Unchahar: In a landmark initiative aimed at empowering rural youth through skill development, NTPC Unchahar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Lucknow. The collaboration will provide four months of residential vocational training in “Machine Operator – Plastics Processing” to 40 youth selected from 15 nearby village panchayats. This program, conducted under NTPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, aims to enhance employability and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in the region.
MoU Signing Ceremony Highlights Commitment to Community Development
The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Executive Director & Head of Project, NTPC Unchahar. Signing on behalf of the respective organizations were Mrs. Ruma De Sharma, Head of Human Resources, NTPC Unchahar, and Mr. Puneet Bhargava, Senior Administrative Officer, CIPET Lucknow.
Speaking at the signing, Mr. Srivastava emphasized NTPC Unchahar’s dedication to inclusive growth through skill development. “This partnership with CIPET will not only equip local youth with technical expertise but also open up pathways to long-term employment and self-reliance. It is a step toward building bright and sustainable futures for our young generation,” he said.
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Flag-Off Ceremony Marks Commencement of Training Program
The program officially commenced with a flag-off ceremony, where the selected candidates were transported to CIPET Lucknow to begin their residential training. Mr. Srivastava flagged off the bus carrying the trainees, symbolizing the beginning of their transformative journey.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries and officials, including Mrs. Anupama Srivastava, President, Priyadarshini Ladies Club; Mr. Dilip Kumar Sahu, General Manager (Operation); Mr. S.U. Haridas, General Manager (Maintenance); Mrs. Ranjita, Senior Member, PDLC; and Mr. Rajesh Srivastava, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Unchahar. Representatives from employee unions, senior NTPC officials, and members of the Priyadarshini Ladies Club also graced the occasion.
A Structured, Industry-Focused Training Program
The four-month residential course is designed to provide hands-on, industry-relevant training in plastics processing—an area with growing demand in manufacturing and production sectors. Conducted by CIPET, a premier national institution in plastics engineering and technology, the program promises to deliver both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Participants will be trained in machine operations, safety procedures, maintenance practices, and industry standards. On successful completion, they will receive certification, enhancing their employability across industries.
Community and Family Reactions: A Pathway to a Better Future
The initiative has been welcomed with enthusiasm by the selected candidates and their families. Many expressed heartfelt gratitude to NTPC and CIPET, calling the program a “life-changing opportunity” that offers hope and stability in uncertain economic times.
Parents of the selected youth highlighted the importance of such initiatives in rural areas where access to quality vocational training and employment opportunities remains limited.
NTPC’s Vision for Inclusive Development
This CSR initiative by NTPC Unchahar reflects its broader commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, especially in communities surrounding its operations. By investing in skill development and partnering with specialized institutions like CIPET, NTPC continues to play a crucial role in nation-building—not just through power generation but also by empowering people and transforming lives.
The success of this program could serve as a model for similar initiatives across other NTPC projects and public sector enterprises.
About NTPC
NTPC Unchahar, or the Feroze Gandhi Unchahar Thermal Power Station, is a coal-fired power plant in Unchahar, Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Established in 1981 by the state’s electricity board and taken over by NTPC in 1992-93, the plant has expanded its capacity to supply electricity to the state grid. It generates power by burning coal to create steam that drives turbines connected to generators.
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