Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) has partnered with SELCO Foundation to launch its ‘Sustainable Livelihood Programme’ across Meghalaya, Manipur and Assam.
This initiative aims to integrate scientific expertise, advanced technology and indigenous knowledge in partnership with communities in the North East to develop resilience against challenges such as geographical isolation and climate adversities like floods and droughts, a press release stated today.
The primary focus of this programme is to deploy solar-powered solutions in a manner that develops local leadership and talent and promotes local entrepreneurship, particularly in the farm and non-farm sectors. This initiative will also work towards converging several developmental programs in the region and partner with government schemes, financial institutions, civil society organisations, local innovators and entrepreneurs, as well as self-help groups (SHGs) and producer groups.
Highlighting the importance of this project, Dhruvi Shah, CEO of Axis Bank Foundation, said, “Our collaboration with SELCO Foundation is focused towards channelising human capital in the remotest parts of the North East region. By developing solar-linked systems, developing local leadership and facilitating new livelihood opportunities, we hope to create diversified income channels. Our vision is to contribute significantly towards enhancing the socio-economic landscape of the local communities in the North East, thereby nudging them towards self-reliance.”