EQUIPMENT INDIA MAGAZINE - SCALING UP SKILLS

A qualified and productive workforce in mining operations is of utmost importance. Pavan Kaushik elaborates on the efforts of Hindustan Zinc (HZL) and its Mining Academy in enhancing the skill levels of mining machine operators through its various hands-on training courses.

The natural resources industry in India has seen significant changes in the past 10 years in terms of technology, employment generation, metal production and attracting best of Indian and global talents of engineers and management graduates. The growth of mining projects in India has resulted in huge demands of skilled operators to operate sophisticated mining equipment such as jumbo drill, load haul dumper (LHD), low profile dumper truck (LPDT), etc. Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy is preparing the youth for these new and exciting opportunities.
The Beginning
In the past few years, there has been a tremendous growth in the mining sector worldwide and India is no exception. The demand of manpower in the natural resources sector is increasing year-after-year. To meet this demand, many international experts have joined at key positions to explore natural resources, improve metal recovery and build a future of sustainable mining.
As the industry is growing with the advent of automation and technology, the need for trained manpower is also increasing. This is where the Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the scope of employment opportunities with growth in natural resources sector. This led Hindustan Zinc, India's only and world's leading integrated producer of zinc, lead and silver, to identify areas that play crucial role in underground mining where the need for skilled manpower is being felt with a need to tap local talent. HZL has set up the Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy in collaboration with the Skill Council for Mining Sector and the training partner, Indian Institute of Skill Development Pvt Ltd.
Jumbo drill operators and winding engine operators came out as two distinct roles where the need for Indian skilled manpower could be deployed. These are currently being operated by expats at very high cost. Hindustan Zinc itself engages about 200 jumbo drill operators and 45 winding engine operators through business partners. The opportunities are set to move up with an increase in expansion of mines.
The Mining Academy was started as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative on August 1, 2014. The vision of this initiative was to provide a platform to local youth for developing highly specialised skills to operate the latest and the most advanced equipment used in underground mining operations, while making them self-reliant and opening paths for sustainable livelihood. The initiative has successfully delivered two batches of six-month residential programme on jumbo drill operators, followed by a six-month residential programme on underground mining equipment. In 2014-15, the academy trained 55 ITI/Diploma pass-outs in the jumbo drill and all of them got immediate placements.
After the huge success of the programme, Hindustan Zinc envisioned and made the programme more robust with quality changes. Currently, the academy runs three centres at Bhilwara, Rajsamand and Zawar near Udaipur, with 260 candidates from all over Rajasthan.
In October 2016, Hindustan Zinc commenced jumbo drill operator training to 120 ITI/Diploma pass-outs and their training will be complete by March 2018. In the winding engine operator training programme, 47 ITI/Diploma pass-outs were enrolled in February 2017 and their eight-month long training was completed in October 2017. Besides winding engine training, these candidates are also being given exposure in banksman and bellman operations.

The Facility and Courses
Hindustan Zinc extends high-tech facility for VTC training, simulation, and hands-on training for learning maintenance and operations required in underground mines. The candidates are able to operate real machines and are given industry exposure before they complete the course as per requirement. For jumbo drill operators, the company has set up a 3-D simulator, which is a virtual reality high-tech device used in Hindustan Zinc to train the operators in heavy machinery. The 3-D simulators are cost-effective, safe, and efficient methods for training all concepts and skills, from controls familiarisation to procedure compliance. Simulation training maximises productivity and increases workforce efficiency.
Hindustan Zinc also engages experts from its locations for taking expert faculty interface classes periodically, and also invites its business partners for engagement with candidates.
All academy centres run in a professional manner with inbuilt monthly monitoring system. Since the course is residential, the academy has a provision for free boarding and lodging facilities for all the selected candidates in all the training programmes. Equal emphasis is being given on classroom lectures and practical exposures to the students for enabling them to develop a better understanding of the module. The trainees are being groomed in various aspects like soft skills, team effort, discipline and overall personality development, which would further help them in securing sustainable livelihood in future.
Also, uniform for class-room and practical sessions are being provided by the academy to all candidates. They are also engaged in various indoor and outdoor sports – cricket, volleyball, badminton, chess, carom board, football etc.

