OREANDA-NEWS. February 17, 2012. Building on the philosophy of improving lives around their area of operation, Tata Power, India’s largest integrated private power utility, has conducted a number of initiatives for the betterment of communities in Dherand and Shahpur villages. Introduction of the concept of SHGs, conducting medical health check-up camps and spreading awareness on various health issues amongst girls in secondary school are some of the initiatives successfully undertaken.

For the past year, Tata Power has focused mainly on women empowerment and self-development among women in the villages of Dherand and Shahpur. The company has conducted special programmes for the various SHGs, which included training sessions, street plays and interactions with bank officials, etc. Tata Power also roped in Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (a government of Maharashtra undertaking) to provide specialised training to the SHGs on the concept, dynamics and functioning of the groups as well as the importance of bookkeeping and documentation.

The programme also included a unique Marathi street play presented by Stree Mukti Sanghatna, an NGO working for the rights of women and rag pickers. The play highlighted the problems faced by Indian women and how they can overcome them. The programme was well received by more than 250 women of the villages participating; it was the first time that the women had been exposed to such support groups.

In another initiative at Dherand, Tata Power delivered an adolescent girls' sensitisation programme at KES Secondary School at Shahapur; 45 girls of 9th and 10th standard participated in the programme, which provided valuable information on the physical and psychological changes in girls in adolescence and also imparted skills to cope with those changes.

Speaking on the initiative, KS Thimmiah, head of project construction, Western Region Projects, Tata Power, said, “We are delighted with the response we received for our community development initiatives. These initiatives have played an important role in improving health care and empowering women in villages, and making women independent. We at Tata Power always strive to provide opportunities and services that will benefit and enhance the quality of life of our communities.”

Apart from these, Tata Power also organised a general medical health camp in association with Raigad Medical Association (RMA). The camp was specially organised to provide general check-up and treatment to villagers from Dherand and Shahapur. A team of 15 medical practitioners of RMA including general practitioners, paediatricians, gynaecologists and orthopaedists treated and distributed medicines to 346 patients from Dherand and Shahapur. Special attention was given to women, children and senior citizens of the community.