SECL and ATDC Sign MoU to Provide Vocational Training for Underprivileged Youth

New Delhi: In a significant step towards empowering economically weaker youth, the Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram, and South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), Bilaspur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. The initiative, under SECL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, aims to equip 400 young individuals with vocational skills, fostering self-employment and financial independence.

The agreement was signed in the august presence of Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, and Santosh, Deputy Director General (DDG), Ministry of Coal. Extending her congratulations to the SECL CSR team, Brar commended the initiative as a progressive step towards skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

As part of this initiative, a total of ₹3.12 crore has been allocated to train 400 candidates across different locations:

• 300 candidates will undergo a non-residential self-employed tailor training program at ATDC centers located in SECL Bishrampur, Sohagpur, and Korba areas.
• 100 candidates will receive training at the fully residential ATDC center in Chhindwada, Madhya Pradesh, where free boarding and lodging will be provided.
• The program will prioritize youth residing within a 25-kilometer radius of SECL establishments.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, this vocational training program is aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision, focusing on skill-building, self-employment, and livelihood generation in coalfield regions. The initiative is expected to enhance employment opportunities for underprivileged youth and contribute to the economic growth of coal belt communities.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including:

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

This partnership reinforces SECL’s commitment to social development by equipping young individuals with industry-relevant skills, thereby enabling them to build sustainable careers in the apparel sector.