Vedanta Aluminium, commemorates International Daughters' Day by highlighting the ongoing success of its transformative initiative—Project Panchhi. Conceptualised under the visionary leadership of Vedanta’s Chairman, Anil Agarwal, this innovative recruitment drive aims to empower 1,000 young girls from economically disadvantaged communities across India.
Launched in March 2023, Vedanta Aluminium has already enrolled 190 girls from rural districts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh in undergraduate programs such as B.Com, BBA, B.Sc, and B.Tech at OP Jindal University, Raigarh.
Project Panchhi focuses on fostering independence and self-reliance among daughters, encouraging girls from underprivileged backgrounds to step outside their homes and become financially independent. It addresses significant educational challenges faced by daughters in underprivileged communities. The fact that these girls—many of whom are first-generation learners—have reached the final stages of their schooling reflects the incredible odds they have overcome. This initiative specifically targets the educational and employment needs of girls who may otherwise opt out of further studies and fulfilling careers due to financial and social constraints Vedanta Aluminium recognises the immense potential of daughters to succeed and is committed to providing them with access to education and equal opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer – Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are deeply committed to fostering education and empowerment as catalysts for transformative change. Our initiatives not only enable young women to pursue their passions but also support them in breaking barriers and building brighter futures for themselves and their families. As we aim to have women constitute 30% of our workforce by 2030, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide opportunities that drive aspirations and uplift communities.”
Lakshmi Pradhan, a Project Panchhi candidate, said, "Over the past six months with Project Panchhi, I’ve not only deepened my academic knowledge but also embraced a wide range of extracurricular pursuits. As the first daughter in my family to pursue higher education, I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to my family's future and success."
Benu Mahar, a parent of one of the selected students, expressed his gratitude, “I am deeply grateful to Vedanta Aluminium for launching this remarkable initiative, which has not only empowered my daughter to follow her passion but has also given her the tools and confidence to chase her dreams. It’s truly inspiring to see a company invest so wholeheartedly in the education and aspirations of young women."
Beyond Project Panchhi, Vedanta Aluminium is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive workplace for young women, right out of college. Through initiatives like Project Shakti, which facilitates the induction of women employees into night shifts at its smelter operations, the company promotes flexibility and empowers women to take on critical roles in core plant operations. This commitment underscores Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce while ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees and promoting women’s empowerment. The company intends to have women constitute 30% of its workforce by 2030.
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