Vedanta Aluminium extends ‘Project Panchhi’ initiative to Belpahar district, Odisha for empowering girls

Jharsuguda : Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of
aluminium, has commenced 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.
14 girls from across Lakhanpur block, Belpahar district have 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 girls have been selected through Project Panchhi across Vedanta’s operations,
including Korba in Chhattisgarh and Lanjigarh, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, and Belpahar 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.”