In commemoration of ‘Bharat Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrating 75 years of freedom of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements, Oil India Limited undertook a special initiative for developing a weaving cluster in the greater Baghjan area by forming and supporting 100 Joint Liability Groups. Implemented by the State Institute of Panchayat and Rural development (SIPRD) under OIL’s internationally recognized CSR initiative, Project Rupantar, 500 women handloom weavers of the greater Baghjan area will be benefitting from this initiative.

In this connection, an awareness drive was held on 12^th August 2021 at Baghjan ME School amongst the project beneficiaries in the presence of members of Baghjan Navajyoti Mahila Samity, who are extending support towards this initiative. After completion of their residential training at the OIL-SIPRD Growth Centre at Duliajan, each of the 100 JLGs will be provided with five looms along with other weaving accessories, yarn, and a revolving fund of Rs 10,000.00 at a total project cost of Rs 1.46 crore.      

Tridiv Hazarika, DGM (CSR & CC), OIL and Secretary, SIPRD, Smt Nayana Madhu Dutta, Sr. Manager (CSR), OIL and Jt. Secretary, SIPRD, Sayed Taznoor Hussain, Principal, SIPRD Dibrugarh extension, and Promila Moran, facilitator conducted the awareness session. Speaking on the occasion, Tridiv Hazarika complimented the beneficiaries for showing great interest and enthusiasm in this project and shared OIL’s vision to develop a vibrant handloom cluster at Baghjan area of Tinsukia district with the broader objective of meeting market demands and empowering the women handloom weavers to have a sustainable source of income generation.