Bengaluru, July 21, 2025: NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer, has launched a transformative skill development initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, aimed at empowering 500 tribal youth from the Bastar and Dantewada districts of Chhattisgarh.

In collaboration with the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Hyderabad, NMDC will fully sponsor technical education in plastics and polymer technology covering tuition, training, lodging, and other associated costs.

Admissions are open from 20th July to 30th July 2025, with selection on a first-come, first-serve basis for the courses below –

1.  Machine Operator – NSQF Level IV Certification: This short-term certification course has a duration of six months and is open to candidates who have completed at least 8th grade. With 400 seats available, the course provides hands-on training in areas such as plastics processing, injection molding and blow molding, etc. It is designed to prepare skilled machine operators ready for immediate employment in the plastics and manufacturing sectors.

2.  Diploma in Plastics Technology Course and Plastics Mould Technology Course: These two diploma courses span three years and are open to students who have passed 10th grade. A total of 80 seats are available for candidates looking to build deep technical skills in plastic materials, mold design, product manufacturing, and production processes. The course prepares students for technical roles in design, production, and quality control across a range of plastic engineering and manufacturing industries.

3. Post Graduate Diploma in Plastics Processing & Testing: Open to candidates with a graduate degree in Science, this advanced diploma course has a duration of two years and offers 20 seats. The curriculum focuses on advanced polymer processing, material testing, quality assurance, and industry-specific applications. It aims to prepare candidates for specialised roles in quality labs, research, and technical departments within the plastics and polymer industry.

A key outcome of this outreach programme is employability. Graduates can expect starting salaries ranging between ₹15,000–₹25,000 per month plus perks, with a 70% placement assurance through CIPET’s national industry network.

Responsible Miner, NMDC believes that true progress is inclusive. By investing in the education and skill development of tribal youth, the company is not only enabling financial independence but is also unlocking the potential of communities that are vital to India’s growth story. It also reflects on the commitment to creating lasting socio-economic impact in the regions they serve and to building a more skilled, empowered, and self-reliant India.

SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant under its Corporate Social Responsibility’s Employability Enhancement Skill programme has sponsored 30 peripheral youths to undergo a six-month Skill Development Residential Course at Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Bhubaneswar. In a send-off ceremony held at Institute of peripheral Department, Mr. Etwa Oraon, CGM (Plate Mill), flagged off the bus carrying the students to Bhubaneswar, marking the beginning of an exciting new phase in their career development. Present on the occasion were Ms. Munmun Mittra, GM In-charge (CSR), Mr. B Mallick, GM (CSR), Mr. T B Toppo, AGM (CSR), Mr. Biswajit Beuria, CIPET Representative, and other members of the Department.

Earlier, speaking at the briefing session, Mr. Oraon encouraged the students to make the best use of this opportunityand develop their skills for a successful career.

During the briefing cum counselling session, Mr. Beuria made a detailed presentation on thescope, future prospects and facilitiesavailable at CIPET.

The function began with awelcome address by Ms. Munmun Mittraand concluded with aformal vote of thanks proposed by Mr. T B Toppo. It wascoordinated by Ms. Richa Sudhiram, Manager (CSR).

The initiative, launched by RSP’s CSR Department in the year 2021-22, focuses on enhancing the employability skills of young individuals from peripheral areas. The training program on Machine Operator – Plastic Processing is designed for covering key industries such as domestic, industrial and automobile sectors. It includes training in designing, moulding and final product manufacturing using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities available in the centre. Any candidate with minimum qualification of class X pass is eligible for the training. The initiative guarantees 100% placement, providing a secure career path for the trainees upon successful completion of the course. RSP will be bearing the total cost of the programme covering boarding, lodging, uniforms, and tuition fees. Since its inception, 160 peripheral youths have benefitted from this project, including the current batch.