Bhawanipatna, Aug 5: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has marked a major milestone in its community development efforts with the successful completion of its first Food & Beverage (F&B) training batch at the Lanjigarh Skills Training Centre. The program achieved an impressive 92% job placement rate, reflecting Vedanta’s commitment to empowering local youth with industry-ready skills.

Launched in collaboration with the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) and NABARD, the initiative aims to train over 1,200 rural youth over three years. So far, 701 individuals have already been trained under this program, which combines vocational training with entrepreneurial and employment pathways.

Beyond placements, the initiative has made significant strides in digital literacy. All trainees completed 40 hours of IT education, with 90% experiencing digital learning for the first time. This step is seen as crucial in preparing a future-ready workforce in Kalahandi.

Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative: “When youth are equipped with the right skills and exposure, it sparks a chain reaction of progress—for families, communities, and the local economy. This milestone reflects what’s possible when industry and community participation come together.”

Maheshwar Das, District Development Manager at NABARD, praised the program’s transformative potential: “Initiatives like these bridge the gap between rural potential and mainstream opportunities. Vedanta’s efforts are truly commendable.”

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth) and supports the national vision of Viksit Bharat by fostering rural employability and entrepreneurship.

Read More Odisha News