve their own space in the social and economic sphere. Thanks to the project ‘Jeevika’ run by Vedanta Aluminium Limited, under its Corporate Social Responsibility program.
All these women are collecting ‘sal and siali leaves’ from the forest and stitching the same into leaf plates. The plate has huge demand in local markets as well as outside. On July 29, 2009, they sold 289000 pieces of leaf plates in a truck for Rs. 86700 at Rs. 0.30 per plate. They have also 109000 plates in their stocks and ready to send their second truck load very soon. They also sell their product in local market, every week. “We sell the plates in local food outlets and restaurants and earn about Rs. 500 every week,” said Damayanti Majhi of Trilochanpur village.

The Project has enhanced household income by more than Rs. 1000/- on average for 318 women, covered in the project. Started in eight villages the project has now expanded to two more villages. Vedanta Aluminium provided One Month training to all women on leaf plate making and its business, under the project Jeevika, launched in April 2009. The women visited Bolangir and Bhawanipatna in order to interact with various traders and have knowledge about the market. “With an objective to provide improved and sustainable livelihood to women, especially tribal women, we started the project with locally available Sal and Siali leaves,” said Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh. The Company has taken the help of a local NGO, SHAKTI Organization for effective implementation of the project.

Prior to training, about 53 Joint Livelihood Groups (JLG), comprising 318 enterprising women have been formed. The Company has also provided two sewing machines to each JLG for stitching of the plates. Now they produce market standard leaf-plates in mass scale. “As the company has facilitated door step marketing of the leaf-plates through the NGO, we have no worry regarding selling,” said Kumtadi Majhi of Khemdipadar Village. The NGO representative also regularly supervises their work and provides necessary technical support, as and when required.
Encouraged by the success of these women groups, people from other villages have also shown their interest for such business. The Company, is also very much encouraged by the hard work and overwhelming response of the villagers. “Very soon the project will cover more women, and the focus would be on development of Dongria Kondh women,” said Dr. Mukesh Kumar.

The tribal women are very happy with this improved livelihood option. “We can now earn about Rs. 40 per day by making leaf-plates,” says Gata Majhi of Niyamaraja JLG in Palberi village.

Some of them have stopped to go to daily labour work and are focusing more on the business. This helps them in earning money and looking after their domestic work, simultaneously.
The project is being implemented under the guidance of Mr. Umesh Mehta, VP of Vedanta Aluminium Limited. Mr. Chitta Ranjan Behura, Manager (CSR) is leading the project.

Dongria Kondh Leaders Support Niyamgiri Mining, Condemns NGO Activism

Tribal leaders support Vedanta for Niyamgiri mining

Vedanta Bal Chetna Program Inaugurated in Rayagada - 646 Anganwadi Centre to be Supported

Mr. Krushna Gopal Mohapatra, Collector inaugurated Vedanta Bal Chetana Program at Biranarayanpur village in Rayagada district on June 12, 2009. Under the program 646 Anganwadi centre in five blocks of the district would be supported. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Vedanta Aluminium, District Administration of Rayagada and Vedanta Foundation on May 20, 2009. Mr. Umesh Mehta, Vice President (Mines); Mr. SK Pattnaik, AVP (Mines); Mr. S. Sarkar, Head (CSR) of Vedanta Aluminium were present on the occasion. The program is expected to benefit more than 30,000 children.

Children up to two years and six months shall be given micro-nutrient supplement, where as children between two years and six months and six years will be given additional nutritional supplement along with the food provided by the Government, under ICDS program. Specialized training shall be conducted for the Anganwadi workers under the project to improve the pre-school education for the children. In order to make the Anganwadi centers more attractive, educational toys will also be given to each centre. Vedanta Foundation will be responsible for implementation of this program in the district.

Presently, Vedanta is providing support to 400 Anganwadi centres in Kalahandi district, covering about 16000 children. Encouraged by the success of the program, the company extended the project to Rayagada district. The company has also been successfully operating 38 childcare centres with 1290 children in peripheral villages at Lanjigarh. The children are provided with free uniforms, nutritious mid-day meals, afternoon snacks at the childcare centres. ‘Bal Chetna Program’ is one of the Flagship program in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of Vedanta. The program is being implemented by Vedanta Foundation in partnership with local administration in Orissa, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.

Are anti-Vedanta Activists Loosing their Ground?

NGOs and groups, who are engaged in mobilizing the tribal community against Vedanta Aluminium for mining from Niyamgiri Hill, again got frustration on may 14, 2009. Their attempt to incite people, mainly Dongria Kondhs had not paid any result for the second time.
For last one month these NGO leaders were busy in organizing people against Vedanta. They had a plan to organize a rally and mass protest on May 11, 2009. However, about 50 people come in their support. The attendance of Dongria Kondh tribals was about 10. So the activists were forced to differ their proposed rally and mass protest to May 14, 2009. However, they were again disappointed by the tribal people, for the second time. Despite a rigorous effort by the NGOs, less number of people turned on the second date. So the proposed rally and mass protest ended in a meeting among few members of the NGOs in Jagannathpur village.
These NGO activists had also filed a PIL against mining from Niyamgiri in the Supreme Court. After thorough consideration, the Supreme Court approved for bauxite mining from Niyamgiri hill. However, these activists are defying the Supreme Court’s verdicts and mobilizing the tribal community with their propaganda.
On the other hand, the company has been successful in winning the confidence of tribal people through its humane approach and development interventions. The company has taken ups several development programs in the area - improving livelihood, education and health of the tribal community. The company also allayed fear among the tribals due to the misinformation by the NGOs. It explained about the positive impact of bauxite mining for the environment. “All these NGOs are outsiders. They try to use us in their own interest,” said one of the villagers in Kunakadu.
It seems that these NGOs are loosing their support base among the tribal community. The tribal community members also understand that sustained propaganda by NGOs to oppose mining of bauxite from Niyamgiri is delaying their own development. As per the verdict of the Supreme Court, 5% of the profit or Rs. 10 crore (which is higher) is to be invested for development of the local community.

Vedanta pledges to make Lanjigarh Greener

Vedanta Aluminium Limited observed World Environment Day-2009 at its Alumina Refinery in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi (Orissa) on June 05, 2009. Renewing its commitment towards Environment, the company organized a series of programs to mark the world wide campaign for Nature.

The program started with massive plantation by Vedanta employees and their family members near the township. More than 2000 saplings of varied variety were planted. Similar Plantation activity was also taken up by inside the plant. A Workshop on ‘Green Lanjigarh’ was also organized on the day. Community members, senior management team members of VAL interacted discussed on making ‘Green Lanjigarh’.

Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer said, “Being present in an Eco-sensitive area it is the responsibility of Vedanta to improve ecological condition of the locality. Vedanta is deeply committed to follow world class practices in Environment Management and the principles of sustainable prosperity of the area.” Mr. Parameshwar Nayak, GM, District Industry Centre (DIC), Kalahandi; Mr. SG Pradhan, Environmental Scientist, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Rayagada and; Mr. PN Singh, Manager, DIC, Kalahandi; Mr. G. Murugesh, Head (HR) and Dr. RC Rout, Head of HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) of VAL were present on the occasion.

Competitions on Essay, Slogan and Drawing was organised among Employees of VAL and its Associate Partner on the theme of World Environment Day. Winners of the Competition were awarded during the workshop.

The Company has adopted benchmarked technology with best operational practices and superior environment management practices in order to develop the Alumina Refinery as one of the world’s model Alumina refining complex. Recently, it has obtained ISO 14001 certification, which is an internationally accepted standard for effective Environmental Management System (EMS) to reduce environmental impact on water, air, land etc. The refinery has also been selected for Golden Peacock Environment Management Award – 2009, which will be presented at Global Convention on Climate Change, to be held this month.

World Environment Day was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1972, and represents one of the main channels through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances public attention and action. Every year the day is observed on June 05. The theme for this year is “Your Planet Needs You-Unite To Combat Climate Change”.

Ex-Bureaucrat, writer & academician at Vedanta Lanjigarh

Three members CSR advisory team of Vedanta Aluminium has visited Vedanta`s Lanjigarh refinery plant at Orissa today and expressed their satisfaction on the company’s initiative for sustainable development. CSR activities of Vedanta Aluminium Ltd, Lanjigarh is mainly concentrated on four areas i.e Health, Education, Livelihood and Infrastructure. The team has reviewed the overall progress of all the areas and shared their views to the local Management.
Mr. SB Mishra, former Chief Secretary of Orissa; Prof. O.N. Mohanty, Vice – Chanceller of Biju Pattnaik University of Technology and Padmashree Prativa Ray, famous novel Writer praised Vedanta’s initiatives for rehabilitation of displaced families and development initiatives in Lanjigarh. These three members, who are part of Vedanta CSR Advisory Board, paid a one-day visit to Lanjigarh today and went to different periphery area villages.
Led by Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh they visited the Vedanta Niyamgiri Nagar and had a meeting with the displaced families who are rehabilitated in this colony. They interacted with the women at the Tailoring centre and phenyl making unit in the Vedanta Niyamgiri Nagar. Appreciating the initiative to provide enhanced livelihood to the tribal women, Mr. SB Mishra said, “the innovative livelihood development project by Vedanta will definitely help in financial and social empowerment of women.” The visitors were very happy to see the health centre, child care centre and primary school in the rehabilitation colony, established by Vedanta.
They also visited the Strawberry field, which has been developed under Vedanta’s Shashya Shilpa Abhiyan program. Dr. Pratibha Ray praised the local farmers and Vedanta’s CSR Team members for their pioneering initiative. Strawberry in Lanjigarh is really exemplary, she said.
The advisory board members also had an over view of the alumina refinery by visiting key plant areas and central control room. Prof. Mohanty commended Vedanta for using latest technology and equipments in the plant. They also planted saplings inside the plant premises.
The three member team also interacted with the senior management team members. Dr. Mukesh Kumar presented an overview of the plant and various development initiatives taken up by the Company for local area development. He thanked the visitors for the visit.

