The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA, JANUARY 24, 2025
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has launched its second ‘VeDakshata’ skills training centre in Patrapali, Kolabira block, Jharsuguda district, Odisha. This initiative aims to empower underprivileged youth from Jharsuguda and surrounding areas through placement-linked skill development programs. The centre was inaugurated by Manas Kumar, District Employment Officer, Jharsuguda, alongside other distinguished guests and community members.
In partnership with Gram Tarang and the Government of Odisha, Vedanta Aluminium’s latest ‘VeDakshata’ centre offers industry-relevant courses in smartphone repairing and food and beverage services. Over the next three years, the centre aims to train 500 rural youth, equipping them with essential skills for sustainable livelihoods. The facility boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including digital training rooms, trade-specific learning spaces, a multipurpose hall, and separate hostel accommodations for boys and girls.
Building on the success of the first ‘VeDakshata’ centre in Bileimunda, Sundargarh district—launched in December 2024—the new facility is set to further Vedanta Aluminium’s vision of fostering inclusive growth. The inaugural batch at the Bileimunda centre successfully trained over 100 students in sewing machine operation, electrical maintenance, and food and beverage service.
Speaking on the initiative, Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are deeply committed to empowering the aspirations of the youth in the communities where we operate. The ‘VeDakshata’ centres exemplify our dedication to bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, enabling sustainable livelihoods and fostering socio-economic development in Jharsuguda.”
Echoing these sentiments, Manas Kumar, District Employment Officer, said, “The ‘VeDakshata’ initiative is a commendable effort by Vedanta Aluminium to empower the youth of this region. By equipping them with practical skills, the program opens up avenues for career opportunities across the country, playing a crucial role in driving employment and economic growth in the district.”
Vedanta’s broader social interventions reach over 80 villages in and around Jharsuguda, impacting more than 3 lakh people annually. These initiatives span education, healthcare, livelihood generation, grassroots sports, art and culture, and women and child development. Key achievements include empowering nearly 5,000 women across 350 self-help groups (SHGs), providing healthcare to 50,000 individuals annually, supporting the education of 13,000 students, and planting over 1.5 lakh trees in partnership with local communities.
Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, produced 2.37 million tonnes of aluminium in FY23, accounting for over half of India’s total aluminium output. Renowned for its value-added aluminium products and sustainable development practices, the company ranked second globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry. With world-class aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium is committed to advancing aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a sustainable tomorrow.
