Bhubaneswar, June 30: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is driving youth employability in Odisha’s Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts through its residential skill development initiative, VeDakshata. The programme is designed to build industry-relevant capabilities and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities around its coal mining operations, officials said on Tuesday.

Implemented in partnership with the Socio Empowerment and Economic Development Society (SEEDS), VeDakshata focuses on enhancing technical competence, workplace readiness, and confidence among rural youth. As one of the first dedicated residential skilling hubs in the region, it offers structured training, hands-on industry exposure, and placement support. Training modules include Food and Beverage Services, Sewing Machine Operator, and Assistant Electrician, opening pathways to employment across hospitality, manufacturing, and technical sectors.

Since its inception, VeDakshata has enrolled 318 youth across trades, with 131 securing placements in various organisations. The initiative reflects Vedanta Aluminium’s growing impact in connecting local talent to meaningful employment opportunities.

Amares Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium we view skill development as a key driver of inclusive growth. Through VeDakshata, we are focused on creating pathways for rural youth to build meaningful careers by equipping them with relevant skills, industry exposure and confidence. Strengthening employability at the grassroots is central to enabling long-term socio-economic progress in the regions where we operate.”
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Participants have also shared positive experiences. Geeta Berera, a resident of Taparia village, said, “Before joining the training programme, I had limited opportunities to build a career. The Sewing Machine Operator course at VeDakshata Skill Centre helped me learn new skills and gain confidence. Today, I feel more independent and hopeful about my future.”

Beyond skill development, Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines continues to invest in community development initiatives spanning livelihoods, women empowerment, education, healthcare, sports, and rural infrastructure. Its interventions in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh have reached over 2 lakh people, contributing to inclusive and long-term socio-economic development.