CSR Advisory Board members applause Jharsuguda Plant of Vedanta

Vedanta Aluminium Ltd’s CSR Advisory Board members consisting of the eminent personalities of Orissa like Dr A.B.Ota, Director of SC&ST Research centre, Prof Sahadev Sahoo, Ex Chief Secretary Govt of Orissa and Ms Namita Panda, the Chairperson of Orissa State Women Commission paid an official visit to the Jharsuguda plant site on 30th April 2009.

Vedanta is going to create history as it has already set up a smelter capacity with a production capacity of 0.5 MTPA. It has also a long term objective to come out with a projected production of 1.75 MTPA by 2012 which is certainly to be the number one Aluminium producer in the country. Besides it has already generated 675 MW of captive power and has a target to produce 3615 MW power in total which will make it as the largest power generating company from a single location.

The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the overall progress of the Smelter & power plants of Vedanta Aluminium and subsequently the ongoing CSR initiative of the company .

During the visit the team stepped into the Jharsuguda Engineering School where the people from Project Affected villages (PAP) are being imparted training by VAL on different technical skills like plumbing, carpentry, house wiring and other skill enhancing professions. The members personally interacted with the people and applauded the efforts of the VAL in imparting the skill building as well as skill enhancing training to those people.

At the R&R colony at Jharsuguda, the members interacted with the residents by going to their houses personally. Ms Namita Nanda separately interacted with the women SHGs being promoted by VAL with a view to know about their style of living, their social status. She also personally interacted with the women employees of VAL.

The members also had a detailed session with the senior management team of Vedanta Aluminium wherein the members enquired about overall peripheral development of the Jharsaguda and the VAL management explained the team of their long term CSR & R&R strategies also explained how the Vedanta Aluminium is attributing to the society because of the huge investment at Jharsguda

Ms Namita Panda, Chairperson of Orissa State Women Commission inaugurated the Market Complex at the R&R colony. The members also interacted with the members of the Self Help Groups promoted by VAL and interacted with the staff of VAL during their visit. They also planted the saplings inside the plant premises.

Vedanta provides Sewing Machine to tribal women for leaf-plate making

Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh with an objective to enhance the livelihood of tribal families, provided 40 Sewing Machines to 20 Tribal Women groups for leaf plate making. The sewing machines were distributed by Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of VAL in a function, attended by about 300 Dongria Kondh Women on April 18, 2009 at Khemdipadar village (Trilochanpur GP).

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mukesh Kumar said, “VAL is committed for overall development of the area and the impact of VAL’s initiatives aimed for bringing drastic changes shall be visible very soon in the areas of education, health, communication besides maintaining and improving cultural heritage”. Recently, the Aluminium Company has launched a project ‘Jeevika’ for women residing in eight villages on the slope of Niyamgiri. Under the project the company has trained 300 tribal women on making of leaf plate and cups. Out of the 300 women, 120 women are from Dongria Kondh, 90 from Kutia Kondh community. The rest 90 women are from Schedule Caste and other backward caste community. About 50 Joint Livelihood Groups (JLG), comprising 300 enterprising women have been formed under this project. “The Sewing Machines will help the tribal women in producing market standard leaf-plate and also increase their income. Other JLG members will also get their sewing machine very soon,” added Dr. Mukesh Kumar. The group members were taken on exposure trip to visit the enterprises in Bhawanipatna and Bolangir to gain practical knowledge about leaf plate making.

The stitched leaf-plate making business is expected to enhance the income of each JLG member by at least Rs. 100 per month as Sal or Siali leaves are available in the locality abundantly. Vedanta will also provide marketing support for the leaf-plate. The tribal women also see a new future in their newly found income opportunities. “After seeing leaf-plate making and its business in other places, our group members are highly motivated. With sewing machine we can earn more than Rs. 100 a day,” says Katli Majhi a Dongria Kondh women from Phuldumer Village.

This is a pilot initiative by the Company and after seeing response from the tribal women. The company is all set to expand the livelihood intervention to other villages, as well.

