The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), a pivotal force in India’s skill ecosystem, has recently cemented a significant partnership with Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL). This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks the launch of Project SAKSHAM, a flagship skill development initiative driven by HURL’s Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER).
NSDC’s Vision Aligns with HURL’s Rural Empowerment Mission
The MoU signing event, held at NSDC Headquarters in New Delhi, saw NSDC officials alongside Dr. S.P. Mohanty, Managing Director – HURL. This joint venture highlights a shared commitment to national progress by equipping India’s rural populace with essential skills.
Project SAKSHAM is specifically designed for three key districts: Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Begusarai (Bihar), and Dhanbad (Jharkhand). The program’s meticulously crafted curriculum is a direct result of a comprehensive demand-supply skill gap assessment. This study, conducted in close consultation with public, private, and community stakeholders, ensures that the training provided is highly relevant to local market needs and job opportunities.
Economic Empowerment Through Skill-Aligned Training
This initiative aims to economically uplift 2,265 youth, women, and smallholder farmers from low-income backgrounds. Through industry-aligned skill development training, Project SAKSHAM will significantly enhance their employability and integrate them more effectively into the national skilling ecosystem, managed in part by NSDC’s overarching framework.
The program will offer training across a diverse array of critical sectors:
- Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI)
- Retail
- Electronics & IT-ITeS
- Agriculture & Food Processing
- Competitive Exam Preparation
- Basic Computer Literacy
Transformative Outcomes for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
Project SAKSHAM is poised to deliver profound results, contributing directly to the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India):
- Increased Employment: Participants will gain vital job-ready skills, leading to better employment prospects.
- Self-Employment Opportunities: Enhanced vocational abilities will foster entrepreneurship, enabling beneficiaries to create their own livelihoods.
- Access to Government Schemes: The program will also facilitate greater awareness and access to various government welfare schemes and broader ecosystem linkages, promoting long-term development.
As Dr. S.P. Mohanty, MD – HURL, articulated, “Project SAKSHAM is not just a training initiative—it’s a mission to equip rural youth, women, and farmers with the skills and confidence to build a better future. Through our collaboration with NSDC, we aim to turn potential into progress and aspiration into achievement. This is how we strengthen communities and contribute meaningfully to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.” This partnership signifies a crucial step in HURL’s commitment to socio-economic transformation, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to skill-building across rural India.
