The digital revolution has benefitted the urban class and maybe the semi-urban class. I do see the next wave of growth or benefit will be for rural India. I'm pretty confident that it will happen because of the foundation that has been set,” said Mr. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, and Vice-Chairman, IAMAI, during a session at the 19th India Digital Summit (IDS) today. IDS 2025 is being organized by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, supported by Digital India, Skill India and Make in India.

 

Expanding on his point about the digital empowerment of rural India Mr. Magow said, “We would have one billion people on smartphones. It will cover a lot of the rural population, open up many avenues for them, and generate employment. There are so many creators and influencers not only in urban areas but in rural areas as well. This is going to to bring in more inclusivity. The government, the public, and the private sector need to create more awareness, change the mindset, and make actual investments in pushing and developing skills to pick up new ideas.”

 

“One of the foundational pillars of inclusive growth in India was the UID program, which started in 2010. In the digital world, UID is being used to give away the benefits. The second foundation that has been set already is the UPI. It has democratized the payment peer-to-peer transfer, and then, the Aadhaar is helping people open the bank account without any leakage, intermediaries, etc.,” he added.

 

Mr.Magow also underlined the impotance of the private sector’s initiative to adopt technologies, and commented, “The government has already been doing a lot with the digitization drive spearheaded from the top. The focus on the startup community and programmes has received the right visibility. The private sector should be at the forefront of adopting technologies. Every possible record, including income tax, legal or real estate records, and even most financial services, is digitised today. Even in the travel and tourism industry, airport traffic management has been eased due to DigiLocker. DigiYatra programs are game changers and need to be scaled up now. There are serious investments in creating digital infrastructure, and we should not lose momentum by cutting back on investments.”

 

Raising the pressing issue of cyberthreats Mr. Magow said, “We must be cognizant of the cyber security issues and not in a denial mode. Only after accepting the scale of cyber crimes happening can we address them. Globally, all the companies are facing cyber attacks. Therefore, many businesses, including MakeMyTrip, have made tremendous investments and brought in a lot of focus in this area. The criminal mind is always a few steps ahead of us. They can only be tackled by thinking proactively, putting checks and balances in place, and making the right investments in technology. Another way to address cyber attacks is by forming strict laws against these crimes. The third important aspect is collaboration. By sharing the data, a lot of such attacks can be prevented easily.”

 

IDS 2025 is being Powered by NPCI. Amazon.in and MPL are Platinum partners. Among Gold Partners are PhonePe; Australia Trade and Investment Commission; IDA Ireland; Paytm ads, Jagran New Media and Exotel. Route Mobile is the Cloud Communications Partner. Silver Partners include AWS, ShareChat, Shiprocket; Times Internet, and TV9 Network.

Winners of the contest will receive prizes worth ₹9 lakh and get pre-placement
interview opportunities

The Muthoot Group has announced “Muthoot Finclusion Challenge 2025”, a nationwide innovation contest aimed at inspiring India’s youth to develop innovative solutions that address financial inclusion challenges. With prizes worth ₹9 Lakhs (one of the largest prize pools) and exclusive Pre-Placement Interview (PPI) opportunities for the winners, this competition offers an unparalleled platform for aspiring innovators to shine.

With the theme “Your Chance to Propel India Towards Financial Inclusion”, the challenge seeks to tap into fresh ideas from talented students to transform the country’s financial landscape. Muthoot Institute of Technology & Science (MITS) and Muthoot Business School (MBS) are the execution partners for this exciting initiative, ensuring seamless organization and engagement.

The competition is open to full-time MBA students from select colleges, along with BE/B.Tech and integrated dual-degree students from various academic years. Teams can consist of up to 3 members, with flexibility in terms of cross-specialization and cross-campus participation. The competition structure includes an online assessment, executive summary submission, a masterclass with industry leaders, and a grand finale where top teams will present their solutions. Registrations can be done online, with the grand finale set for March 4^th.

Mr. George Alexander Muthoot, Managing Director of Muthoot Finance, said: “Through the Muthoot Finclusion Challenge 2025, we aim to foster innovation that can make financial services more accessible to every Indian. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent and empowering them to develop solutions that will drive financial inclusion and economic growth. By engaging with the brightest minds, we hope to identify transformative ideas that bridge the financial gap and contribute to a more inclusive economy. We are excited to see the impactful solutions that will emerge and help shape a financially inclusive India.”

