Bokaro: On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, ESL Steel Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited (VISL), showcased the impact of its community-driven skill development initiatives, revealing that its programmes have transformed the lives of more than one lakh people across Bokaro and surrounding regions. From industry-linked vocational training and digital education to sports promotion and women’s livelihood programmes, the company said it is building a future-ready workforce in line with this year’s theme, “Skills for a Shared Future.”
As India strengthens its position as a global manufacturing destination, ESL Steel has been expanding efforts to equip young people with industry-relevant technical, vocational and digital skills, enabling them to secure sustainable employment and contribute to nation-building.
A key initiative in this direction is the Vedanta ESL Skill School in Bokaro, which offers residential, placement-linked training in trades such as Solar PV Installation and Home Appliance Repair. Since its launch in 2022, the institute has trained over 700 youth, with more than 400 candidates placed in organised sector jobs, helping them establish stable careers.
To improve access to digital education in rural Jharkhand, the company has also set up Digital Learning Cafés under Project AAS Vidyalaya. These centres are helping bridge the digital divide by providing students with technology-enabled learning facilities, significantly enhancing digital literacy and academic outcomes.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravish Sharma, CEO and Whole-Time Director of ESL Steel Limited, said the company’s long-term vision is centred on investing in people and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
“Empowering young people through skill development, digital learning and sports is key to building confident and employable communities. Our initiatives aim to equip youth with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed for successful careers while contributing to inclusive development,” he said.
Beyond skill development, ESL Steel continues to promote sporting excellence through the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy, which has trained over 50 budding archers. The academy’s trainees have collectively won more than 200 medals at district, state and national-level competitions. The company’s rural sports programmes have also engaged over 400 youth, encouraging fitness, discipline and leadership.
Women’s empowerment remains another major focus area. Through Project JIVIKA, ESL Steel has strengthened self-help groups and promoted income-generating activities such as tailoring, mushroom cultivation and other livelihood-based enterprises, enabling women to achieve greater financial independence.
The company said its integrated approach to skill development, digital education, sports and livelihood promotion is creating sustainable opportunities for youth and women alike while supporting the national vision of building a Viksit Bharat.
