Tag: Iron Ore Goa

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Maem with New Tailoring and Computer Training Centres

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa–Iron Ore Goa (IOG), under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, inaugurated the Vedanta Tailoring Training Centre and the relocated Vedanta Computer Centre at Village Panchayat Maem. These facilities aim to empower local women and youth through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) certified training programs in tailoring and computer applications, thereby enhancing employability and self-reliance.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA of Maem Constituency, along with Shri Vasudev Gaonkar, Sarpanch, Village Panchayat Maem, other panchayat members, and community representatives. From Vedanta, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO, IOG, and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Head–North & Central Cluster, IOG, were present.

The event also featured a certificate distribution ceremony for students who completed the three-month NSDC-certified Diploma in Computer Application program from the Vedanta Computer Centre.

The newly launched Vedanta Tailoring Training Centre will focus on skill development for women, offering a three-month structured course combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. This initiative seeks to enable women to take up entrepreneurial ventures and achieve financial independence.

The Vedanta Computer Centre, relocated from Haldanwadi to the Village Panchayat Maem premises, continues to offer both basic and advanced digital literacy programs. These training modules are designed to improve local youth’s computer proficiency and employability in an increasingly digital world.

Speaking at the event, Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA of Maem Constituency, commended Vedanta’s efforts, saying, “I appreciate Vedanta Sesa Goa for its consistent efforts towards community welfare and capacity building. Establishing these centres is a progressive step aimed at empowering individuals through essential digital skills. It is evident that Vedanta feels a deep sense of responsibility for the progress and prosperity of this region, and initiatives like these demonstrate the company’s genuine commitment to inclusive growth.”

Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO of Vedanta IOG, emphasized the company’s social commitment, stating, “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we strongly believe that true growth lies in the progress of the communities. Our skilling and empowerment initiatives are designed to ‘give back’ to society and create sustainable opportunities. The launch of the Tailoring and Computer Centres at Maem reinforces our commitment to building a self-reliant, skilled, and confident community.”

So far, more than 1,200 students have benefited from Vedanta’s computer centres in Bicholim. Through sustained initiatives in education, skill development, and empowerment, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to drive meaningful transformation and contribute to the state’s long-term sustainable development.

Business

Tripartite Meeting Strengthens Mine Safety Initiatives at Bicholim Block I

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa (Vedanta IOG), operating the Block I, Bicholim Mineral Block, marked a significant milestone in mine safety and stakeholder collaboration by hosting a Tripartite Meeting under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) at Panjim, Goa. The gathering brought together key stakeholders including senior DGMS officials, worker union representatives, and Vedanta’s leadership and employees.

The primary objective of the Tripartite Meeting was to foster an open forum for discussing best practices, risks, and innovative measures that contribute to a safer and more sustainable mining environment. With a firm focus on collective responsibility, the event highlighted the need for strong coordination between regulators, industry leaders, and the workforce.

Gracing the occasion were dignitaries including Shri Ramawatar Meena, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, Western Zone, Nagpur; Shri Aftab Ahmad, Director of Mines Safety, SO, Western Zone; Shri P.K Jain, Director of Mines Safety (Mech.), Western Zone; Shri Ramesh Walikar, Director of Mines Safety, Goa Region; Shri Vineet Chaurasia, Deputy Director of Mines Safety (Elect.), Western Zone; and Shri Deepak Chandramukhi, Deputy Director of Mines Safety, Goa Region.

From Vedanta Sesa Goa, the delegation was led by Shri Navin Jaju, CEO; Shri Vinod Kumar, COO-Mining; Shri Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Dy. CEO, Vedanta IOG; and union leaders including Shri Siddesh Parab of the Bicholim Workers’ Union and Shri Lakshwadeep Arsekar of the Sesa Goa Workers’ Union, along with other management and union functionaries.

In his welcome address, Shri Navin Jaju emphasized that safe and responsible production is central to Vedanta’s operational philosophy. “We prioritise Occupational Safety & Health as a collective responsibility. Safety is Us. The Tripartite Meeting has served as a constructive forum to reaffirm our shared responsibility in shaping a safer and more sustainable mining ecosystem,” he said.

Shri Ramawatar Meena, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, lauded the initiative and remarked on the critical role of Tripartite Meetings in building trust and alignment among regulators, workforce, and management. He appreciated Vedanta Sesa Goa for embracing responsible practices, technological innovation, and sustainable mining solutions such as the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy. He noted that such forward-thinking adoption is not only commendable but essential for a future-ready mining industry.

This event holds particular significance as the first Tripartite Meeting since Vedanta began operations at Block I, Bicholim Mineral Block in April 2024—the first auctioned mine in India to become operational under the auction regime. The high-level DGMS delegation reviewed the safety mechanisms in place and expressed satisfaction with Vedanta’s adherence to safety standards and its vision of responsible mining.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in dynamic discussions, sharing real-world insights and exploring collaborative solutions to reduce operational hazards. The sessions underscored the importance of proactive safety protocols, continuous training, and transparent communication across all levels of operation.

The Directorate General of Mines Safety reiterated its commitment to partnering with responsible operators and worker representatives to evolve and implement comprehensive policies that center the well-being and safety of every individual associated with the mining industry.

The Tripartite Meeting not only highlighted Vedanta Sesa Goa’s proactive stance on safety but also reinforced the vital role of such collaborations in transforming India’s mining sector into one that is not only productive but also safe, inclusive, and future-focused.