Minister for Backward Classes Welfare and Textiles S. Savitha on Thursday said that industrial establishments have turned crucial partners in rural development by extending Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds into infrastructure building and skill development resources.

Addressing a CSR programme at the Revenue Divisional Office in Penukonda of Sri Sathya Sai district, the Minister highlighted that industrial investments have created massive employment generation and social development in Rayalaseema region. “Nearly ₹36 crore in CSR funds mobilised from industries, including Kia Motors and BEL, is being pumped into developmental works across Penukonda Assembly constituency alone,” she said.

On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the State government and Kia Motors for an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) building at a cost of ₹12 crore under the company’s CSR initiative. “The two-acre campus is expected to be ready for the next academic year and will impart industry-oriented technical skills to local youth,” Ms. Savitha said.

District Collector A. Shyam Prasad said that the new ITI remains a testimony to the partnership between government and industry, reflecting inclusive development. “The district administration would ensure the timely completion of the ITI building and other CSR-funded projects, including roads, healthcare facilities, anganwadi centres and drinking water schemes,” the Collector said.