Sangli, July 24, 2024: In a significant step towards advancing skill development and enhancing employability in the region, Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF) the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Dalmia Bharat Ltd, inaugurated its DIKSHa (Dalmia Institute of Knowledge and Skill Harnessing) Centre in Ninai Devi, Maharashtra today. The centre is equipped to train 360 students annually in three critical trades – Customer Relationship Management (CRM), General Duty Assistant (GDA) and Assistant Beauty Therapist (ABT). Each trade will accommodate 30 students per batch, ensuring focused and effective instruction. DIKSHa aims to improve employability of rural youth by offering skill development programs that equip students with industry-relevant skills. It also encourages entrepreneurship and supports new business ventures within the community. DIKSHa will also provide placement assistance to the trained candidates across the country. Today, 60 enthusiastic local students were inducted into the centre today, with a notable 40% of them being woman.

This is the second DIKSHa centre in the region, following the success of its Kolhapur centre. The DIKSHa centre in Kolhapur has successfully trained over 585 students to date, with a monthly earning capacity ranging between ₹10,000 to ₹20,000. In a recent event on World Youth Skills Day, DBF distributed 25 electrical tool kits to its self-employed trainees from the Electrical Assistant course enabling them to advance their careers in the electrical trade. The initiative was conducted with the generous support of Schneider Electric India Foundation.

“DIKSHA represents our unwavering commitment to empowering rural youth through skill development and sustainable livelihoods,” said Mr. Santosh Kumbhar, Unit Head, Dalmia Bharat Sugar, Ninaidevi. “In today’s rapidly changing job market, it’s crucial to provide specialized training that not only enhances employability but also promotes entrepreneurial spirit. By offering tailored skilling programs, we aim to equip the youth of Ninaidevi with the necessary tools to secure jobs and build their own enterprises. We hope that DIKSHa will not only help them build a better future but bring lasting positive change to their communities.”

The inauguration event was graced by Honourable Dr. Kunal Khemnar, Sugar Commissioner of Maharashtra, who was the Chief Guest. Key attendees included Mr. Gopal Mavle, Regional Joint Director of Sugar, Kolhapur; Mr. Shrinivas Arjun, Sub-District Collector; Mrs. Shamla Khot, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Shirala, Mr. Santosh Kumbhar, Unit Head of Dalmia Bharat Sugar, Ninaidevi and Mr. S. Rangaprasad, Unit Head of Dalmia Bharat Sugar, Kolhapur.

DIKSHa currently operates 21 centers nationwide offering training in diverse fields, including healthcare, industrial sewing machine operation, data entry operator, solar PV installation among few. To date, over 16,000 individuals have been trained in DIKSHa centers, with 75% securing employment or starting their own enterprises. Notably, more than 50% of the trainees are women, reflecting a strong focus on female empowerment and gender equality.

About Dalmia Bharat Foundation:

Dalmia Bharat Foundation focuses on building Sustainable Livelihoods and ensure Rural Development in its program areas. These programs combine in-depth, long-term plans and strategies along with medium- and short-term initiatives and campaigns. Owing to the great differences across locations, DBF has adopted a flexible, multi-intervention approach that allows programs and people to grow together and sustain each other. The two focus areas have been derived from the felt needs of the community and issues material to the business. Visit us at http://www.dalmiabharatfoundation.org.

Media Contact