Selection Criteria
It was assessed as an opportunity for the ITI pass-outs and diploma holders who are below the age of 30 years and who are qualified to operate equipment through training.
The candidates are being invited through advertisements in prominent newspapers as well as channels like FM Radio, WhatsApp and jingles are also engaged to create the buzz.
Application forms available on the mentioned website are to be filled online and then all applicants have to appear for written test (aptitude/respect for rules/IQ/English proficiency test etc). Successful participants are then called for documents check, medical fitness test, police verification for final selection/completion of the course and then
proceed for interview. Also, all existing trainees act as brand ambassadors and communicate through their channels.

Evaluation Process
The training assessment has inbuilt weekly and monthly tests, followed by quarterly third-party assessment. Candidates successfully fulfilling passing criteria each month
and in the third-party quarterly assessment are being awarded with National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) certifications. The Government of India notified the
NSQF on December 27, 2013. This is a competence-based framework that organises all qualifications according to a series of knowledge, skills and aptitude.
Certification based on National Occupational Standards is facilitated by Skill Council for Mining Sector (SCMS) after third-party assessment to the enrolled candidates who successfully complete the programme. The National Occupational Standards specify the standard of performance an individual must achieve when carrying out a role at the workplace, together with the knowledge and understanding they need to meet that standard consistently.
The candidates are given stipend ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,000 and also performance top-up according to set criteria based on their attendance and assessment performance, which motivates high performers to give their best. Further, to boost the confidence, centre-wise toppers and overall toppers are also given cash reward on quarterly basis, ranging Rs 5,000-10,000 during the course.
Apart from certification and monetary rewards, SCMS conducts an internal auditor assessment as well through reputed third-party audit checks like KPMG that are monitored by a designated Project Steering Committee comprising senior executives.

Importance of Skill Development in Mining
According to the McKinsey Global Institute, over the last decade, the contribution of mining to India's GDP has fallen from 1.2 per cent to one per cent. If properly tapped, the mining industry could help propel growth for the country over the next decade. In fact, the performance of mining sector will be an important factor for India to achieve over seven per cent GDP growth. The mining industry has the potential to create six million additional jobs by 2025, accounting for 12 per cent of the new non-farm job gap.
India needs to create an additional 150 million non-farm jobs by 2025, to significantly reduce poverty, and empower people. It is also need to be highlighted that there are no relevant courses available in mining space for the candidates to pursue. Apart from this, the awareness level among youth and quality of education are other bottlenecks to meet the required skills.
Mining workforce is crucial for sustainable development of the sector, especially as there could be incremental demand of 1.5-2.5 times of the current workforce by 2025. 
To bridge the imminent shortage of human resource in mining sector, there are two possibilities that can be considered: increase the number of seats in mining engineering in relevant institutes over the next 10-15 years. The second solution is to devise short-term mining-specific courses for ITIs/diploma holders in mining states by facilitating private sector participation in skill development for the mining sector.
Setting up perhaps India's first Mining Academy, Hindustan Zinc is developing an ecosystem and contributing in unlocking India's potential in mining. This is certainly going to enhance India's capability in training people in the mining space and putting India on the growth path.
Definitely, a long-term vision and consistent effort is going to make India self-reliant on such mining skills, which presently is outsourced mostly from abroad. This has helped local youth to gain meaningful employment, and enhance employability of eligible youth. To some extent, it has also ensured sustained availability of adequate trained operators for the growing mining sector in India that completely aligns with 'Make in India' concept and act as a catalyst in nation building.

Challenges
There is a need to drive initiatives for the overall development of the mining sector. The major challenge in training people in mining is availability of proper infrastructure. The equipment is costly and sophisticated. Hindustan Zinc has provided simulators and has made its underground mines accessible for training, which is substituting need for the required infrastructure. Also, to enhance the personalities and imbibe discipline in these candidates, the programme has been made fully residential. The attrition is almost nil at Mining Academy, which itself speaks about its credibility and standard with qualitative training.

