Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer, is enabling thousands of rural youth through its skill development centres, the Vedanta Skill Schools, thereby unleashing socio-economic transformation in Chhattisgarh.
Skilled human resource is an asset that can accelerate the developmental journey of any country. India’s aspirations of becoming the world’s 3rd largest economy, requires skilled manpower to maintain the momentum of growth. Hence there is urgent need for development of employable and entrepreneurial skills amongst the youth, especially in underserved areas like rural and tribal belts.
The philosophy of giving back to the society is the cornerstone of BALCO’s approach to community development. The organization is committed to enabling communities in the areas of its operations and beyond through skill development for true socio-economic empowerment. Recognising that amongst the rural populace, the youth can become catalysts of change, BALCO partnered with Learnet Skills Limited to establish the Vedanta Skill School in Korba, in 2010.
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The Vedanta Skill School imparts free residential training in six trades, including food & beverage, welding, sewing machine operation, solar PV technician, electrician and fitter. The 45-65 days training programme is designed as per the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) guidelines, and Vedanta Skill School imparts these trainings in convergence with government schemes like Mukhya Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (MMKVY), NABARD, Skill India Impact Bond (SIIB) and National institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
The success of the skill school at Korba led to the established of two more centres at Mainpat and Kawardha in year 2017 and 2018 respectively. Till date, more than 10,000 youth from Chhattisgarh have been trained at the three skill schools and have found employment in various industries across the country. Beyond training the youth, the institutes are playing a crucial role in improving employment rate, quality of life, reducing inequalities and improving many other aspects of life in the region.
“At Vedanta, sustainable livelihood development is a key pillar in our community development endeavours. With the right skills and education, our youth can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Chhattisgarh and India. Through the Vedanta Skill Schools, we aim to foster avenues for skill development among the local youth, helping them avail opportunities to learn employable skills, thus paving way for their financial security and holistic development. BALCO believes in enabling each individual in the community with the resources they need to empower themselves, and our various community development programmes are aligned to that vision.” – Abhijit Pati, CEO & Director of BALCO.
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“I would like to appreciate the robust training programme of Vedanta Skill Schools. The graduates from Vedanta Skill School who are working in our organization have displayed exemplary professional skills. I have referred the students of this institute to my peer community as well.” – Sandeep Kumar Rai, HR Manager at Hotel Babylon International in Raipur.
“Enrolling in skill school has been one of the best decisions of my life. I had joined the training programme in food & beverages programme which has helped me to avail jobs in different hospitality firms. Today I am proud to support my family financially and to share responsibilities with my father.” – Purnesh Darvesh, assembly fitter at PG Electroplast Pvt Ltd, Pune.
“I feel fortunate to be a student of Vedanta Skill School as it has played a significant role in bringing a positive change in my life by aiding my journey towards self-dependence.” – Indu Pakwasa, sewing machine operator at Young Brand, Tirupur.
Expressing her gratitude, Santoshi Dhurve, who is now employed in an eminent textile industry, says, “I am deeply thankful to the Vedanta Skill School for making me financially independent and enabling me to take care of my family. The institute has been instrumental in transforming my life and making me self-reliant.”
Also Read: CSR: Vedanta Spends Rs. 399 Crores on Community Development in FY 2022
At BALCO, socio-economic development of communities is paramount and an integral part of running a sustainable business. The company touches the lives of about 1.5 lakh people annually through deep interventions in education, sustainable livelihoods, women empowerment, health wealth & sanitation, sports & culture, and infrastructure development. BALCO’s social endeavours reach over 123 villages, covering 4 districts of Chhattisgarh viz. Korba, Kawardha, Surguja and Raipur, and its CSR policies and systems are framed and implemented in a manner to deliver sustainable impact on ground, making these communities an equal participant in the progress of the nation.
(India CSR)
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