TFP Bureau, Korba, December 30, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium and one of India’s leading aluminium producers, brought festive cheer to Korba this season with its exclusive range of homemade cakes, baked by women entrepreneurs under its flagship women empowerment initiative, Project Unnati. Over 300 cakes, including plum cakes, fruit cakes, chocolate cupcakes, and slice cakes, were sold this Christmas season, blending traditional recipes with urban flavors to delight local customers.
The initiative not only catered to festive celebrations but also promoted women’s entrepreneurship. Under Project Unnati, women from self-help groups (SHGs) are trained to develop entrepreneurial skills and build sustainable livelihoods. Currently, more than 500 SHGs, encompassing over 5,800 women, have benefitted from the program, which equips them with skills for various enterprises, including the production of ethnic snacks, handcrafted chocolates, pickles, and now cakes.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, highlighted the significance of empowering women entrepreneurs, saying, “At BALCO, entrepreneurship drives innovation and community growth. Through Project Unnati, we aim to foster sustainable livelihoods, empowering women with the skills and tools to achieve self-reliance and contribute meaningfully to society.”
The cakes also brought joy to 800 children at Nand Ghars, modern Anganwadi centers under the Anil Agarwal Foundation’s Women & Child Development Project. These centers provide vital services like early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill development for women. In addition, BALCO’s Christmas celebrations extended to a carnival in the township, engaging over 400 children with games, activities, and a magician’s performance, along with plant-level events involving employees and business partners.
A local customer, Debasish Jena, praised the initiative, saying, “The cakes from Project Unnati were delightful in taste and quality. The plum cake, in particular, was a highlight of my holiday celebrations. The ordering process was seamless, and the variety available made the experience even better.”
Project Unnati implemented in collaboration with the NGO GPR Strategies & Solutions, has become a cornerstone of BALCO’s community initiatives, helping women entrepreneurs thrive across Chhattisgarh. Through this and other sustainable development programs, BALCO continues to strengthen its commitment to community well-being and inclusive growth.
As part of Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, BALCO is a key player in driving innovation and sustainable practices in the industry. Vedanta Aluminium has consistently ranked first in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the aluminium sector, underscoring its dedication to sustainable development and community empowerment.