The challenge promises exciting rewards, including cash prizes of ₹5,00,000 for the winners, ₹3,00,000 for the first runners-up, and ₹1,00,000 for the second runners-up, along with PPI opportunities for roles such as Product Manager – Finance and Business Analyst with a CTC of ₹15 to 20 LPA.

Teams can register at – Muthoot Finclusion Challenge 2025 – 2024 | 1285698 // Unstop

 

·         300+ Teams, 30+ Colleges: Over 300 teams from 30+ colleges participated, fostering financial literacy and healthy competition.

·         Star-Studded Finale: Graced by industry leaders, including Mr. Pra shant Kumar, MD & CEO of YES BANK, and Mr. Anshul Arzare, MD & CEO of YES SECURITIES.

·         SPJIMR Triumphs: S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) clinched the championship title, followed by Thakur College and Nagindas Khandwala College

·         Launch of WongaWits LMS: An innovative learning platform offering four financial modules and certifications, empowering students to master financial literacy.

 

 YES SECURITIES, a trusted name in financial services, successfully concluded Wonga Wits Season 1, its flagship financial literacy initiative, with a dazzling Grand Finale at YES BANK House.

 

The foundation of Wonga Wits was laid through the We Love Wonga campaign, a collaboration with Red FM that engaged students from 15 prominent colleges. Hosted by celebrated RJs like RJ Malishka and RJ Rishi Kapoor, these interactive sessions made financial education relatable and engaging.

 

Building on the We Love Wonga campaign's success, YES SECURITIES launched Wonga Wits, an inter-collegiate finance and stock market quiz designed to deepen financial literacy through an interactive and competitive format. Wonga Wits demonstrates YES SECURITIES’s unwavering commitment to empowering India’s youth through financial literacy.

 

The competition began with elimination round on November 30, 2024, featuring over 300 teams. From this, 36 teams advanced to the quarterfinals, held on December 7, 2024. Intense rounds of quizzing narrowed the field to six exceptional teams representing colleges including Jai Hind, Mithibai, SPJIMR, Thakur, and Nagindas Khandwala.

 

On January 10, 2025, the scenic lawns of YES BANK House hosted the Grand Finale, where six finalist teams competed across five challenging quiz rounds. The evening was graced by:

·         Mr. Prashant Kumar, MD & CEO, YES BANK

·         Mr. Anshul Arzare, MD & CEO, YES SECURITIES

·         Mr. Dheeraj Sanghi, Country Head – Branch & Affluent Banking, YES BANK

·         Mr. Nipun Kaushal, Chief Marketing Officer & Head – CSR YES BANK

Principals and coordinators, including 

Vice Principal Manish Gogari of Mithibai College and  

Principal Mrs. C.T. Chakraborty of Thakur College, added to the grandeur of the occasion. 

Winners:

·         Winners : S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) (Ansh Agrawal & Ravi Shankar)

·         1st Runner up : Thakur College of Science & Commerce (Ayush Shigawan & Samad Khan)

2nd Runner up: Nagindas Khandwala College (Jeet Rawat & Disha Dubey 

Prizes: 
Winners: 14” MacBook Pro Space Black 
1st Runner up: iPhone 16 Pro 256 GB Titanium 
2nd Runner up: 11” iPad Air WiFi 128 GB – Space Gray 

Winners were felicitated with Trophies and Certificates by Mr. Anshul Arzare and Mr. Nipun Kaushal, marking a proud moment for participants and their institutions. 

The Grand Finale also saw the unveiling of WongaWits LMS, a cutting-edge Learning Management System with four comprehensive modules on financial topics, enabling students to earn certifications. 

The evening concluded with a captivating performance by the Jafforia Band, leaving attendees inspired and energized. 