Providing improved livelihood to the periphery area villagers has been the focus of the company. It has contributed in better income and living of several tribal people in Lanjigarh through various livelihood initiatives such as Shashya Shilpa Abhiyan (Vegetable cultivation program); Strawberry Cultivation; Phenyl making business by women, rice processing unit by SHG members and fishery.
Source: OrissaDiary.com

Lanjigarh Villagers vehemently oppose outside NGO Activists

Local people of Lanjigarh, including Kondh tribal community strongly resisted the attempts by some of the outside NGO activists to create disturbances in the Public Hearing meeting organized by Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) regarding Environmental Clearance to Vedanta Aluminium Limited for its expansion. “We know what is good for us and what is bad. We know what benefit we will get if Vedanta expands. The outsiders should not interfere in our matter,” said Raghu Majhi of Belamba village, where the Public Hearing took place on April 25, 2009.
The villagers opposed some of the outside NGO workers, when they tried to present their view on the subject and raise slogan against the Company. As per the notice issues by the OSPCB only persons who are affected or involved in the expansion project were supposed to attend the public hearing and put forth their view. However, some of the NGO from Bhawanipatna, Bhubaneswar, New Delhi and European Countries were also present in the program and tried to interrupt the proceedings. “What is the stake of these white foreigners in the project,” asked the tribal community members. It seems that these International NGO activists are working against Vedanta with their vested interests. According to the villagers, these NGOs and foreigners have never done anything for the development of this tribal dominated area. They were seen nowhere in the site but flock at Lanjigarh, when such public meetings happens.
In the meeting though the local villagers and to be affected persons raised issues regarding dust pollution, supported the Expansion Plan by Vedanta Aluminium. They also came forward to donate their land for the expansion of the Alumina Refinery and in return avail the rehabilitation and resettlement benefits. A group of people from local villages also submitted a memorandum to the government representatives to give their land for the expansion project.
Vedanta Aluminium has applied for Environmental Clearance for its proposed expansion of its Alumina Refinery’s capacity from 1 MTPA to 6 MTPA. As per the instruction by the Ministry of Environment and Forest the OSPCB conducted the Public Hearing. The meeting was presided by Mr. Chudamani Seth, ADM, Kalahandi and facilitated by Er. PC Rout of OPSCB. Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium Limited presented a brief note on the proposed expansion project. Several community leaders from the locality presented their views on subject.
Vedanta Aluminium is already having an Alumina Refinery of 1 MTPA capacity with a Captive power plant at Lanjigarh.

Dongria Kondh demand execution of apex court order on Niyamgiri

The Dongria Kondhs are one of the primitive tribes living in Niyamgiri in Rayagada and Kalahandi Districts of Orissa, India. Though they reside above huge volume of bauxite, primary source of aluminum, development is yet to reach them after six decades of Indian independence.
Literacy level is very low. Poverty and unemployment is everywhere. Through primary occupation is agriculture; a small land base and low agricultural productivity have led to their low income and poverty. Malnutrition and disease are very common among this Dongria Kondh community. Few Dongria Kondh villages are lucky have basic services such health facilities and education.
However, after the Supreme Court’s order on August 2008, about mining from Niyamgiri, a new hope has been originated among the community. Encouraged by the Supreme Court’s direction regarding mining from Niyamgiri by the Vedanta Aluminium, the Dongria Kondh community are hopeful that a new era of development is awaiting for them.
In the Landmark judgment, the Supreme Court directed the Vedanta Aluminium to spend Rs. 5 Crore or 10% of the profit, whichever is higher for development of people in the periphery area of the Alumina Refinery set up by the company. The money shall be spent through a Special Purpose Vehicle for Schedule Area Development – with Vedanta, Government of Orissa and Orissa Mining Company as its partner. The books of the account shall be audited by the Auditor General of Orissa and reviewed by the Supreme Court’s Central Empowerment Committee.
However, even after eight months of this land mark judgment, no initiative has been taken either by the company or the government. The Dongria Kondh community is waiting eagerly when the SPV will start function and their fortune will change. “We have no opposition to mining, as long as our development is ensured. We demand the government and the company should make the SPV operational,” said Senapati Sikoka. The voice is echoed by several other dongria kondh community members. All of them demand mining from Niyamgiri and investment for their development.
“The Dongria Kondhs stay in the immediate periphery of the plant. So with their fortune is going to change once the mining starts,” feels Dhan Majhi. The Dongria Kondh community is very encouraged to see various development interventions by the Company for Tribal development. Now they are getting regular health services at their door step though mobile health unit. Child Care Centers are also established for proper nutrition and pre-schooling of children. Roads and communication facilities in Lanjigarh has also improved. Vedanta has not only taken care of their basic need, but also started intervention for livelihood development of people in Niyamgiri. Recently, it has trained 120 Dongria Kondh women on leaf-plate making. The product has huge demand in local market and the company has also assured them to provide market linkage, once mass production starts. “We may need not to go to wage work once this leaf-plate business starts”, says Anda Majhi, a Dongria Kondh woman from Khemdipadar. They can earn more than Rs. 100/- per day sitting at home by making machine stitched leaf-plates.
As stated by the Chairman of Vedanta Mr. Anil Agrawal, Niyamgiri Bauxite Mine will be operational very soon. However, the tribals are not patient enough to wait for the ‘very soon’. They want immediate opening of Niyamgiri Bauxite mine and early operationalisation of Special Purpose vehicle, as per directive of the Supreme Court.

