SECL Partners with ATDC to Launch Vocational Training Program for Underprivileged Youth

Ms. Rupinder Brar lauded SECL's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team for their proactive and forward-thinking approach in implementing this vocational initiative with ATDC.

In a significant step towards empowering underprivileged youth, the Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram, and South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Bilaspur-based subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) under the Ministry of Coal, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a vocational training program. The agreement was formalized at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, in the esteemed presence of Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, and Ms. Santosh, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Coal.

Ms Rupinder Brar lauded SECL's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team for their proactive and forward-thinking approach in implementing this vocational initiative with ATDC. She emphasized that such initiatives are critical to uplifting communities in coalfield regions and aligning with the government's vision of "Viksit Bharat."

Program Overview: As part of SECL's CSR initiatives, the program aims to benefit 400 candidates from economically weaker sections of society by equipping them with skills necessary for self-employment. A total budget of Rs. 3.12 Crore has been allocated to support this initiative.

• Non-Residential Training: ATDC will establish training centers to enroll 300 candidates in a self-employed tailor program across SECL’s operational areas in Bishrampur, Sohagpur, and Korba.
• Residential Training: An additional 100 candidates will participate in a fully residential program at the ATDC training center in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. This program will include free boarding and lodging, targeting youth within a 25-kilometer radius of SECL’s establishments.

Key Attendees: The MoU signing ceremony was graced by prominent officials, including:

• Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Personnel), SECL
• Shri Rakesh Vaid, Senior Vice Chairman, ATDC
• Dr. Vijay Mathur, Director General and CEO, ATDC
• Shri Alok Kumar, General Manager (Civil/CSR), SECL

Officials from SECL and ATDC were also present, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the initiative.

Impact and Vision: This program seeks to create sustainable employment opportunities, foster self-reliance among underprivileged youth, and contribute to socio-economic development in coalfield regions. By focusing on skill development and entrepreneurship, SECL and ATDC aim to support the broader goals of national progress and community empowerment under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal.