September 2025 | 793 words | 3-minute read
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The shelves are stacked with a wide array of snacks. A packet of Chirote—the classic Maharashtrian treat known for its flaky layers—rests beside a bundle of Shankarpada, bite-sized biscuits made with flour, ghee, sugar, and milk. Just a few steps away, rows of school uniforms line an open closet. Most of the products at this homely store in Pimpri, Maharashtra, are handmade by the women of Grihini Social Welfare Society—a cooperative enterprise by Tata Motors.
It may seem like just another day at work for its members — but it’s the shared purpose of serving the community, and empowering themselves in the process, that has kept this collective going strong for 50 years. Beginning with a modest masala unit in 1975, the enterprise has expanded to include products and services ranging from household consumer goods to automotive parts.
Expanding the ambit
In the 1960s, when Tata Motors began expanding its footprint in Pune, the women relatives of its employees—many uprooted from rural homes—found themselves unmoored in a new place. That’s when the company provided them with a new kind of anchor: a platform where women could learn new skills and become financially independent. The women were trained, imparted with new skills and later absorbed into Grihini’s various units based on their skills and interests — a practice they continue with new recruits even today.
Tata Motors Grihini is a shining example of how purpose, perseverance, and partnership can empower women to transform their lives and communities - Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors
Over time, its scope broadened to include disadvantaged women from the surrounding neighbourhoods, recommended by employees. Hemlata Pansare, an operator on the Surface Mounting Technology line (SMT), is one such example. She joined Grihini in 2004 in the electronics department. “It was a financially challenging time for me. As a single mother of two young children, I desperately needed a job, and I learnt about the opportunity at just the right moment.”
That she had no prior experience in electronics didn’t matter. “Within three months of training, I was able to pick up the ropes. The fact that the women were so supportive only eased my transition,” says Mrs Pansare, who has now completed over two decades with the organisation.
Over the years, Grihini has steadily expanded its reach. Today, the cooperative comprises four societies operating across more than seven locations in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, employing nearly 450 women. In addition to business from Tata Motors, it now secures contracts from other enterprises as well.
Pillars of Progress
Grihini is governed by a cooperative structure with equitable profit-sharing and collective decision-making. It follows a management model where ownership lies with the parent society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Grihini also operates on the principle of a five-hour workday, allowing women to balance professional and domestic responsibilities.
Beyond business, Grihini doubles up as a support system. It offers life skills training, health check-ups, and awareness programmes on domestic violence and workplace safety. It also supports CSR initiatives of Tata Group companies, including Tata Motors’ malnutrition project and skilling programmes for JLR and Tata Hendrickson.
Road to Self-Reliance
From a turnover of ₹3.6 lakh in 1974–75, Grihini’s revenue touched ₹23.30 crore in FY 2023–24. In 2023, the cooperative ventured into high end SMT line the ROI of which was achieved one year in advance. Grihini was successful in breaking gender stereotypes and broadening the public perception of what a women’s enterprise could achieve as they rolled out this Six Sigma ELF certified line for the automotive industry.
The following year, it commenced operations at Tata Motors’ Sanand plant — marking a significant step towards locally made goods.
From 100% business dependency on Tata Motors in its initial years, today the figure stands at 58%, with Grihini aiming to be fully independent in the next five years.
“Tata Motors Grihini is a shining example of how purpose, perseverance, and partnership can empower women to transform their lives and communities,” says Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors. “It’s truly inspiring to see how these women have built something extraordinary from humble beginnings. From seven pioneers to over 450 entrepreneurs today, their story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets passion. As we celebrate Grihini’s 50-year legacy, we also honour the vision of Mrs Leela tai Moolgaokar, whose belief in women’s potential laid the foundation for a movement that continues to inspire inclusive growth and purpose-driven impact.”
As it sets its sights on scaling up and achieving greater self-reliance, the cooperative remains rooted in the values of dignity, equity, and sisterhood that sparked its journey over 50 years ago.
Today, Grihini’s operations span four key units:
- Electronics: This division assembles over 80 types of components for Tata vehicles, including electric models. A Surface Mounting Technology line within it employs over 215 women.
- Cable Harness: Around 100 women work here, crafting main, tail, and engine cables. The cable harnesses are supplied to Motherson Sumi to produce intricate wiring systems for vehicles.
- Tailoring: This unit specialises in factory uniforms, school bags, and pillow covers.
- Vividh Karyakari: Known for its traditional Maharashtrian snacks, pickles, and spices, this FSSAI-certified unit caters to Tata Motors and luxury hotels like Taj Hotels and other hospitality brands. It also operates two retail outlets in Pimpri and Chinchwad.
- Anju Maskeri
