THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA, MAY 30, 2026
In a significant boost to youth empowerment and employability in Odisha’s
industrial heartland, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is
transforming the career prospects of young people in Jharsuguda through its
flagship skill development initiative, VeDakshata.
By combining structured vocational training, hands-on industry exposure and
dedicated placement support, the programme is creating a pipeline of skilled,
job-ready talent while opening pathways to sustainable livelihoods and
long-term socio-economic growth for local communities.
Implemented in partnership with the NGO 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. As one of the
first dedicated residential skilling hubs in the region, it presently offers
training in Food and Beverage Services, Mobile Repairing and Hardware
Technician trades, enabling youth to access livelihood opportunities in the
hospitality, electronics and manufacturing sectors.
Recently, the company organised valedictory ceremonies for trainees in
the Mobile Repairing Technician and Food & Beverage trades, marking the
successful completion of training for 60 youth under the initiative. The event
brought together students, trainers and Vedanta leadership, providing an
opportunity for participants to reflect on their learning journey, share their
experiences and celebrate the skills and confidence they had gained. Company
leaders also encouraged the trainees to build upon this foundation as they
progress in their professional careers.
Speaking on the occasion, C Chandru, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda,
said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe meaningful development begins with
empowering communities through opportunities for long-term growth and
self-reliance. Through VeDakshata,
we are enabling local youth to gain practical skills, industry exposure and
pathways to sustainable livelihoods. By aligning their training with market
needs, we seek to strengthen employability and help young people build brighter
futures for themselves and their families.”
Sharing his experience, Ghasiram Munda, a young resident of Jharsuguda who secured placement after completing the Food & Beverage Services training, said, “Before joining Vedanta’s VeDakshata programme, I was uncertain about my future career path. The training gave me practical skills, confidence and guidance to step into the professional world. Today, I feel more secure about my future and better prepared to support my family.”
Vedanta Aluminium’s community development initiatives in Jharsuguda currently reach more than seven lakh people across 61 villages, covering key areas such as livelihoods, women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, water and sanitation, community infrastructure, sports and culture. Building on the success of VeDakshata, the company now aims to expand the programme’s structured skill development and placement support to benefit over 450 youth, contributing to a growing pool of industry-ready talent in Odisha and driving sustained improvements in employability outcomes across Jharsuguda district.
