Bhubaneswar, July 15 (FN Representative) Nearly 11,000 youths across Odisha and Chhattisgarh have been trained through skill development initiatives Vedanta Aluminium,largest producer of aluminium in the country. . Vedant Aluminium sources said these programs on rural communities near its operations are helping bridge the gap between unskilled and semi-skilled youths through a three-pronged approach. They include trainings in market-relevant vocational skills, entrepreneurship and farming & animal husbandry, enabling youths to enter the socio-economic mainstream through sustainable livelihood opportunities An active supporter of the Government of India’s ‘Skill India’ vision, Vedant Aluminium has undertaken a slew of skill development programs which are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 1 and 8, namely, No Poverty and Decent Work and Economic Growth. They are designed and deployed in close partnership with leading knowledge providers such as NABARD and the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), ensuring that youths are trained only on relevant curriculum and in-demand skill sets.
BALCO, India’s iconic aluminium producer and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium based in Korba, Chhattisgarh, has undertaken the Vedanta Skill School program which imparts free training in six trades in accordance with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) guidelines. At Lanjigarh, Odisha, home to Vedanta’s world class alumina refinery, the company has launched a Skill Training Program in partnership with NABARD, creating employment opportunities by enhancing skill sets in areas such as housekeeping and tailoring. Vedanta Aluminium has also partnered with the Skill Development Institute in Bhubaneswar to offer a training program to youths in Sundargarh, Odisha as industrial electricians. Vedanta Aluminium is also empowering rural women through the Subhalaxmi Co-operativein Odisha, benefiting over 4000 members.The project provides micro-finance, skill development, financial literacy, and market linkage, building aspiring women entrepreneurs. By equipping artisans with modern techniques, the company has revived ancient art forms like Dhokra and Saura, empowering artisans to create contemporary designs for higher demand.
This inclusive approach extends to local SHGs in Chhattisgarh, where skill development programs enable women to take up production of market-viable products, from handicrafts to exotic chocolates. Through its Jeevika Samriddhi livelihood project, the company has also conducted several sessions on climate resilient farming practice and modern practices on animal husbandry, benefitting more than 330 households. COO, Vedanta Ltd Sunil Gupta said by providing avenues for local youth to acquire essential skills, Vedanta Aluminium enables them to secure gainful employment within and beyond their communities.” CEO and Director, BALCO Rajesh Kumar said, “Vedanta BALCO is committed to empowering the youth of our nation with sustainable livelihood opportunities.