Indus Valley Times

By Shabiha Nur Khatoon

Bhubaneswar, April 29: Belpahar,Odisha, 29th April 2024;Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, hascommenced the latest phase of its groundbreaking Project Panchhi initiative in Lakhanpur block, Belpahar, Odisha. Conceptualized under the direct guidance of Vedanta Group’s Chairman, Mr. Anil Agarwal, Project Panchhi is an innovative corporate recruitment drive that aims to employ 1,000 girls from economically backward communities from across India in its diverse businesses.

The initiative focuses on addressing the educational and employment needs of girls who are likely to opt out from pursuing further studies and a fulfilling career, owing to financial and social constraints. The company will provide them with the required financial support to complete their higher education, and on successful completion provide them with employment opportunities within its operations.Once selected, the promising candidates are sponsored for their higher education in renowned national institutions and, upon successful completion of their degrees, they will formally join Vedanta’s operations as graduate trainees in core operations.

As many as 14 girls from across Lakhanpur block, Belpahar districthave been selected in the latest phase of the project. They were handed their offer letters by Mr.Chintaman Pradhan, Sub Divisional Police Officer, Brajrajnagar and felicitated by Mr. V Srikanth, CEO (Mines) – Vedanta Aluminium.

Vedanta Aluminium’s mines team has already sent its first batch of Project Panchhi candidates from Sundargarh district in Odisha, to the prestigious OP Jindal University, Raigarh in Chhattisgarh for the commencement of their first year. To ensure the selection of the most suitable candidates, Vedanta Aluminium has implemented a rigorous process comprising economic need, academic qualifications, aptitude tests, and interviews. So far, over 230 girlshave been selected through Project Panchhi across Vedanta’s operations, including Korba in Chhattisgarh and Lanjigarh, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, andBelpahar in Odisha.

Underscoring the importance of the Project, Mr. V Srikanth, CEO (Mines) – Vedanta Aluminium, “Project Panchhi exemplifies our commitment to enabling the empowerment of women and ensuring that every girl, regardless of her background, has a fulfilling career and equal opportunities. By conceptualizing our Chairman’s vision to create a more equitable world, this initiative is paving the way for these girls to not only complete their education but also embark on a journey towards a promising career. Through this project, we believe that when we empower women we truly empower society.”

Mr. Chintamani Pradhan, Sub Divisional Police Officer, Brajrajnagar “I extend my heartiest congratulations to the selected candidates for embarking on this new journey.

Project Panchhi is a unique program that not only empowers young girls but also gives a sense of purpose to their dream, making it seem possible. I commend Vedanta Aluminium for introducing this project and urge them to extend it to more villages.”

Prafula Hatipata, father of one of the selected students, said “I extend my appreciation to Vedanta Aluminium for this wonderful initiative, which is helping our young girls realize their dreams. It will encourage girls from our district to pursue higher education, learn skills and financially empower themselves.”

Arzina Khatoon, one of the girls selected as part of the recruitment drive added, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Vedanta Aluminium for envisioning and supporting initiatives like Project Panchhi. Due to financial constraints, I could not continue my higher education. I was very keen on being selected for this project. I practiced in front of the mirror so that I don’t make any mistakes in my interview. The program has instilled a sense of purpose within me. I am looking forward to following my dreams, and provide financial support to my family.”

Vedanta Aluminium’s mines operations are at the forefront of driving community development through strategic interventions in education, healthcare, sustainable livelihood, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture. A notable initiative among these is the establishment of Vedanta Nand Ghars, modernised anganwadis serving as dynamic community hubs for the comprehensive development of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers by offering early education, quality healthcare and nutritional support. These efforts underline the company’s commitment to positively impact lives within and beyond its operational areas, fostering a sense of community contribution towards the overall growth and advancement of the state. Through close collaboration with local authorities, welfare organisations, and community members, Vedanta Aluminium is actively steering socio-economic transformation in rural Odisha.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.