Bhawanipatna, Feb 14: Vedanta Aluminium has marked a significant milestone in inclusive skill development by achieving a 100% placement rate for the 27th batch of its Food & Beverage (F&B) Skill Training Programme in Kalahandi, Odisha, officials said on Saturday.

Conducted at the Lanjigarh Skill Training Centre, the programme has successfully placed seven specially-abled candidates across aviation, hospitality, and service-sector organisations, reinforcing the company’s vision of empowering rural and marginalised communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The candidates have joined reputed organisations such as IndiGo, Club Mahindra, Belgian Waffle, Minerva Grand, AVN Group, Sri Nature Valley, and Golf Club, reflecting industry confidence in inclusive hiring from aspirational districts like Kalahandi. To date, over 941 rural youth have been trained under the initiative, with nearly 80% securing employment.

Organised in collaboration with the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) and NABARD, the programme is strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 – No Poverty and SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. Through structured technical training, workplace readiness modules, and employer sensitisation, the centre has enabled specially-abled youth from remote regions to transition into mainstream employment with dignity.

Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Vedanta Alumina Business, emphasised that inclusive hiring is not merely a social initiative but a strategic workforce imperative. Candidate Tribhuban Suna shared how the programme transformed his life, enabling him to secure stable employment and support his family.

The initiative aims to train more than 1,300 rural youth over three years, offering both employment and entrepreneurial pathways. By fostering grassroots economic development and socio-economic integration, Vedanta Aluminium continues to play a pivotal role in driving inclusive progress in rural Odisha.