By Kailash Tudu

Source: http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/85481

Livelihood Skill Training for 300 tribal women in Niyamgiri of Orissa

Vedanta Aluminium Limited, with an objective to provide improved livelihood support, has trained 300 women, mostly tribal on leaf-plate making and collective trading. All these women are all set to produce market standard leaf-plates on a mass scale. Out of the 300 women, 120 women are from Dongria Kondh, 90 from Kutia Kondh community. The rest 90 women are from Schedule Caste and other backward caste community.
As part of the 30 day training program, all these women also visited Bolangir and Bhawanipatna - nearby towns – in order to interact with various traders and leaf plate – makers as well as to gain knowledge of the business.
In order to promote livelihood of tribal women, the Company has launched ‘Project Jeebika’ in eight villages in the slope of the Niyamgiri Hill. About 50 Joint Livelihood Groups (JLG), comprising 300 enterprising women have been formed under this project. “Dongria Kondh Community is the focus of the project,” according to Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh. The project will also provide ‘door step’ marketing of the mass production of leaf-plates by the women. Each of the JLGs will also be given two sewing machines in order to stitch the leaf-plate for better price.
“Locally available Sal or Siali leaf, trained human resources and marketing support by Vedanta will ensure sustainability of the project as well as give a sustainable livelihood support to the tribal community”, adds Dr. Mukesh Kumar. The tribal women are also highly optimistic about their new found livelihood option after the training. “We may need not to go to wage work once this leaf-plate business starts”, says Anda Majhi, a Dongria Kondh woman from Khemdipadar. “Unlike before, we can earn more than Rs. 100/- per day sitting at home by making machine stitched leaf-plates”, says Radha Majhi of Balabhadrapur Village.
People from other neighboring area have also shown their interest for such training and intervention in their respective village. According to Dr. Mukesh Kumar, “Other villages will also be included in the project very soon. We are planning to making a hub for leaf-plates in Lanjigarh by making a federation of these enterprising women groups around Niyamgiri and replicating the success”.
Vedanta Aluminium has engaged SHAKTI Organisation, a local NGO to execute the “Project Jeebika” as an implementing partner. The villages covered in the project are Tadijhola, Hadaguda, Phuldumer, Khemdipadar, Trilochanpur, Kadamguda, Balabhadrapur and Semilibhatta under Lanjigarh Block of Kalahandi, Orissa (India).
The Alumina Refinery Unit of Vedanta has also successfully implemented several livelihood promotion programs, in order to provide better income and living for the tribal people in Lanjigarh. One of the most successful programs is Shashya Shilpa Abhiyan, in which the company provides support for vegetable cultivation by the tribals.
Source: http://www.orissadiary.com/ShowDistrictNews.asp?id=11960

Vedanta and NABARD to Set Up Food Processing Unit at Lanjigarh

Tribal leaders vow to oppose false propaganda by NGOs

“Villages still exist in the foothill of the mining site and people are engaged in agricultural activities. However, the NGO people misguided us by saying that our entire hill be destroyed and rivers and streams shall dry up. I will reveal this reality to entire Dongria Kondh Community”.

This was the first reaction of Taalu Sikoka, after he visited Panchapatmali bauxite mining site and interacted with tribal villagers in the periphery area. Taalu was not only persons to have such reaction. Seven others from Dongria Kondh Community had similar reaction.

In order to verify several misinformation by some of the NGOs regarding bauxite mining from Niyamgiri hill, a team of eight persons, from Patsali, Guma, Luma and Dangamati villages visited Panchapatmali bauxite mining site, Asia’s largest bauxite reserve. The tribal leaders were amazed to see the positive impact of bauxite mining.

In spite of repeated propaganda that bauxite mining will dry up all rivers and streams from the hill, they found that water flow in the streams is as usual and in some cases more than usual. “Forest Cover is also increased with the plantation by the mining company,” said Maandi Sikoka.

While interacting with local villagers they found that the villagers were doing double crop. None of the villagers is displaced; neither the hill has been collapsed. Rather the development activities taken up by the mining company has enhanced lives of people in the area.

“We won’t allow these NGOs to misguide us further. Now we see the reality and will let others know about this in our villages. If mining can change our lives so positively, then it was our foolishness to oppose the Mining from Niyamgiri,” said Drika Kadraka.

Some of the NGOs were mobilizing people against bauxite mining from Niyamgiri with their false propaganda. They were telling that the entire hill will collapse due to mining. Similarly, the rivers and streams will vanish. And agricultural activities will be severely affected. There will be lot of tree cutting and the tribal cannot collect any livelihood from the forest. Even the villagers shall be displaced.

