VAL has strived to support and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities in farm and non-farm sector for the rural community in Jharsuguda. The key objective is to raise the standard of living by increasing average household income. This will be realised through training on agriculture, husbandry and micro enterprise units.

In adherence to the vision of quality livelihood, several activities in collaboration with ACCESS Development Services and Jharsuguda Engineering School were undertaken:

VAL and ACCESS Development Services have partnered to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit and generate sustainable livelihoods for people in Jharsuguda and adjoining villages. Projects covered under this scheme were loan funds, compulsory savings, implementation of registration fees and share capital. 105 new women entrepreneurs were formed who voluntarily opted for BKY insurance and 474 women deposited opted for compulsory saving. New members accepted the deposition of registration fee as per cooperative guidelines.

VAL partnered with ACCESS Development Services to ensure enhanced livelihood of villagers. Under this scheme, training is given on rearing goats, badi papad, reverse osmosis, puffed rice unit, driving, tailoring unit, leaf plate unit and systems for rice intensification. 108 Self Help Groups, with 1229 members were set up to sustain these activities. VIJJY also facilitated the development of 115 micro enterprises.

Under this programme, VAL intended to equip the rural community to adopt alternate means of employment. For this vocational training was provided to adults at Jharsuguda Engineering School. Six different technical and non-technical trades were taught. People have shown faith in the project and participation was overwhelming. 90 trainees were identified after conducting performance tests.

In a joint effort with ACCESS Development Services, VAL motivated women to become members of a co-operative. SHG groups were briefed on entrepreneurship models and integrated with the co-operative Subhalaxmi. The target is to get 1000 more women enrolled.

Small scale enterprises are being formed to generate productively engage trained projected affected people. 4 micro-unites are already in existence.

Project VIJJY is aiming to facilitate sustainable income for project affected people through initiatives such as phenyl production, vermicomposting and sada bihari cultivation. 1500 people have been identified for such enterprises.