Khandwa (MP): In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for local youth, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department successfully organised a Job Fair in the Khandwa Forest Circle on August 2, 2026. Around 600 job aspirants participated in the event, with 125 candidates receiving employment offers from leading private sector companies.
The event was organised at the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Aanwaliya, and marked the first employment fair conducted by the Forest Department in the Khandwa Circle. The initiative focused on connecting local and tribal youth with skill-based employment opportunities in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah Attends as Chief Guest
The job fair was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who attended the programme as the chief guest. At the end of the event, he personally distributed offer letters to the selected candidates, encouraging them to build successful careers and become financially self-reliant.
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The programme highlighted the state government’s emphasis on employment generation, skill development and improving livelihood opportunities, particularly for youth from tribal and forest regions.
Leading Companies Participate in Recruitment Drive
Several reputed companies and skill development organisations participated in the recruitment exercise, offering opportunities across multiple industrial trades. The participating organisations included:
- Welspun Living
- Vardhman Yarns
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Agrani Skill Development Society
- Sagar Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd.
The companies recruited candidates for technical positions such as:
- Spinning Operators
- Weaving Operators
- Process Operators
- Machine Operators
- Fitters
- Electricians
Attractive Salary and Training Benefits
The selected candidates will undergo structured industrial training before joining full-time employment.
According to officials, they will receive:
- Stipend of up to ₹13,000 per month during the training period.
- Monthly salary between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 after successful completion of training.
- Subsidised hostel and meal facilities provided by the recruiting companies.
Officials said these benefits are expected to encourage more rural and tribal youth to pursue skill-based industrial careers.
Forest Officials and Skill Development Agencies Join Hands
The event witnessed the presence of several senior forest officials and representatives from the skill development sector.
Among those present were:
- Ms Basu Kannogia, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of 2010 batch and Chief Conservator of Forests, Khandwa Circle
- Mr Rakesh Damor, 2017 batch IFS officer and Divisional Forest Officer, Khandwa
- Mr Ajay Gupta, SDO Khandwa and Probationary IFS Officer
- Mr Anuj Saxena, CEO, Agrani Skill Development Society
- SDOs Mr Man Singh Kharadi, Mr Vijendra Jabariya, and Mr Sudhir Sharma, along with officers and staff of the Khandwa Forest Division.
Employment Initiative for Rural and Tribal Youth
Officials described the event as an important step towards creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people in the region. By bringing industry and job seekers together under one platform, the Forest Department aims to strengthen livelihood opportunities while promoting skill development among youth living in forest and tribal areas.
The success of the maiden job fair is expected to encourage similar initiatives in other forest circles across Madhya Pradesh, helping bridge the gap between skilled manpower and industrial employment.