In order to check the reality, they visited the nearest operational bauxite mining site. “It has opened our eyes,” said Taalu.
Source: http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/80950

Mega Health Camp by Vedanta on World Health Day

Vedanta Aluminium observed World Health Day on April 7, 2009 in its refinery at Lanjigarh, Kalahandi, Orissa (India). To mark the occasion, a mega health camp along with several other programs was oranised by the Company. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh. Mr. Umesh Mehta, Vice President and Mr. Bimalananda Senapati, AVP were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mukesh Kumar said, “Vedanta Aluminium is concerned about health of not only its employees but also the people of the surrounding villages including the tribal people. Observation of World Health Day reaffirms our commitment towards better health in and around Lanjigarh”. He also appealed the public to join hand with Vedanta Aluminium to make Kalahandi a Malaria free district. A mega health camp, along with HIV/AIDS Counselling and Testing Service, Dental Health Check Up and Eye Check up Service had been held by the Company.
While the mega health camp and HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Service were open to the public other services were availed by employees of Vedanta and its associate partners. Patients were provided medical consultation along with medicines, free of cost. Doctors from different medical specialty such as Gynecology, orthopedic, medicine, pediatrics, dental and ophthalmology provided medical consultation to about 512 people at the Mega Health Camp. “In addition to providing health care services, the program was also successful in building awareness about health issues among the public,” adds Dr. Mukesh Kumar.
The Health Safety and Environment Department of the Company also organized an Emergency Preparedness Demonstration for the employees. The observation ended with a Seminar on Heat Stroke, Women at Work and Computer Vision Syndrome in the afternoon. The program was coordinated by Dr. RC Rout, Head (HSE); Mr. Samiron Sarkar, Head (CSR) and Dr. Sabita Swain, Chief Medical Officer, along with their Team.
Vedanta gives priority to provide Health Care Facility for its employees as well as for the community members in its periphery. The Alumina producing unit has a dedicated mobile medical unit that goes to several villages, mostly tribals of Kondh community. Ambulance service is also provided, in case of emergency. The company has also made several efforts to make Lanjigarh a Malaria Free area.
Similarly, the company has established an Integrated Counseling and Training Center (ICTC) in partnership with Orissa State AIDS Control Society (OSACS).

Tribal Women Earn Better Livelihood with the Help of Vedanta

Niyamgiri Heading for a Better Future

Infrastructure Improvement by Vedanta for Tribal People

Vedanta to provide nutritious mid day meal for Children in 235 Schools

Vedanta Aluminum Limited, Lanjigarh signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 13, 2009 with District Administration of Kalahandi and Naandi Foundation for providing mid-day meal in Lanjigarh block of the district. The program will provide nutritious food to 18000 children in 235 schools in Lanjigarh block. The project aims at improving the nutritional status of children in classes I-VIII in government aided schools and encourage poor children, belonging to disadvantaged sections, to attend school more regularly and help them concentrate on classroom activities.
Dr Mukesh Kumar said, “In line with the Millennium Development Goal, the program will further to minimize the cases of malnutrition by providing nutritional food cooked in the Centralized Kitchen managed by internationally renowned professional body”.
As per the MoU, school children shall be provided freshly cooked food under this program. Vedanta Aluminium will develop a centralised kitchen, where the food shall be cooked and sent to schools. The company will also bear the cost of transportation. Naandi Foundation shall be responsible for cooking and management of the centralised kitchen and also for delivering the food at the doorsteps of the schools. The district administration shall provide ration and other necessary items as per the Mid-Day-Meal scheme of the government.
The foundation stone for building centralized kitchen was laid on March 27, 2009 by four members of the CSR Advisory Committee - Padmashree Prof. P.K. Jena, Ex-DG, CSIR; Mr. A B Tripathy, Former DGP, Orissa; Mr. Bijay Mohanty, noted Oriya Cine Star and Ms. Rita Ray, Head of Department of Sociology, Utkal University.

Advisory Committee Appreciates CSR Work

Four members of Vedanta CSR Advisory Committee comprising of legendary cine artist Mr Bijoy Mohanty; Ex DGP Mr A B Tripathy; Ex Director, IMMT Padmashree Mr P.K. Jena and Prof and HOD, Dept of Sociology, Utkal University, Prof. Rita Ray paid an official visit to the Vedanta Aluminium Lanjigarh unit on 27th March 2009. During the one-day visit they spent time in the Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar (R&R colony) and interfaced with the residents. They also took an on the spot study of the functioning of the child care centre, the primary school managed by Vedanta, the tailoring unit and the phenyl making unit managed by the SHGs promoted by Vedanta. They also visited the strawberry cultivation unit at Rengapalii village followed by the Project Ujjala program at Basantapara village.
The committee members were greeted with a warm welcome at Harekrishnapur village where the members of the Advisory Board experienced various agricultural developmental program undertaken under Sashya Shilpa Abhiyan.
They also inaugurated the centralized kitchen under the Mid Day Meal program and planted the saplings in front of the Project Office premises. After overseeing the various CSR activities the members also undertook a visit of the Lanjigarh plant where they saw the various operating units, expansion projects and also interfaced with the employees. The COO of VAL Lanjigarh Dr Mukesh Kumar accompanied the members during the visit and also gave presentation on the various sustainable development programs undertaken at Lanjigarh.

