Kalahandi, Apr 8: Vedanta Limited, India's smelter grade alumina producer and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, has launched the second phase of its unique recruitment drive 'Project Panchi', aiming to transform the lives of 1,000 girls from underserved communities across the country, who are likely to miss out on further studies and a fulfilling career due to socio-economic barriers.
As part of this project, candidates get financial support for their higher education at leading educational institutions and also have the opportunity to get a job within Vedanta after completing their education.
Since the project was launched last year, Vedanta Lanjigarh has identified more than 50 girls for employment who are the first in their families to be educated. Based on a thorough, phased recruitment process, the company has identified the right candidates in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.
Thereafter, the selected candidates follow an extensive orientation process with the company's senior executives. To date, Vedanta Aluminum has identified more than 230 girls from remote communities in Lanjigarh, Jharsuguda, Korba and Sundergarh as part of this transformative initiative.
Expressing the importance of this project, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO – Alumina Business, Vedanta Aluminum said, “Project Panchchi has been developed under the direct guidance of our Chairman, Anil Agarwal. Through initiatives like these, Vedanta Lanjigarh seeks to extend its activities to the socio-economic landscape of remote communities with a special focus on empowering girls who form an important pillar of its society. By providing them significant opportunities to excel, we are not only fulfilling the mandate of our Chairman but also paving the way for a transformative journey that promises to bring significant positive change in our workplace. "
Dilip Sinha, CHRO, Vedanta Aluminum added, “Project Panchchi is closely aligned with our company's unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within our dynamic work style. We strongly believe that these girls will go on to have fulfilling careers and inspire others in their communities.
Sheetal Karuna, one of the girls selected under the programme, expressed her gratitude and said, “This is a life-changing opportunity for many young women like me, whose desire for higher education and growing career is never possible. We hope that Vedanta's unwavering support will not only transform our life trajectory but also ignite a transformative journey of personal growth.”
With Vedanta's holistic vision for diversity, equity and inclusion, Project Panchhi strives towards inclusive development of the local community. The objectives of the program are:
• To create opportunities for young women from remote communities in areas near Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Goa etc. to the metal, mining and oil and gas business of the company.
• To increase diversity in its workforce with a particular focus on the recruitment of underrepresented educated and women in the metal, mining and heavy engineering industries.
