BIPF, the CSR arm of Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Limited (IMFA)
In the year 1961, with the establishment of Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA) a revolution in the Industrial scenario of Odisha began from one of the remotest locations Therubali (District Rayagada) a habitat which was primarily dominated by the tribal community. Founded by Late Dr. Bansidhar Panda and ably supported by Late Mrs. Ila Panda, today IMFA takes pride in its journey spanning around 60 years. While the gigantic dream of the Late Founder was to generate employment for Odias; it was equally backed up by his wife in spearheading community service in education, healthcare, sports, art & culture and other philanthropic initiatives, together leaving an indelible impression in the heart of Odias.
To keep high the flame of their guiding spirit, in the year 2011, “Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation” (BIPF) was institutionalized as the CSR arm of IMFA.
Spearheaded by Ms. Shaifalika Panda (Trustee & CEO, BIPF), the foundation primarily works towards uplifting the underprivileged sections of society; consistently endeavors to equip and enable communities in propelling their potential for a prosperous life, through a participatory process.
But what exactly is BIPF and why is it such a valuable partner for IMFA?
BIPF is structured to partner and collaborate with the Central and State governments as well as local and international organisations to implement programs and drive results while maintaining accountability and transparency.
BIPF implements sustainable and scalable interventions in the core areas of engagement spread over five verticals namely Arogyadhara (health), Adhyayan (education), Sakshyam (livelihood), Su-Swasthya (water & sanitation) and Samwaad Sammaan (advocacy & appreciation). These verticals are designed with an element of community building and ownership by the beneficiaries to ensure they are self-reliant, empowered and socially progressive in their future. All the interventions are aligned with the Sustainable development goals (SDG) contributing towards the nation building.
Currently, the foundation’s geographic focus spans six districts in Odisha (Cuttack, Rayagada, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Angul and Khurda) and has scaled up sustainable social initiatives in 386 remote villages in 63 Gram Panchayats, reaching out to more than 3,03,000 beneficiaries.
The Foundation supports various government schools by improving their infra facilities and provides teaching-learning aids to increase enrollment and retention of students and scholarships to meritorious students popularly known as PGDS (Prof. Ghanashyam Dash Scholarship). In partnership with TCS (Tata Consultancy Services), BIPF’s Community Learning Centres (CLC) educate and empower rural women and adolescent girls through the digital mode of learning. BIPF channelizes resources to improve access to healthcare for the community it serves through Kanya Express, LVP and BIPF-Bhoomika Vision Centre and various other preventive & curative measures. Through Project Yuva Sakshyam & Project Unnati, BIPF provides training and handholding of rural women towards sustainable livelihood opportunities for members of the community, helping to reduce poverty and improve the overall quality of life.
The Foundation is doing everything to create a sustainable future and is able to make a positive impact on the community and achieve its goals more effectively and efficiently.
Some of the key activities of BIPF include:
- Education and training programs for children, youth and adults
- Healthcare services, such as providing medical assistance and building health clinics
- Community development programs, such as building infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving sanitation and clean water access
- Programs to promote gender equality and women's empowerment
- Vocational training for sustainable livelihood
- Ideate the annual advocacy platform as a multi-stakeholder panel to deliberate on socio-economic issues.
- Shambhavi Puraskar is an appreciation to unsung heroes, the social change agents creating an impact at the grass-root level.
BIPF is making a meaningful impact by investing in the well-being of the community, thereby promoting sustainable development and improving the lives of people living in the area. We encourage our socially aware audience to learn more about BIPF and the work they are doing by visiting.
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The main aim of the Foundation is to empower people from marginalised groups through sustainable initiatives which will enable them to become economically and socially secure. BIPF works within four areas which contribute to seven of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations; these four thrust areas are Education, Health, Livelihood and Water Hygiene & Sanitation. BIPF has always been entrusted with a Vision to engage, educate and empower the most vulnerable communities to achieve significant socio-economic transformation;
BIPF Education Initiatives
BIPF gives special emphasis on ensuring quality education for the children of the employees and of the host community through Project Adhyayan. In consultation with the State Government, BIPF developed strategic initiatives to effect positive change in rural education. From establishing modern English medium school in Therubali Rayagada, to providing infrastructure development support to Government schools & education essentials to students in remote area thereby creating a congenial learning environment.
BIPF’s livelihood initiatives
Project Sakshyam aims at Women empowerment and Youth empowerment. Women empowerment is undertaken through Project Unnati, a self-help model for social and financial inclusion by transforming the lives of women to become the agent of change, whereas Youth empowerment is taken up through Project Yuva Sakshyam, a skill development initiative for empowering youth from remote areas of Odisha with skill sets to earn a living and become self-reliant.
BIPF’s health initiatives
Project Arogyadhara strives to provide basic health services to the neighboring communities by way of establishing dispensaries and eye care centers in locations where IMFA operates. Health camps are organised at regular intervals in the remotest of areas complementing the Government health services through PHCs & CHCs. Through health initiatives BIPF reaches out to mothers and children with immunization, pre & post-natal checkups and creating awareness among women through life skill programs on health, nutrition, hygiene & sanitation.
BIPF’s Water Sanitation & hygiene initiative
Project Suswasthya makes strenuous efforts to promote health and dignity of the community and ensure availability of sustainable potable water in peripheral areas as well as to overcome the consequences of poor sanitation. In strategic consultation and convergence with the community & Department of Rural Water Supply & Sanitation, Government of Odisha, BIPF initiated hardware activities like installation of drinking water facilities, community toilets, disinfection of drinking water sources etc., in one hand while generating mass awareness on practicing ideal sanitation and hygiene practices following CLTS approach on the other hand enabling the community to lead a healthy quality life.