Future Plans
Hindustan Zinc plans to spend Rs 30 crore in five years to train about 500 ITI pass-outs in jumbo drill and winding engine operations. The academy is determined to have the jumbo drill batches every six months, which is well in place. The academy also provides training on other trades like winding engine, banksman, bellman, etc; an exclusive jumbo operator programme for ex-servicemen that started in October 2017 and another batch of regular jumbo drill programmes to start in January 2018. 
Currently, there are approximately 260 candidates on board at the academy across its three centres. To further strengthen the foundation of Mining Academy, Hindustan Zinc is exploring the possibilities to run it through a registered society. The academy is even planning to initiate online assessment for entrance examinations and has started a step-up programme for rural youth residing near Hindustan Zinc's business locations. This is a pre-coaching programme to encourage and prepare these youth for entrance examination to join the course.
Recently, the company organized placement drive for these students and 126 passing-out students got jobs with an average package of Rs. 25,000/- per month. Hindustan Zinc's business partners have come together to employ these trained youths and use them for their different operations. These candidates have been recruited by companies like SK Khetan, BGE Mining Pvt Ltd, SMSL, Aravali Construction Co, Teknomin Construction Limited, UTM Engineering Pvt Ltd, AAC Mining Executors India Pvt Limited, to name a few. Hindustan Zinc itself engages about 200 Jumbo Drill Operators and 45 Winding Engine Operators. As Hindustan Zinc mines are in expansion mode, the opportunities for employment are only likely to increase.

By Pavan Kaushik
Head - Corporate Communication, HZL

6th BATCH OF 120 ITI/DIPLOMA PASS-OUTS HAS JOINED HINDUSTAN ZINC MINING ACADEMY

ITI/Diploma pass-outs to get training in Jumbo Drill Operations under 18 months Residential Program …

The mining sector has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the country thus eradicating poverty at large. Indian natural resource industry has seen significant change in the last 10 years in terms of technology, employment generation, metal production and attracting best of Indian and global talent that includes engineers and management graduates.

Being a responsible metal and mining company, Hindustan Zinc has set-up ‘Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy’, in collaboration with Skill Council for Mining Sector (SCMS) and training partner Indian Institute of Skill Development Pvt. Ltd (IISD) to train about 500 ITI/diploma  pass-outs in five years in Jumbo Drill Operations and Winding Engine Operations to enhance employment opportunities of eligible youth of Rajasthan.

Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy is now commencing its 6th Batch of ‘Jumbo Drill Operator Training Program’ with an inaugural function on 3^rd January, 2018 at Railmagra Centre, Rajsamand wherein 120 select ITI/Diploma pass-outs will be trained under this 18 months residential program. The Chief Guest of the event was Kastoor Meena – Site President, Rajpura Dariba Complex who encouraged candidates to work hard with focus, dedication and discipline in Academy to have a secure future.

Hindustan Zinc Mining Academy has three Centres running at Bhilwara, Rajsamand and Zawar near Udaipur with candidates from all over Rajasthan. All Academy centres run in a professional manner with inbuilt monthly monitoring systems. Since the course is residential, the academy has a provision for free boarding and lodging facilities for all the selected candidates in all training programs.

Earlier, Hindustan Zinc has commenced  5 batches of 18 month long Jumbo Drill Operator Training for ITI/Diploma pass-outs and in Winding Engine Operator Training Program where 47 ITI/Diploma pass-outs were enrolled and their eight months training got completed in October 2017. Besides Winding Engine Training, these candidates are also being given exposure in Banks-men and Bellman Operations.

Recently, the company organized placement drive for these students and 136 passing-out students got jobs with an average package of Rs. 25,000/- per month. Hindustan Zinc’s business partners have come together to employ these trained youths and use them for their different operations.

Pavan Kaushik – Head Corporate Communication, HZL said “with the setting up of India’s perhaps first Mining Academy, Hindustan Zinc is developing an ecosystem and contributing in unlocking India’s potential in mining. This is certainly going to enhance India’s capability in skilling of people in mining space and putting India on growth path”.

Also present were, Sanjay Sharma – AVP, HZL, Sajany Kathod – Unit Head, RDM, Sunil Dixit – Commercial Head, RDC, Abhay Gautam – Head CSR, RDC, Mr. Ravi Gupta – Training HR Head, Deepak Gakhreja  - Location HR Head, Deepak Mishra from SCMS, Anshuk Talwar  from M/s IISD and other dignitaries during the event.

