Comparative Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives and Government Welfare Schemes emphasising Orunodoi on Women’s Livelihoods and Empowerment in Assam – Study based on Barak Valley

Abstract: This study examines how women in Assam’s Barak Valley perceive and benefit from private-sector CSR initiatives versus a major government welfare scheme (Orunodoi). A survey of 60 rural women (30 CSR beneficiaries, 30 Orunodoi recipients) was done and conduction of focus-group discussions to compare program accessibility, effectiveness, satisfaction, and livelihood outcomes. Findings suggest Orunodoi is generally seen as more accessible and immediately beneficial for household needs, whereas CSR programs (e.g. skill‐training or microcredit by companies) are valued for longer-term income improvements. Both interventions increased women’s sense of financial security, but differences in targeting and bureaucratic ease emerged. For example, Orunodoi recipients reported higher ease of enrollment (mean score ~3.6/5 vs. 2.8/5 for CSR), while CSR trainees reported slightly higher income gains (Table 2). Policy recommendations include better coordination of CSR and government efforts: for instance, linking CSR skill training with Orunodoi cash support to maximize impact. Despite a small sample, the study highlights that each approach has merits, and that women’s preferences hinge on both economic needs and social factors.

Keywords: Women’s empowerment; CSR initiatives; Orunodoi scheme; Barak Valley; livelihood outcomes.