Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is strengthening youth employability in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts through its skill development initiative, VeDakshata, focused on building industry-relevant capabilities and enabling sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities around its coal mines operations.
Implemented in partnership with the Socio Empowerment and Economic Development Society (SEEDS), VeDakshata is a residential skill development initiative designed to build technical competence, workplace readiness and confidence among rural youth. Through structured training, hands-on industry exposure and placement support, the programme equips participants with skills aligned to industry requirements. As one of the first dedicated residential skilling hubs in the region, it offers comprehensive training in Food and Beverage Services, Sewing Machine Operator and Assistant Electrician, enabling access employment opportunities across hospitality, manufacturing, and technical sectors.
Since its inception, the initiative has recorded 318 enrolments across trades, with 131 youths securing placement opportunities across various organizations, reflecting its growing impact in enhancing job readiness and connecting local talent with employment opportunities.
Speaking about the initiative, Amares Kumar, CEO – 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.”
Sharing her experience, 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.”
Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines continues to drive community development across its operational vicinity through initiatives spanning sustainable livelihoods, women empowerment, education, healthcare, sports, and rural infrastructure. Its interventions in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts have reached over 2 lakh people, contributing to inclusive and long-term socio-economic development.
