Cuttack: In an effort to touch the lives of grassroots level creative, talented and underprivileged artists of Odisha, JSPL Foundation, the CSR arm of Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL), extended support to 139 artist families during its second edition of Social Security Support Scheme here on Friday.

Under the initiative, JSPL Foundation will provide financial support of Rs 2,500/- per month to each of the families for next 24 months.

Pujya Bapa Ji delivered the support for the 1st month of the 2^nd batch of recipients in the presence of Padma Bibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mohapatra, and Shallu Jindal, Co-chairperson of JSPL Foundation.

Addressing the gathering, Shallu Jindal said, “I’m deeply touched with the rich culture and heritage of Odisha. The glorious handloom, handicraft and artefacts are the perfect window of Odisha to showcase about its skillful and gifted artists. Today I am honoured to be present among them.”

“This is a small initiative of JSPL Foundation to identify individuals of merit and low economic means, who are otherwise unnoticed and deprived of major social security like pension, medical treatment, health insurance etc. by the mainstream system” Jindal stated.

Instituted by JSPL Foundation, Social Security Support Scheme aims to support to underprivileged, weaker sections, traditional artisans, ethnic art/culture performers, social innovators at the grassroots level with small economic means and other individuals of palpable socio- cultural vulnerabilities through financial or any other form of support in the nature of social security.

The artists,in the age group of 50 to 94, were identified in collaboration with Dr. Raghunath Mahapatra Art & Craft Foundation.