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NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a major stride toward socio-economic empowerment in India’s tribal heartland, NMDC Limited has successfully completed a targeted skill development programme for youth from the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh — culminating in 100% employment placement for the first batch of 80 trainees. This milestone not only underscores the company’s commitment to inclusive growth but also reflects its broader vision of turning local talent into industry-ready professionals.
A Strategic CSR Vision for Tribal Empowerment
NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer and a public sector Navratna enterprise, has long anchored its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts around sustainable development and livelihood enhancement in communities surrounding its operational areas. As part of this mission, the company partnered with the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) to deliver industry-centric training aimed at equipping local youth with employable skill sets.
The initiative specifically focused on tribal and economically disadvantaged youth from districts including Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, and Bijapur, where opportunities have traditionally been limited. The programme was designed to ensure that young people not only acquire practical skills but also gain the confidence and capability to secure stable employment and contribute meaningfully to regional development.
Opening Doors Through Industry-Relevant Training
The training initiative encompassed multiple levels of certification and professional preparation. Youth with educational qualifications ranging from Class 8 pass to graduates were encouraged to enrol in various livelihood and technical courses conducted by CIPET — renowned for its expertise in plastics processing, molding technology, polymer science, and other applied technical fields.
These courses were fully funded and included hands-on practical training tailored to meet evolving industry demands. Under the programme framework:
- Short-term certification courses prepared trainees for roles such as machine operators and plastics processing technicians.
- Diploma programmes offered in-depth technical insights for students with higher qualifications.
- Post-graduate diploma tracks supported advanced skill development for science graduates.
The structure of this initiative ensured that there were no financial barriers to participation, with tuition, training support, and other critical resources sponsored through NMDC’s CSR allocations.
From Training to Employment: Real Impact on Lives
A highlight of the programme has been its employment linkage success. The first cohort of 80 youth — many of whom joined the training as first-generation learners — have now transitioned seamlessly into formal employment opportunities, marking a 100% placement rate. This reflects not only the quality of the training imparted but also the company’s focus on creating credible pathways to respectable jobs.
Participants shared stories of transformation. Many came from remote villages with few job prospects and limited means. For instance, a young Bastar youth who had completed Class 12 described how the programme empowered him with skills he previously thought were beyond reach, now preparing him to earn and support his family with dignity.
Leadership Voices: Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Senior NMDC leadership attending the placement ceremony reinforced the deeper purpose behind the initiative. They emphasized that providing jobs is just one piece of a larger vision — building confidence, self-reliance, and contribution to nation-building among youth from traditionally underserved areas.
The leaders also highlighted how this training effort dovetails with broader developmental trends in Chhattisgarh and across the Bastar region, where investment commitments and infrastructure growth are creating new opportunities in the economy.
Long-Term Contribution in Tribal Regions
Beyond the recent milestone, NMDC’s CSR framework continues to support skill development and education across broader parameters. Past initiatives — including scholarship programmes and the establishment of vocational institutions such as ITI Bhansi and the Polytechnic College in Dantewada — have collectively helped thousands of youth access technical education and employment. Previous CSR efforts have collectively trained well over 3,000 tribal youth, underscoring NMDC’s enduring role in fostering self-reliance in the region.
Future Pathways and Prosperity
The success of the Bastar placement programme reflects a scalable model for corporate-community partnership, where empowerment and employment walk hand-in-hand. As NMDC builds on this achievement, the company’s CSR blueprint points to continued investment in skill ecosystems that nurture talent and anchor economic growth — not just in Chhattisgarh, but in other geographies where inclusion and opportunity remain key goals.
(India CSR)
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