Mr. Anshul Arzare, MD & CEO, YES SECURITIES, said “The success of Wonga Wits Season 1 reflects our dedication to empowering India’s youth with essential financial knowledge. Through initiatives like Wonga Wits and the launch of WongaWits LMS, we aim to make financial literacy accessible, engaging, and impactful. We believe in empowering generations to invest wisely, securely and seamlessly. In the today's world, which is deeply coloured by all sort of unverified social media, it’s important for generations to be able to filter. Financial literacy has both the aspects – to be able to manage finances better and most importantly not fall prey to unverified approaches. Protecting money is equally important aspect along with making the best out of investments. We are immensely proud of the participants, whose enthusiasm and intellect have set a new standard for excellence.”

YES SECURITIES continues to innovate and lead initiatives that make a meaningful impact, with Wonga Wits Season 1 being a shining example of its dedication to financial literacy

On Saturday, a massive protest titled “Meyemtho – Maakante” was held in Anantapuram by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the BC Coordination Committee, demanding immediate implementation of a comprehensive caste census. During this protest, BC leaders raised serious concerns about the government's neglect of caste enumeration and strongly criticized the political establishment.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jujjavarapu Purnachandra Rao, BSP Andhra Pradesh Coordinator and retired DGP, remarked, “After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the state has suffered severely due to the absence of the Periyar-inspired BC political legacy. Today, the result of this is clear: the Reddy and Kamma-led governments have led the state to destruction through caste-based politics, steering the state away from welfare and development. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu, under BC leadership, is advancing in welfare, development, and equality. As Periyar rightly said, dignity and respect are more important than political freedom. We are questioning today whether this dignity and respect exist for BCs, SCs, and STs in Andhra Pradesh.”

“According to Ambedkar's principles, although every vote is equal, the votes of BCs have no political value, and politics has been confined to Reddys and Kammas. There was a time when, if a Reddy minister was in power, an SC Deputy Chief Minister could not even speak, nor could sit beside him. These are not new facts. The BCs are being used only as vote banks.”

“Across the country, caste dominates politics. In this scenario, it is crucial for us to know how many of us there are, so we can understand our rights, representation, funds, and appointments, and recognize the injustice that has occurred. The only solution to this is a comprehensive caste census. Why is the government hesitant to conduct this? Because they don't want the world to know our strength. Just like Hanuman did not know his strength until someone reminded him with praises, BCs too are unaware of their power. This is why youth, leaders, and BC people from all sections must unite and fight. Only then will we gain the courage and strength to challenge the system.”

“BC leaders from all parties, whether TDP or YSRCP, must step forward and make their parties aware. Keep the power near you. Today, there are 29 SC MLAs, 7 STs, and 40 BCs. If this number reaches 100, we will be able to fight collectively for the marginalized and weaker sections. When the number of BC MLAs increases, the voices and strength for the fight for SCs and STs will grow. If the main parties fail to field BC MLA candidates, we, the BCs, must teach them a lesson by electing other BC candidates. Only then will BC leaders within these parties open their eyes.”

In this massive protest, BSP State President B. Paramjyothi, State BC Coordination Committee Chairman Angadala Purnachandra Rao, and other BSP and BC leaders spoke out and vowed to intensify their fight for the demand for a caste census.

 

Structured Mentorship and Upskilling to Help Women Reclaim Their Professional Trajectories

 

The Mahindra Group is proud to announce the launch of “SOAR: Seamless Opportunity for Amazing Returnships,” a pioneering program designed to create full-time, meaningful career opportunities for women professionals who have taken a career break and are now ready to resume their corporate journeys. Unlike many industry programs that limit returning talent to short-term or part-time assignments, SOAR invests deeply in these professionals, providing them with roles aligned to their pre-break experience as well as an intensive framework of mentorship, training, and continued engagement.

 

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ruzbeh Irani, President – Group Human Resources, Mahindra Group, said, “Women returning to the workforce bring resilience, fresh perspectives, and invaluable experience. At Mahindra, we believe in nurturing this talent by offering not just a role, but a journey—one enriched with guidance, upskilling, and long-term growth opportunities. SOAR reflects our promise to ensure that every returning professional feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach new heights.”

 

Designed for women with at least five years of prior work experience and a career break of six months to three years, SOAR begins with a comprehensive induction at the Mahindra Leadership University (MLU). This onboarding process encourages networking, collaborative learning, and a shared sense of purpose among all participants. Each returning professional is then paired with both a “buddy” and a mentor, fostering critical support and advocacy during the transition back to work.