DEVELOPING INDIA WITH A COLLECTIVE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

When corporate come forward to drive programs for community welfare, it is essential to get support from all sectors…

Albert Einstein said - “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive”.
These values of giving have their roots going deep to mythological times where Karna, one of the central characters in the Hindu epic Mahabharata was a man with a phenomenal sense of integrity and generosity. Even Lord Indra who tricked him by disguising as a Brahmin for his Kavach and Kundal that made him invincible was amazed at Karna's capacity to give away anything asked for. Even though he had alliance with Kauravas during the war, he is always remembered as 'Daanveer Karna'. Also, 'Maharshi Dadhichi', one of the greatest saints of all times donated his bones for the welfare of the community, a force that still drives Indian philanthropy.
We all have grown hearing such stories on power of giving and understanding the necessity of community development and humanistic approach in every way of life. Irrespective of profession, high or low profile, there are people who have made best of their capabilities provided to them for development of society.
When it comes to community service or popularly known as 'Social Responsibility', it has always been seen as responsibility of government and main source for social-economic development of society, particularly in rural India. When Panchayati Raj was introduced, it brought in rural independence in India. With the advent of technologies and setting-up of big industries in remote rural areas, it led to generation of employment thus giving economic boost to villages where Agriculture has always been the main source of economy. It led to less migration and availability of growth opportunities in villages. Gradually with time, population spurted in both villages & cities and with this their necessities also increased making it crucial for the Government to allow Corporates to pitch in for the Greater Good.
This is when Social Responsibility transformed to 'Corporate Social Responsibility'. There are some respected and successful organizations that primarily work towards bringing socio-economic independence in rural communities with the focus on child care, education, health, nutrition, employment, women empowerment, infrastructure development, to name a few. In 2015-16, 5097 companies have invested Rs. 9822 crores in India for social good. This spend is testimony of increased involvement of private sector in social development by contributing in generation of employment and eradication of poverty in country. With Government, corporates and supporting NGOs coming together for nation building, it becomes imperative for communities and individual to take the ownership and work towards 'Collective Social Responsibility' to achieve a well-defined objective. It is important to make the community responsible thus requires more community participation.
To work on long term, sustainable solutions based on the need of the communities, there is a need to underline high impact CSR programs like child care, education, healthcare, women empowerment, skill development, sanitation and agriculture & livestock. For immediate attention, 'child care', 'women empowerment' and 'Skill development' should become part of Nation Development Projects.
There are 7.5 crore underprivileged children in rural areas who need environment to grow and nurture into responsible human resource. We have to build future of India by strengthening their foundation by providing them proper nutrition, health and education.
Women, constituting 48% of total population of country has time and again proven, when we empower them, they empower their family that empowers village/city and ultimately empowering whole nation. Rural women have immense potential to develop their skills and make that a regular source of livelihood. All they need is encouragement and skill development program to move them towards micro-enterprise.
India has target of creating 500 million skilled workers by 2022. It is essential to tap this resource who is primarily those, who could not study due to lack of facilities in their village or lack of interest. There is a need to increase their capacities through professional vocational training programs thus making them resourceful manpower.
With corporate's engagement and communities' support, Government can execute these programs by assigning each corporate with one focus area to address and same will be weaved into their Business Plan. This approach will give undivided attention of Corporate that will align all their resources on the execution of one project, ultimately impacting the society at a National Level. The other approach is that Government allows corporates to highlight 5 flagship programs in the state they are operating and start engaging their resources on the implementation of these programs for the benefit of the community. It is to understand that when corporate come forward to drive the programs for community welfare, it is essential to get support from all sectors including Government. Corporate also need a cushion in smooth running of their Businesses as they are ultimately contributing in boosting the economy and job creation. They should be given equal opportunities to flourish by introducing transparent policies, simple regulatory framework with an offering of 10% tax rebate in running businesses. This money gained is only to be further utilized and reinvested for the Greater Good.
For a developing nation like India, it is important to recognize & strengthen the grass-root level and taking forward the whole nation together in making it the powerhouse of socio-economic development.

By Pavan Kaushik
Head - Corporate Communication
Hindustan Zinc

SHIKSHA SAMBAL – BRIDGING GAPS IN RURAL SCHOOL EDUCATION

·         Hindustan Zinc’s Shiksha Sambal Program since 2008 has been providing classes in Maths, Science & English in Government Schools

•  So far, over 50000 rural & tribal students have been benefitted

When Geeta was born in a farmer’s house in Bhilwara in Rajasthan, unlike many of the rural families, the parents decided to provide her the best of education. Geeta also had an elder brother, Dheeraj, who was studying in nearby government school in 2^nd standard. As the children were growing, the small girl also started showing interest in education. She would keep playing with his brother’s books and admire the pictures. When she became eligible for pre-school, she started going to nearby Anganwadi centre.

