DULIAJAN: In a significant move toward women’s empowerment and sustainable entrepreneurship, the Oil India Rural Development Society (OIRDS), under Oil India Limited (OIL), hosted a certificate distribution ceremony for women weavers and artisans of the 2023-24 batch. The event took place on Monday at OIL’s Swanirbhar Building (CSR Activity Complex) in Tipling, Duliajan.
The ceremony was attended by Rupjyoti Phukan (RCE, OIL & Advisor, OIRDS), Debashis Bora (CGM-FA & Vice-President, OIRDS), Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya (CGM F&A), and other senior officials. Their presence showed OIL’s commitment to supporting women’s economic independence through skill development programs.
As part of OIL’s CSR efforts, the Centre of Excellence for Handicraft, Handloom & Entrepreneurship (CoE) has played a pivotal role in empowering women artisans in its operational areas. Originally established in 1984 as the Handicraft Training and Production Centre (HTPC) during OIL’s Silver Jubilee Year, the Centre underwent restructuring in 2021-22 to meet evolving skill-building demands, encouraging women’s entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable practices.
Operating under a Hub & Spoke Model (Centre & Community-based), CoE offers government-certified long-term and short-term courses in Handloom & Handicrafts, facilitates the formation of cooperative societies, and provides training for value-added production and marketing of sustainable products. To date, this initiative has trained and empowered over 2,000 women.
At the event, 75 women artisans received certificates upon completing long-term courses in Handloom (Sustainable Apparel) and Handicraft (Eco-Friendly Water Hyacinth & Bamboo). These certifications, accredited by the Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council under Skill India (Kaushal Bharat-Kushal Bharat) and the National Skill Development Council, recognize their expertise in these crafts.
A mini-exhibition was also organized, showcasing handloom and handicraft products created by two cooperative societies—Prerona and Shrishti—established under CoE. This exhibition provided artisans with a platform to display their craftsmanship, furthering OIL’s mission to promote skill-based entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
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