 

Alongside ongoing mentorship, the program offers flexible work arrangements such as job sharing or part-time engagements, allowing candidates to balance personal and professional commitments. Through periodic feedback loops, structured one-on-one check-ins, and leadership reviews, SOAR ensures that participants continually build upon their skill sets, rediscover their professional identity, and thrive over the long term.

 

The Mahindra Group, a multinational federation of companies operating in diverse industries, has long embraced its philosophy of “Rise”—empowering people to drive positive change. With SOAR, the Group extends this mission to women returning to work, believing that inclusive workplaces ultimately fuel resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth. By weaving developmental opportunities into a strong support network, SOAR sets a new benchmark for forward-thinking talent management, benefitting returning women professionals and the communities they serve.

 

 

IIFL Finance Limited (“IIFL”) has successfully raised USD 325 million through a Fixed Rate Senior Secured Bond, priced at a competitive coupon rate of 8.75% with a door-to-door tenor of 3.5 years. This issuance marks IIFL’s significant re-entry into the international bond markets after its debut offering in February 2020, further diversifying its borrowing profile.

 

The bond offering witnessed an overwhelming response from global institutional investors across Asia, Europe, and the United States. The transaction began with an initial pricing guidance of 9.00% and garnered peak demand of USD 1.15 billion at final pricing guidance. The final order book stood at over USD 730 million, with allocations of 20% in Asia, 25% in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), and 54% in the US. High-quality fund managers accounted for 95% of the allocation, while insurance companies and private banks made up 3% and 2%, respectively.

 

The proceeds from this issuance will be used for onward lending, as per the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) Guidelines by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

 

The successful issuance comes in the wake of the RBI’s decision to lift the ban on IIFL’s gold financing business in September 2024, further strengthening investor confidence. IIFL’s management highlighted its resilient business model, robust processes, and strong risk controls during extensive investor engagements over the last few days.

 

Commenting on the successful issuance, Kapish Jain, CFO of IIFL Finance, said:

“The strong response to this bond offering from top-tier global institutional investors is a testament to the trust and confidence in IIFL’s business model, operational strength, and governance standards. This issuance not only allows us to diversify our funding sources but also reinforces our commitment to delivering value to stakeholders while adhering to prudent financial practices.”

 

The bond offering was rated B+ by both S&P and Fitch, with a stable outlook. Leading international banks—Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC, Mizuho, and Deutsche Bank—acted as joint book runners for the transaction.

 

Partnership empowers Dhoot Transmission Group to drive continued innovation, expand global reach, and capitalize on high-growth segments

 

Dhoot Transmission Group (“Dhoot”), a leading manufacturer of automotive components, today announced a strategic growth investment from Bain Capital, a global private investment firm. Through an aligned partnership with Founder and CEO, Rahul Dhoot, Bain Capital will leverage its global automotive expertise and deep value-creation capabilities to support the company’s continued growth. Together, they aim to accelerate Dhoot Transmission Group’s leadership in high-demand segments, foster continued innovation, and support global expansion through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

 

Founded in 1999, Dhoot Transmission Group is a global leader in Two-Wheeler and Three-Wheeler Wiring Harness. The company’s advanced Wiring Harnesses also power Heavy and Light Commercial Vehicles, Off-road Vehicles, and Farm Equipment in ICE and EV segments across the globe. Over the past 25 years, Dhoot Transmission Group has also diversified in Electronics Sensors & Controllers, Automotive Switches, Connection Systems, and an array of EV products, including Charging Guns, Inlets, Off-Board Chargers, RCDs, High Voltage & Low Voltage Wiring Harness, and assembly of Li-Ion Batteries. This growth has been fueled by a strong focus on innovation, a customer-centric approach, strategic acquisitions, and technology partnerships. Dhoot Transmission Group has also expanded internationally, employing over 10,000+ people across 20+ state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in India, the UK, Slovakia, and Thailand.