The parents were very happy since both the children were getting education.

The problem started when Dheeraj reached class 10^th and wanted to pursue Science. The school had no teacher to teach the subject. Not Just Science, even for Maths and English, teachers were not available. Dheeraj was disheartened. He had two options, either to change his subjects or search for some school outside the city. He was not ready to give up studies. As Dheeraj’s father was not financially sound, he could not afford sending Dheeraj to another city for schooling. Security and safety was another concern for the family.

Like Dheeraj, there were many students who wanted to study Science, Maths and English but they could not find a solution. Not just the boys, many girls of the village wanted to pursue studies further and choose these subjects.

Geeta, who was still young had the same fear. She was a brilliant student and wanted to pursue Engineering or Medical Science. But after knowing all this, her dreams were getting shattered. She started losing interest in education.

The matter went to elders of the village and they met the Principal of the school. But the Principal showed his inability and could only express regret.

Then the solution came from a Business House that was located near their village. One of their representatives met the school Principal. After hearing everything meeting with the students, the Management of this Business House introduced them to a project for these students. This project would provide trained teachers to the students who would teach them English, Science and Maths subjects throughout the year and year after year which will get the recognition as part of school syllabus. The dreams of all these children were reinstated.

The Project was “Shiksha Sambal” and the Business House was Hindustan Zinc.

“For a tree to be strong and upright, its roots have to be firm”. Similarly, schools are a cornerstone in any student’s lives to cultivate healthy thought process and groom intellectual abilities.

Schools in rural areas have their own challenges in terms of providing education to students. The government has provided schools in rural areas but the point is how well these schools are equipped to provide quality education. Students appearing for Senior Secondary education suffer the most. The teachers are not available for certain subjects and thus either they have to leave those subjects and choose the subjects available in the school or even change the stream of education to get qualified and experienced teachers. It is evenly difficult to convince villagers to send their children to schools, particularly the girls.  

Government is very keen to provide the best possible facilities in village schools. But they do need the support of people, here, teachers, to run these schools successfully. This is when Corporates and Government should come together for the holistic development of communities by aiding the facilities and financial securities.

Through Shiksha Sambal, Hindustan Zinc provides a platform that empowers rural students to pursue their dream of obtaining higher education and joining prestigious institutions to play an important role in development/ progress of the country in future.

After the identification of the need of schools in terms of number of qualified teachers, CSR team deputed qualified teachers from external sources in respective schools for the students appearing for Board Examination. These teachers are educated youths in nearby villages who were unemployed and struggling to get jobs, in spite of possessing a degree.

In 2016, Hindustan Zinc partnered with Vidya Bhawan Society, Udaipur, for effective implementation of this program.

Shiksha Sambal believes that conceptual clarity is the foundation of all learning and is essential for doing well in examinations. Such clarity will come through a well-rounded studying approach that includes comprehension, careful observation, classification, conducting experiments, peer group activities and an unending process of enquiry. Languages of children have an important role in building conceptual clarity, learning other languages and cognitive growth. Performance in Mathematics will improve with the understanding of basic mathematical concepts. And the only way to really understand Science and score in it is by conducting experiments on their own. In each case, the programme pitches one point above the cognitive levels of children.

Regular orientation and subject-specific workshops are also being organized under Shiksha Sambal wherein it also focuses on conceptual mapping of each chapter of the given subjects and makes plans for systematic interventions with teachers and students. Preparing worksheets that could be used with children is an ongoing process; these materials help in understanding the concepts and in attempting examination questions successfully.

Another important component of Shiksha Sambal has been the Summer Learning Camps (SLCs). This year, 7 Summer Camps were organized in 5 districts of Rajasthan for more than 750 rural students who are appearing for 10^th standard Board Examination this year. The first residential summer camp was organized last year in Udaipur that saw participation by around 70 rural students. Sighting the success of last year’s camp, this year, more than 200 students actively participated where about 50% of them were girls from villages around all 7 business locations including Pantnagar. Around 12-15 students from last year’s camp also participated this year as ‘Captains’ to aid in managing the current batch.

The company has also provided help in building infrastructure like science laboratories, well stocked library, playground, computer laboratory and also classrooms. There are many activities, such as solving worksheets, doing science experiments and using library books to deepen the conceptual understanding of the students.

