Vedanta’s ‘Project Panchhi’ empowers girls from socio-economically disadvantaged communities across Odisha 

‘Project Panchhi’ is a transformative initiative by Vedanta aimed at empowering 1000 young girls across India

Jharsuguda: Vedanta Aluminium, the largest aluminum producer in India, has launched the third phase of Project Panchhi in Jharsuguda, Odisha. This initiative, envisioned by Vedanta’s Chairman, Mr. Anil Agarwal, is a unique corporate recruitment drive aiming to employ 1000 girls from economically disadvantaged communities across the company’s diverse businesses in metals, mining, oil & gas situated pan-India. The focus is on girls from lower-income families who may face challenges pursuing further studies and a fulfilling career due to financial and social constraints.

In the third phase of the project in Jharsuguda, 45 young girls have been identified for recruitment. Offer letters were presented, and the young women were honored by Ms. Sunita Kisan, District Labour Officer, and Ms. Sangeeta Meher, District Employment Exchange Officer. Ms. Dipali Das, MLA, Jharsuguda, and Ms. Aboli Sunil Naravane, Collector and District Magistrate, joined the event virtually.

To date, the initiative has identified and selected over 200 girls, many of whom are first-generation learners overcoming significant obstacles to reach the final stages of their schooling. Once selected, these promising individuals will receive sponsorship for higher education in renowned national institutions. Upon completing their graduation, job offers will be formalized, and these girls will join Vedanta’s operations as graduate trainees in core operations. Successful implementations of the program have taken place at Vedanta Aluminium’s operations in Korba, Chhattisgarh, and in Lanjigarh and Sundargarh in Odisha.

Project Panchhi reflects Vedanta’s steadfast commitment to creating opportunities for deserving young women from underserved, remote communities around its metals, mining, and oil & gas businesses in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Goa, etc. Beyond that, it aims to address the existing gender imbalance within the metals and mining sector and inspire girls and women across rural India to aspire for careers in manufacturing, heavy engineering, and mineral resources industries.

Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the significance of Project Panchhi, stating that it exemplifies Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to empowering women. He noted that the initiative aligns with the company’s belief in the transformative power of education and the potential of young minds to shape a better future. Mr. Dilip Sinha, CHRO, Vedanta Aluminium, added that the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to cultivating talent, diversity, and equality by providing equal opportunities for all.

Ms. Dipali Das, MLA, Jharsuguda joined the programme virtually. She commended Vedanta for Project Panchhi and encouraged the introduction of more such initiatives. She acknowledged Vedanta’s active role in CSR initiatives in the region. Ms. Aboli Sunil Naravane, Collector and District Magistrate also joined virtually, praised Vedanta Aluminium for the transformative initiative, expressing the district administration’s ongoing support.

Ms. Aliva Patel, one of the girls selected through the recruitment drive, expressed gratitude for Vedanta’s initiative. She thanked the company for supporting girls like her in pursuing quality education and ensuring placement opportunities afterward.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for aluminium industry, a reflection of its 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.