THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

RAYAGADA, MAY 8, 2026

Aditya Alumina Refinery Project, Kansariguda, has successfully launched Project Kaushal 2.0, its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at enhancing skill development and employability among local youth.

The onboarding programme for the second batch of ITI trainees and the first batch of Diploma trainees was organised at the project office premises, witnessing participation from over 700 community members, including local leaders, opinion makers, youth, and parents from Kasipur and Laxmipur.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Mazhar Beig, Unit Head & President, in the presence of senior leadership including Basudev Khuntia (Head F&C), Ramesh Chandra Duvvada (Head Construction), Brig. Pratap Padhi (Head - Admin & Security), Mrutunjaya Lenka (Head, Mines – Bauxite Coordination), Deepak Mohanty (Head HR, IR & CSR), and Tanmay Mohanty (Department Head CSR & R&R).

Under Project Kaushal 2.0, local youth have been inducted into the second batch and will undergo ITI training at KIIT, Bhubaneswar, along with the first batch of diploma trainees enrolled at CV Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar. The initiative aims to equip participants with industry-relevant skills and enhance their livelihood opportunities. Building upon the success of the programme, 46 students from the first ITI batch are already undergoing training, while 90 young women are pursuing apparel training at ABLBL, Bhubaneswar. These trainees are being groomed as master trainers for the upcoming apparel unit at Phuljoba.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mazhar Beig said, “Project Kaushal 2.0 reflects our continued commitment to empowering local youth through structured skill development and industry-oriented training. We aim to build a confident, skilled, and self-reliant workforce that contributes to regional growth.” He also announced the introduction of diploma training opportunities to further strengthen long-term career pathways for local youth.

The initiative received widespread appreciation from the community. Beneficiaries and parents expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided, highlighting the positive impact of the company’s CSR interventions in improving livelihoods and shaping a better future for the region.

Rasmita Jhodia, an ITI aspirant from Kansariguda, appreciated the company’s efforts in supporting her training and shaping her future. Purnachandra Mandinga of Biriguda Colony expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided to his son and praised the company’s ongoing CSR initiatives for creating positive change in the surrounding communities.

Project Kaushal 2.0 stands as a testament to Aditya Alumina Refinery’s continued commitment to inclusive development, youth empowerment, and sustainable community progress.