THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

KOKRAJHAR, OCTOBER 27, 2026

In a significant step towards empowering local youth through skill development and employment-oriented training, NTPC Bongaigaon has flagged off 50 young aspirants for specialised industry-oriented training under Project SAKSHAM (सक्षम), a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at enhancing employability and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Implemented in collaboration with the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Guwahati, the programme seeks to equip unemployed and underemployed youth with practical technical skills and industry-relevant competencies to help them access emerging employment opportunities.

The flagging-off ceremony was held in the presence of Derhasat Basumatary, Executive Member, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), in charge of Health and Family Welfare, and Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon. The occasion was also attended by Pranjit Kr. Wary, Additional Principal Secretary, BTC; Dr. Harekrishna Deka, In-Charge, CIPET Guwahati; Anurag Gupta, General Manager (Operations and Maintenance), NTPC Bongaigaon; Rajesh Kumar Maji, General Manager (Maintenance and Ash Dyke Management); Amit Kumar Asthana, Assistant General Manager (Human Resources), NTPC Bongaigaon; and other senior officials and representatives of the participating institutions.

The initiative, backed by a financial commitment of approximately ₹35.99 lakh, aims to empower 50 youth, particularly those from Project Affected Villages (PAVs) and neighbouring communities in Kokrajhar district, through specialised training in Polymer Science and Processing. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by imparting industry-relevant technical knowledge, practical exposure and skills that can open up avenues for gainful employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

During the ceremony, the dignitaries interacted with the participating students and enquired about their educational backgrounds, aspirations and career goals. The interaction provided the young trainees with an opportunity to share their expectations from the programme and express their enthusiasm for acquiring technical skills that could broaden their employment prospects and create opportunities for entrepreneurship.

Addressing the participants, the dignitaries encouraged them to pursue the training with dedication, discipline and a commitment to continuous learning. They emphasised the importance of technical competence, professional integrity and adaptability in navigating today's evolving industrial landscape, while underscoring the role of skill development in enabling young people to become economically independent and contribute meaningfully to society.

Under Project SAKSHAM, the selected youth will undergo structured, industry-oriented training at CIPET Guwahati. The curriculum will cover polymer materials, processing technologies, quality control, industrial safety and related applications. Combining classroom instruction with hands-on practical training, industry exposure, career guidance and placement assistance, the programme is intended to equip participants with competencies aligned with the requirements of the polymer, plastics and allied manufacturing sectors.

The initiative assumes particular significance for the youth of Kokrajhar and the wider Bodoland Territorial Region, where access to specialised vocational education and technical training can help create pathways to employment, financial independence and improved socioeconomic prospects. By connecting local talent with the technical expertise and training infrastructure of CIPET, NTPC Bongaigaon aims to nurture a new generation of skilled, confident and industry-ready professionals capable of meeting the demands of a changing industrial environment.

Aligned with the Government of India's Skill India Mission and the Sustainable Development Goals relating to Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities, Project SAKSHAM reflects NTPC Bongaigaon's continued focus on inclusive and sustainable community development. The initiative underscores the importance of targeted interventions that go beyond conventional welfare measures by investing in human capital, strengthening employability and creating opportunities for long-term socioeconomic advancement.

The flagging-off ceremony marked not merely the commencement of a training programme but also the beginning of a new phase of learning, skill acquisition and career exploration for the 50 selected youth. For the participants, the initiative represents an opportunity to translate their aspirations into practical skills and pursue more secure and promising professional futures.

Through focused CSR initiatives such as Project SAKSHAM, NTPC Bongaigaon continues to strengthen its engagement with neighbouring communities, with skill development, youth empowerment and sustainable livelihood creation remaining central to its efforts towards inclusive regional development.