02/06/2026
From Homemakers to Entrepreneurs: CSR Initiative of Rourkela Steel Plant weaves stories of sustainable livelihood
"This centre has transformed not just my skills, but my confidence and outlook towards life," says Tulsi with pride. "When I first joined the training programme organized by Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), I only hoped to learn tailoring well enough to earn a small supplementary income for my family. I never imagined that one day I would be part of an enterprise registered under MSME, with access to government support and opportunities,” says Ms. Tulsi Kush, a resident of Jalda Resettlement Colony, situated in the periphery of RSP who joined the CSR programme as a trainee in May 2025 and today serves as a trainer.
What began as a simple tailoring training programme for a group of women from Jalda Resettlement Colony, has today evolved into a promising women-led Training cm Production Centre (TCPC), creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and inspiring self-reliance under the guidance and patronage of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant.
The journey of the TCPC began on 28th May 2025, when fifteen women from Jalda Resettlement Colony attended the first phase of training at the Institute for Peripheral Development, of RSP. The initiative was facilitated by the CSR Department of RSP, with Mr. Gurucharan Mohanty, Project Manager of Gram Uthan, playing a key role in identifying and mobilising the participants. The training was imparted by trainer provide by Usha Silai, who equipped the women with foundational and advanced tailoring skills.
The participants initially learned basic stitching techniques before progressing to the production of a wide range of garments and utility items, including ladies' and gents' shirts, trousers, blouses, petticoats, kurtis, salwar suits, cloth bags, aprons, jackets and skirts. Specialised training in embroidery, appliqué work and cut-work further enhanced the value and marketability of their products.
A Training-cum-Production Centre, was established at Jalda ‘C’ Block, where the second phase of the training was imparted in July 2025 and subsequently the third phase was conducted in October 2025. During the training itself, the women began accepting production orders, including the stitching of school uniforms for Anganwadi children. Subsequent training phases introduced advanced tailoring and decorative techniques such as quilting, patchwork, frame work on sarees, net work, wall hangings, curtains and home décor products.
Tulsi recalls that the first order for stitching uniforms for Anganwadi children proved to be a defining moment for the group. "It gave us the confidence that we could compete in the market and deliver quality work. Today, we no longer see ourselves as trainees; we see ourselves as entrepreneurs contributing to our families and the community," she says.
Over the months, the centre steadily expanded its capabilities and customer base finally getting registered under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) framework. The registration has enabled the group to access government support mechanisms, explore new business opportunities and strengthen its position as a sustainable community enterprise.
Several members have begun training other women, creating a multiplier effect that is spreading the benefits of skill development and entrepreneurship across the region.
Through such initiatives, the RSP is not merely imparting vocational skills but enabling women to build dignified livelihoods, develop self-confidence and emerge as active participants in local economic development.
Today, the humming sewing machines at Jalda are stitching more than garments—they are weaving stories of aspiration, resilience and empowerment. For women like Tulsi Kush and her fellow members, the TCPC has become a gateway to a brighter future, proving that when opportunity meets determination, sustainable change becomes possible.
The TCPC model reflects SAIL-RSP's commitment to inclusive development by combining skill enhancement, market linkage, institutional support and entrepreneurship promotion.
