TPCODL Strengthens Women’s Empowerment Through Literacy, Skills And Livelihood Initiatives

TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment through structured interventions in literacy, skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.

Over the past few years, TPCODL has built a comprehensive pathway enabling women to progress from basic literacy to sustainable livelihoods, strengthening financial independence, dignity, and community leadership.

Under the CSR initiative ‘Vidya’, Women Literacy Centres (WLCs) have been operational across Khordha (Kargil Basti), Cuttack (Banki), Dhenkanal (Kankadahada), and Angul since February 2022, continuing to impart functional literacy among women in urban slums and rural areas. With 25 centres currently in operation, the initiative has empowered nearly 3,900 beneficiaries by delivering functional literacy through interactive, technology-enabled learning modules facilitated by trained community instructors.

Under the ‘Roshni’ Stitching & Tailoring Centre initiative, launched in October 2021 across Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, and Pipili, 934 women have been trained in market-oriented vocational skills, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential.

Further strengthening livelihood opportunities, the Roshni Jute Production Centre, established in April 2024 in Khordha, has engaged 20 women beneficiaries and generated cumulative sales of ₹29.55 lakh to date, demonstrating a scalable, income-generating model rooted in local production and collective enterprise.

Promoting traditional arts and crafts through ‘Samriddhi’—an initiative under the Anokha Dhaaga art cluster—Pattachitra and palm leaf carving were launched in August 2023 in Kakarudrapur. Subsequently, with the establishment of the Coir Cluster in Nimapada and the Dhokra metal craft cluster in Nuagaon, 344 artisans have been empowered. Through structured capacity-building support and strengthened market linkages, these clusters have facilitated cumulative sales of ₹45.40 lakh, enhancing income stability and livelihoods for artisan families engaged in local art and craft production.

Expanding its outreach, TPCODL initiated the Samriddhi Agri and Allied Intervention in April 2025 at Kujang in the Jagatsinghpur district, benefiting 110 women through agriculture-based livelihood opportunities and allied activities aimed at strengthening rural income streams through climate-resilient practices.

In addition, under the ‘Abha Shakti’ initiative, more than 500 women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from various divisions are actively engaged in meter billing and collection work. A streamlined remuneration mechanism, implemented in coordination with partner NGOs and the Mission Shakti Department, has ensured transparency and improved income stability for participating SHGs.

Speaking on the occasion, Arvind Singh, CEO, TPCODL, said, “From literacy to livelihood, our initiatives reflect our strong commitment to women’s empowerment. By expanding access to education, skills, and economic opportunities, we are enabling women to become confident contributors to community development. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all women and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their journey towards independence and dignity.”

Reiterating its focus on inclusive development, TPCODL emphasized that its initiatives aim to position women not merely as beneficiaries of welfare, but as active drivers of economic and social transformation.