Cine Artist Mihir Das visits Vedanta CSR Work

Noted Oriya Cinema and Television Star Mihir Das visited Lanjigarh on March 21, 2009. He interacted with the residents of Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar (NVN) and also visited to other local villages.
At the NVN, he interacted with children in the school, the Self Help Group Members, Women and villagers. Everybody was happy to see their favourite star on screen with them. They clicked as many photographs as possible to remember the star presence.
Mihir Das also had a taste of the strawberry produced by Kataru Majhi in Rengopali village. He also visited Women Self help Group in Basantapada and interacted with youths of Lanjigarh. Appreciating Vedanta’s innovative community development initiatives he said, “the CSR work being done by Vedanta for development tribals including Dongria Kondhs is an example for others.”

Blood Donation Camp by Vedanta in Lanjigarh

A Blood Donation Camp was organized by Vedanta Aluminium at Lanjigarh Hospital on March 24, 2009. The Camp was inaugurated by Mr. Umesh Mehta, Vice-President, Vedanta Aluminium Limited. In this camp total 35 units of blood, donated by Employees of Vedanta Aluminium and its Associate Partners collected. Mr. Mehta also was the first donor in this camp.
Inaugurating the camp Mr. Mehta said, “Very healthy person should come forward to donate blood. This will help many patients during an emergency.” He appreciated Vedanta employees’ response to donate blood. Dr. Sidheswar Marandi, Blood Donation Officer of Bhawanipatna also appreciated Vedanta employees’ enthusiasm to save lives by donating blood. “There is a shortage of blood in the blood bank. And such a camp by Vedanta will help in emergency situation”, he said. The donors in this camp were given certificates and identity card by Red Cross Society. Dr. Sabita Swain, Chief Medical Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh along with her medical team facilitated the camp.
Vedanta had also organized a mega blood donation camp in December 2008, in which about 90 employees of the Company participated.
Besides blood donation camp, Vedanta organizes several health camps in its periphery villages. People are given free consulting services as well as medicines in these outreach camps.

Vedanta Starts phase-2 Rural Electrification Work

The second Phase work of Project Ujjala – the rural electrification project by Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh – kick started December 26, 2008 at Kadamguda Village, near Lanjigarh. The inaugural ceremony for the second phase electrification work commenced after puja, performed by Arjun Chandi, a local village leader. Mr. L.N. Mishra, SDO, WESCO; Mr. Sunil Chand, AGM (Electrical), Vedanta; Mr. CR Behura, Manager (CSR) and more than fifty villagers were present in the ceremony.
Under the Ujjala project Vedanta is bringing lights to villages in its periphery area. The company has already brought lights in two villages – Basantapada and Rengopalli, near its aluminium refinery at Lanjigarh. The second phase work of the project will electrify another six villages, namely – Semilibhatta, Kadamguda, Balabhadrapur, Kendubardi, Chanalima and Chhatrapur (Bhalupada). People of Kadamguda village appreciated Vedanta’s initiative to bring the much awaited electricity facility to the village. “For a long time, we were demanding electricity in our village. Finally we are thankful to Vedanta for this electrification work,” said Duryodhan Chandi, a villager.

‘Gyanodaya’ at Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar

Vedanta has launched a mass adult literacy campaign at Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar to achieve 100% literacy among all the rehabilitated persons in the colony.
The program was launched on January 07, 2009 with eye and ear catching slogans. School Children took the placards in their hands and walked across the Rehabilitation Colony to educate their parents, uncle and aunt about the importance of literacy saying " its never too late to start learning and putting a thumb impression anywhere is a shame". With continuous awareness campaign, the attendance has increased by 45%. The adult learners are provided with books and other kits to become literate.
Very soon the Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar will be a completely literate rehabilitation colony in Orissa, may be first of its kind in the state.
The Literacy Awareness March was organised by Mr. Shrimukh Agasty. Mrs. Bindu Tandi, Mr. Ananta Nag, Ms. Padmini Sahu, Mr. S.N. Panigrahi and Ms. Sweta Upadhayaya.

Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh gets St. John Ambulance Award

His Excellency Governor of Orissa, Shri Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare presented the prestigious ‘St. John Ambulance Award – 2008’ to Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh for its contribution towards training and promotion of First Aid not only among its employees, contract employees and other stakeholders but also in entire district of Kalahandi, at large. Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer received the award during the Annual General Meeting of St John Ambulance held at Raj Bhawan, Bhubaneswar on February 3, 2009. The company also announced to provide an ambulance to Police Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar.
Appreciating Vedanta’s initiatives, Governor of Orissa Shri Bhandare said, “ It is a matter pride that Vedanta Aluminium Lanjigarh took the lead in training 1569 Anganwadi workers in Kalahandi district. Other industrial organizations must follow the path shown by Vedanta”. He also thanked the aluminium company for donating an ambulance to Police Commissionerate, as he requested.
Receiving the award Dr. Mukesh Kumar said, “Vedanta is committed towards improvement in overall healthcare of people and its stakeholders. And our initiatives aimed at building a group of first aid volunteers will help in saving life, during calamity or accidents”. This is the second consecutive year the company has received the St. John Ambulance Award. The company also became the first industrial house in Orissa become Associate Life Member of this international non-profit organization.
Vedanta Aluminium Limited (VAL), Lanjigarh is one among the few corporate in Orissa who are committed for First Aid Training and promotion. The Company has been actively involved in this activity since 2006. In the year 2007, VAL has created 300 first aid volunteers among its own employees through first aid training, in association with St. John Ambulance. In 2008, the company had imparted training to 450 of its employees including contract employees and drivers. Similarly, in order to spread the message of first aid and create a band of volunteers through out Kalahandi district, the company supported training on first aid and lifesaving skills to 1569 Anganwadi workers and supervisors in the district.
VAL, Lanjigarh has also been recognized as a training center by St. John Ambulance to conduct first aid training programs for its employees as well as other community members. This is the first center in Kalahandi. The company has also supported in establishing a first aid training center at Bhawanipatna. It has two ambulance brigades, comprising of 60 first aid trained staff and two doctors to extend first aid support to general public in case of any natural or manmade calamity or accidents.
The company is actively involved in improvement of health, safety, and environment for its employees as well as community members. This award is a recognisition of VAL’s efforts in the area of creating awareness about health and preventive measures for controlling diseases like Malaria, Cholera, and Malnutrition etc. Recently, the company has been awarded OHSAS 18001 certificate for its health and safety management system. St. John Ambulance is a leading provider of first aid training in the world.

Seminar on Globalization and Tribal Development

“Globalization has helped in mobilizing economic activities and hence bringing higher developmental opportunities for tribal”, said Dr, Mukesh Kumar, while inaugurating A National Seminar on “Changing Facets of Tribal Development in the Era of Globalization”, has been organized in M. Rampur College, Kalhandi. ‘Vedanta is here not for industrialization only. It is committed to contribute to the development of tribal’, he added.
The seminar was sponsored by UGC and held on 13-14 December 2008 in the political science department of the college. Academicians from different parts of Orissa and outside presented their research papers on development of tribals in this Seminar. Among other speakers in the inaugural ceremony were Mr. Kiran Chandra Singhdeo, MLA & former Minister; Prof. K. Sekhar Reddy, head of CSSE&IP, Andhra University. Principal of the college Prof. BP Singhdeo presided over the inaugural session and Dr. HP Tul presented the welcome address. It should be noted that this was first ever National Seminar organized by the college.

Thank You Vedanta

Tribals condemn NGO’s move to stop development work

Majority of tribal population in the foothill of Niyamgiri condemned the action by some of the NGOs to stop their socio-economic development. A lot development initiative is being taken up by Vedanta Aluminium Limited under its corporate social responsibility program. “However, some of the NGOs are instigating villagers to oppose the development work. If we do not support, they are threatening us”, said one of the villager in the Phuldumer village, seeking anonymity.
Earlier, these villages had hardly any basic facilities. There was no road and no school. Availing basic health care facilities were a distance dream. According to Chanchala Majhi, Naib-Sarpanch of Trilochanpur GP, “after intervention of Vedanta our children are now going to school, doctors are coming regularly to our village to provide health care services. We also get ambulance facilities in critical situations. We are very thankful to Vedanta”.
The company has started development of a motorable road to most of the tribal dominated villages under Trilochanpur GP. However, some of the vested interest groups are trying to stop the road construction work, in the name of saving environment. Criticizing the activities and intention of NGOs, who try to stop these developmental works, Ratu Majhi of Khemdipadar Village said “They have never come to our village earlier, neither they have given us any kind of support for development. These people should go away from our area”. The villagers were also frightened up by the NGO workers for not supporting their move. Recently, some of the NGO workers burnt a childcare center at Phuldumer village, as the villagers did not attend a meeting convened by NGOs.
Vedanta Aluminium has established Child Care Centers in different villages to promote education among tribal children. Children are given nutritious food in these centers. Mobile health team of the company visits the villages regularly, providing basic health services and medicine free of cost. Ambulance facilities are also provided, as per the need. The activities of the company have also generated a lot of employment opportunities for the tribal villagers.
Source: http://odishacsr.wordpress.com