Hyderabad's Tribal Communities to Benefit from Digitization of Petrol Pumps
The Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) has partnered with Hyderabad-based climate tech company TRST01 to modernize the operation of tribal-run petrol pumps. This collaboration aims to empower tribal communities through technological advancements, ensuring better management and sustainability.
Telangana is home to 32 Scheduled Tribes, making up 9% of the state’s population. The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, has prioritized tribal development. Efforts are being made to improve health, education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities for these communities, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like No Poverty, Gender Equality, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The Tribal Welfare Department has been actively working to provide sustainable income and employment opportunities for tribal populations. As part of this mission, the GCC operates 29 petrol pumps across Telangana, which are managed by tribal communities. However, these petrol pumps have faced challenges, including operational inefficiencies and financial losses, leading to closures and malfunctions.
To address these issues, GCC’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director, A. Sharath, conducted a thorough review of the petrol pump operations. He identified weaknesses in the current management systems and outlined a plan to transform these pumps into profit-making ventures using technology. To implement this plan, GCC has joined hands with TRST01, a globally recognized climate tech company certified with ISO 27001 and 9001 standards.
TRST01 has proposed the creation of an Inventory Management and Monitoring App and Dashboard tailored to the needs of the GCC petrol pumps. This digital system will replace traditional management practices with a streamlined, technology-driven approach. The key features of this solution include 100% online transactions, improved accountability, elimination of financial leakages, and enhanced transparency.
Speaking about the initiative, A. Sharath stated, “This initiative is expected to be a game-changer, bringing operational vibrancy and financial sustainability to tribal-run petrol pumps. It will ensure sustainable employment for tribal salespeople, foster transparency in financial management, and secure livelihoods for tribal communities.”
By digitizing operations, the project is set to make tribal petrol pumps more efficient and profitable, contributing to the long-term development of tribal communities in Telangana.