 

“Our journey over the past two decades has been defined by a commitment to innovation, quality, and trust,” said Rahul Dhoot, Founder and CEO of Dhoot Transmission Group. Partnering with Bain Capital is an exciting opportunity to accelerate this evolution. Their strategic expertise and integrity make them the perfect partner to help us scale globally and pursue emerging opportunities that deliver value to our customers worldwide.”

 

“Over the past two decades, Rahul has built Dhoot Transmission Group into a market leader, serving as a critical partner to OEMs powering India’s Two-wheeler market—the largest in the world with a strong growth trajectory. Dhoot's entrepreneurial culture, customer focus, and investments in cutting-edge technology have also now positioned the company at the forefront of several high-growth segments. We are excited to partner with Rahul and the Dhoot Transmission team to build on their impressive growth journey and help drive expansion through M&A and technology partnerships,” said Rishi Mandawat, Partner at Bain Capital. “Their customer-first approach and strong employee engagement has helped the group to build a leading auto-component business and together, we see significant opportunities to expand both organically and inorganically, accelerate exports, and enhance their global footprint,” added Saahil Bhatia, Managing Director at Bain Capital.

 

Bain Capital’s investment was made through its Private Equity team, which has deep experience supporting the growth of founder-led companies and global industrial platforms. Since establishing its Mumbai office in 2008, Bain Capital has built one of the largest private equity teams in India, with notable investments including Hero MotoCorp, RSB Transmissions, Porus Labs, 360one Wealth, CitiusTech, J.M. Baxi, and Quest Global.

 

Terms of the private transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, were not disclosed.

 

Alvarez and Marsal, AZB & Partners, ERM, ICICI Securities, Kearney, Kirkland and Ellis, KPMG and PwC served as advisors to Bain Capital.

 

Singhi Advisors, Trilegal and Deloitte served as advisors to Dhoot Transmission Group.

YES BANK, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), has announced the launch of the Frictionless Finance Accelerator Programme. This initiative, unveiled on National Startup Day, aims to support fintech startups in addressing critical challenges, scaling their innovations, and driving financial inclusion.

India’s startup ecosystem is thriving, with over 1.5 lakh Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) registered startups and more than 100 unicorns. Fintech, a key pillar of this growth, is redefining access to financial services and enabling small businesses to thrive. With this accelerator, YES BANK reinforces its role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in this dynamic sector.

Key Features of the Frictionless Finance Accelerator, include :

1.      Support System for Startups: Startups gain access to expertise from RBIH, academic resources from SPJIMR, and YES BANK’s industry knowledge.

2.      Focus on Emerging Technologies: The programme supports solutions in digital lending, AI-powered risk management, blockchain-based payments, and financial inclusion.

3.      Regulatory and Business Guidance: Platforms like YES Connect provide startups with tools to navigate regulatory frameworks, optimise business models, and leverage digital infrastructure.

4.      Collaborative Ecosystem: The programme builds partnerships between fintechs, industry leaders, and regulators to foster growth and innovation.

Mr. Prashant Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK, said, “India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, and fintech startups are at the forefront of this transformation. The world is changing fast, and the future is one of interconnectedness, powered by technologies that once seemed impossible. At YES BANK, we are committed to supporting this growth through initiatives like the Frictionless Finance Accelerator, which helps startups address real-world challenges and build scalable solutions.”

YES BANK’s Role in Driving Innovation

YES BANK has consistently supported startups, especially in fintech, through initiatives like YES HeadStartup and digital platforms such as IRIS Biz, YES Connect, and SmartFin. These solutions simplify operations, enabling startups to focus on innovation.

The Bank’s partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with Vegapay to launch Credit Line on UPI, highlight its emphasis on co-creating financial solutions tailored to startups’ needs. Similarly, its association with SPJIMR’s Wise Tech School of Innovation provides startups with mentorship, funding access, and resources to scale efficiently.

“Our focus is on creating a robust ecosystem where startups can thrive. We don’t just offer products or platforms; we offer partnerships that drive real impact,” Mr. Kumar added.

Dr. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, emphasised the value of collaboration for responsible innovation, stating, “We appreciate the support provided by RBIH and YES BANK to launch the first Frictionless Finance Accelerator. At SPJIMR, through our WISE Tech initiative, we champion responsible innovation that blends cutting-edge technology with inclusivity and ethics. This partnership will enable start-ups to address challenges, redefine financial accessibility, and contribute to India's growth. Together, we are shaping a seamless and secure financial culture.” 

