Utkal Alumina Launches Project URMI

Tikiri/Rayagada: Health of adolescent, mother and girl child is of paramount
importance, encompassing overall health and prosperity of the community.
Addressing the same, Utkal Alumina, a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries
Limited of Aditya Birla Group launched a comprehensive healthcare
programme called “Project URMI” in partnership with NGO SAKHA on 31 st
January 2024. Project URMI represents a comprehensive initiative directed
towards elevating the foundational healthcare services for adolescents, mothers,
and children across 40 villages in the Kashipur Block of Rayagada and Thuamul
Rampur Block of Kalahandi District.

The initiative focuses on maternal and child healthcare in targeted villages, with
a primary emphasis on promoting institutional deliveries by trained practitioners
at hospitals. This strategic approach aims to reduce both Infant Mortality Rate
(IMR) and Mother Mortality Rate (MMR) in the communities.

The project extends its reach by ensuring that children and mothers are
immunized, addressing critical aspects of preventive healthcare. Moreover, it
emphasizes access to Antenatal Care (ANC) and Postnatal Care (PNC),
encompassing immunization, regular health check-ups, and the provision of
essential supplements such as Iron and Folic Acid. Recognizing the importance
of incentivizing institutional deliveries, the initiative ensures that mothers can
access benefits under the “Janani Surakshya Yojana” in the targeted villages.
Beyond maternal health, the project extends its scope to promote Menstrual
Hygiene Practices, including the adoption of proper hygiene measures and the
usage and disposal of sanitary pads by women in the community. A pivotal
aspect of the initiative involves the training and grooming of a community
cadre, serving as frontline service providers. These individuals play a crucial
role in ensuring Reproductive Child Health and fostering proper Menstrual
Hygiene Practices, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the targeted
villages.

Chief Guest, Mr Mazhar Beig, Unit Head & President, Utkal Alumina & Aditya
Alumina inaugurated the project in the presence of Mrs. Jyoshna Rani Barik,
CDPO, Kashipur, Mr. Sunil Kumar Ray, BPM Kashipur, Ms Lopamudra
Mishra, Head CSR, Utkal Alumina, Mr. Jagabandhu Majhi, Sarpanch Tikiri GP,
Mr. Jadumani Majhi, Sarpanch Hadiguda GP, Mr. Pardesi Majhi, Sarpanch Adri
GP and Mr. Mastaram Majhi Sarpanch Maikanch GP were among the other
dignitaries present in the inaugural ceremony.

The event was facilitated by Ms. Meera Parida, Co-Founder of SAKHA NGO,
who brought her expertise and dedication to the forefront, ensuring the smooth
execution of the proceedings.
Moreover, the event garnered widespread participation with the presence of 68
Anganwadi and Ashakarmi members, signifying a collaborative effort to
address the shared goals and challenges.
Appreciating the effort of Utkal Alumina towards community development,
Mrs. Jyoshna Rani Barik said, “It is more empowering to have the extended
team of Utkal Alumina working towards the common goal of community
healthcare. Further, all the necessary and possible support shall be provided by
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to ensure seamless continuity of
services for the adolescent, mother, and girl child”.
Outlining the importance of collaboration and partnership, Mr Mazhar Beig
said, “Utkal Alumina prioritises and respects working in partnership as it
believes the synergy allows more efficiency, resulting in accelerated growth”.