In a country with the youngest and largest workforce in the world, India faces the challenge of significant skill gaps, with only 5% of the workforce being recognized as formally skilled. Addressing this concern, Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Dalmia Bharat Ltd., India’s leading cement manufacturer launched its flagship program – Dalmia Institute of Knowledge and Skill Harnessing (DIKSHa) to enable Sustainable Livelihoods and Skill Development for disadvantaged communities in India. The placement-linked, short-term skill training imparted to women and youth at DIKSHa, helps add them to the skilled workforce for enhanced income.
Till date, DIKSHa has trained 10,697 individuals successfully.
More than 7700 individuals have been placed in gainful employment, earning monthly wages ranging from INR 8,000 to INR 20,000.
Initiated in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation in 2016, the program operates through 15 established centers across 8 states in India. DIKSHa offers training in a wide range of areas, including healthcare, industrial sewing machine operator, assistant electrician, customer relationship management, sales and marketing, data entry operator, beauty and wellness, and unarmed security. DBF has further expanded partnerships to include the State Skill Development Missions of Odisha and Karnataka, as well as collaborations with organizations like NABARD, BOSCH, Schneider Electric and so on. To date, DIKSHa has trained 10,697 individuals successfully. More than 7700 individuals have been placed in gainful employment, earning monthly wages ranging from INR 8,000 to INR 20,000.
Empowering Women through enabling Financial Independence
The Diksha program has a major focus on ensuring girls are enrolled in our skill training programs. 60% of our trainees are women. DIKSHa mobilizes women by providing training and entrepreneurial skills. Along with supporting women to take up employment in the organized sector, we also help women with resources to start their small ventures, such as beauty parlors. This not only fosters financial independence but also enables women to become self-reliant and contribute to their families and communities. The impact of this is best exemplified by success stories like that of Haripriya Dhurua.
Haripriya was born in a tribal family of 6 members in Telenkachha Village, Jharsuguda, Odisha. As an individual with a disability, she relied on crutches for mobility. She joined DIKSHa Jharsuguda, to undergo training in the Industrial Sewing Machine Operator Course with a determination to fulfil her dream of being independent Post completion of her course, she secured employment with Kitex Garments in Tamil Nadu. The monthly earnings of Haripriya go towards supporting her family financially and she aspires to set up a garment production unit in her village to employ the deserving needy. Optimistic about her future, Haripriya says, “I never saw my disability as a setback and was sure that there would be a way forward. The challenges that I faced always added to my courage and strength to move ahead. Training at DIKSHa has given me a push towards a successful journey”.
“Empowering individuals through skill development not only transforms lives but also strengthens communities. Through DIKSHa, we aim to bridge the gap between the demand for skilled workers and the availability of such talent. By providing training, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities, we are not just building lives, but also enabling dreams and aspirations. Together, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and help build an Atmanirbhar India.” Says Mr. Ashok K Gupta, CEO, of Dalmia Bharat Foundation DIKSHa has proven to have a transformative impact on individuals and communities, enabling thousands of trainees to secure a beneficial livelihood and improve their quality of life.