Mr. Rajesh Bansal, CEO, Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, shared his vision and stated, “Our mission of enabling 'Frictionless Finance for a Billion Indians' is deeply rooted in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This accelerator programme is a testament to our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs by providing access to world-class mentorship, facilitating connections with banks, and enabling them to create pathways for transformative growth that will shape the future of India’s financial ecosystem.”

The Programme’s launch coincides with a time of tremendous opportunity and transformation. With global venture capital investments in 2024 soaring to $314 billion and the global digital economy expected to exceed $20 trillion by 2030, fintech start-ups are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of finance. The Frictionless Finance Accelerator is a movement that symbolises the transformative power of partnerships, bold vision, and relentless action.

 

 

5paisa Capital Limited (5paisa.com), which is one of India’s leading discount brokers today said that it has appointed technology and wealth management industry veteran Gaurav Seth as Chief Executive Officer as it aims to deepen its offerings for traders and investors and further bolster its tech platform.

 

Seth has over two decades of experience building businesses at the intersection of financial services and technology globally with experience spanning the US, India and SouthEast Asia. Prior to joining 5paisa, he was the Chief Product Officer at Syfe where he focused on building Syfe as the leading digital wealth player in Southeast Asia. Earlier, Seth was the Chief Business Officer and part of the initial team at Paytm Money where he played a pivotal role in establishing Paytm Money as a top brokerage and mutual fund distributor in India. Prior to Paytm, Gaurav led the digital transformation of Morgan Stanley's wealth management business in NY and advised leading wealth managers on their digital strategy.

 

Seth is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad and Bachelor of Engineering from the Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala.

 

Commenting on the appointment, Co-Promoter Mr. R Venkataraman said, “Mr. Seth’s experience in tech driven innovations at major global and Indian firms will complement the digital transformation priorities at 5paisa Capital. We look forward to a great period of growth and innovation at 5paisa Capital under Mr. Seth’s leadership.

 

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Gaurav Seth said, “5paisa Capital was the original disruptor in Indian broking industry and democratized equity investing for millions of Indians by offering a great platform at affordable fees. I am happy to be a part of this legacy and excited about the next phase of growth at 5paisa.”

 

5paisa.com is one of India’s largest discount brokers with more than 4.62 million customers at the end of September 2024. The company reported a net profit to Rs 219 million in Q2FY25, while revenues stood at Rs 1008 million. 5paisa.com is one of the most used stock investing apps in India with over 20.6 million users and has a high rating of 4.3 on Google Play.

 

EDITOR'S SYNOPSIS

 

●        ACC and the Adani Foundation, partner with NABARD, to develop a 639-metre concrete irrigation channel, or ‘kuhl’, in Ropa village, Himachal Pradesh

●        This irrigation channel benefits 14 farmers, covering 2.3 hectares of farmland in the village.

●        The project replaces traditional kacha channels with pucca ones, reducing water wastage, ensuring timely irrigation, and boosting crop yields by over 10%.

 

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, in partnership with the Adani Foundation along with support from NABARD, has improved irrigation facilities in Ropa village, Himachal Pradesh. Under the Dhounkothi Panjgain Watershed Development Project, a 639-metre concrete irrigation channel, known locally as a ‘kuhl’, has been built to prevent water wastage and ensure timely water supply for 14 farmers, benefiting their 2.3 hectares of farmland.

 

ACC, along with Adani Foundation, played a pivotal role in providing technical expertise and project execution to replace traditional kacha ‘kuhls’ with sustainable pucca channels. This initiative included vital components including check dams and water-drop structures to maximise water conservation and distribution efficiency.

 

Farmers from Ropa village, including Ravi Thakur, now enjoy timely irrigation and improved crop yields, with maize and wheat production rising by over 10%. Thakur said, “With water now able to be evenly distributed across all our fields, ACC and the Adani Foundation have truly changed our farming prospects.”

 

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s commitment to empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable farming practices is highlighted through such initiatives, not just in Himachal Pradesh and across the nation.