ONGC’s sixth handicraft project under Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to generate income among specially-abled launched

Minister of Primary & Secondary Education and Sakala of Karnataka B C Nagesh launched Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC)’s sixth CSR project to promote arts and handicrafts in India. The project was launched in Bangalore on 1 December 2021 as a part of the observance of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – celebrating 75 years of India’s independence. The ONGC-supported project aims to create inclusive setups by providing artisanship training in block printing and employment for people with special needs and disabilities. The initiative is being carried out in association with Karnataka-based NGO Chiranthana.

Minister B C Nagesh said that the projects supported by Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited to promote traditional art and handicraft actually signify the true spirit of Azadi. He noted that the CSR initiatives like this clearly shows that the fund reaches even the last person of the society. The Minister sought ONGC’s association to strengthen the state’s education system through CSR initiatives, especially in the rural areas.

ONGC CMD Subhash Kumar noted that Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited has always valued the importance of promoting and preserving traditional Indian art and handicraft and has undertaken a number of CSR projects in those areas. Mr Kumar said that this sixth project is especially significant because it does not only promote handicrafts but will also create employment for differently-abled people.

ONGC Director (HR) Dr Alka Mittal said that ONGC, being an inclusive organization, has been making all-out efforts to nurture the abilities of everyone in society. She mentioned that apart from the projects carried out as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, ONGC has earlier taken several initiatives for the preservation of art – from the preservation of monuments to music and dance.

As a part of the observance of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, ONGC is collaborating with other oil PSUs, to launch various projects to boost the country’s indigenous handicraft sector. Central public enterprises under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas are launching 75 different handicraft projects across the country till 15 August 2022. Among these, ONGC has taken the lead and is supporting 15 projects. Earlier, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited has launched five handicraft projects in Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand.

Disclaimer : This is an official press release by PIB.