In the recently released Board Exam results for 10^th standard, there have been remarkable improvements in several of the Shiksha Sambal schools. Kanpur school (Zawar) which last year had a pass percentage of only 11%, now has a pass percentage of 91% in 2016-17. Similar improvements can be seen in other schools. Putholi (35% to 73%), Padla (32% to 54%), Medta (44% to 64%), Zawar (16% to 36%), Pandoli (37% to 60%), Kashmor (57% to 100%) and Soniyana (45% to 79%).

Shiksha Sambal is reaching out to more than 57 schools in 5 districts of Rajasthan - Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Rajsamand and Udaipur. By now, more than 6000 students have been benefited wherein 150 teachers, 80 Field Instructors (FIs), 50 HZL employee-volunteers and resource persons from Vidya Bhawan Society are engaged in strengthening the quality of education.

VEDANTA KHUSHI - 264 ANGANWADI CENTRES JOIN “KHUSHI” IN KOTRA

Hindustan Zinc reaching out to 3055 Anganwadis of the ICDS Department in 5 districts of Rajasthan i.e. Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and Ajmer…

“Care for the underprivileged children is very close to my heart” says Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Group. “No child in India should remain malnourished and be deprived of nutrition, health and primary education” is what his vision is. In this process Vedanta initiated adoption of government run Anganwadis in the year 2008. The intervention was for a limited period, benefiting children in age-group of 0-6 years.

In year 2015, Hindustan Zinc signed the MoU with Government of Rajasthan to strengthen 3055 Anganwadis of the ICDS Department in 5 districts i.e. Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and Ajmer of Rajasthan under its flagship project “Khushi” in 2 phases.

Last year under “Khushi” project, Hindustan Zinc reached out to 2295 Anganwadi centres in 5 districts of Rajasthan in phase 1.

As part of Phase 2, on 29^th June, 2017, Hindustan Zinc with partner NGO – Seva Mandir has now included 264 Anganwadi centres in Kotra Tehsil of Udaipur district and this year, the company will be covering more than 760 Anganwadi centres in Udaipur district of Rajasthan. The Chief Guest of the event was Ms. Taru Surana – Dy. Director, ICDS, Udaipur District who unveiled “Khushi” Board to initiate the program. During the program, Ms. Taru said “Anganwadi program will be strengthened with the intervention of Hindustan Zinc to improve attendance, health and the well-being of Anganwadi children.”

 

ECONOMIC TIMES - HINDUSTAN ZINC SETS UP MINING ACADEMY TO TRAIN YOUTH

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/hindustan-zinc-sets-up-mining-academy-to-train-youth/articleshow/58895712.cms

KOLKATA: Hindustan Zinc (HZL) has set up a mining academy to train youth in mining. The company will invest Rs 30 crore in next 5 years to train some 500 personnel in response to a growing need for skilled technical manpower in the country’s natural resources... sector.

The latter has been attracting best of talent among engineers and management trainees in the last 10 years, including a growing number of women who are joining the fray. A number of international experts have joined at key positions to explore natural resources, to improve metal recovery and build a future of sustainable mining. This lead HZL to identify areas in under-ground mining where need of skilled manpower is being felt. Two distinct roles that of Jumbo Drill Operator and Winding Engine Operators were identified, both positions that are currently being fulfilled by expats.

HZL thus decided to set up what is perhaps the first Mining Academy that would train ITI pass-outs in Jumbo Drill Operations and in Winding Engine Operations, who would also have training in Banks-men and Bellman Operations.

The academy has been set-up in collaboration with Skill Council for Mining Sector and training partner Indian Institute of Skill Development Pvt. Ltd. Commenting on the initiative, Sunil Duggal, CEO, HZL said: “The prime objective of setting up the Mining Academy in Rajasthan is to enhance employability of eligible youth. Hindustan Zinc completely endorses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s thoughts on the scope of creating employment for millions in natural resources sector. The academy would provide an opportunity to ITI pass-outs, who are below the age of 30 years and academically qualified to operate after thorough training. These trainees are also given a monthly stipend of Rs 2000 to Rs 7000, linked to their performance. Currently, the training centres are in Bhilwara, Rajsamand and Zawar near Udaipur.

750 STUDENTS JOIN HINDUSTAN ZINC’S SHIKSHA SAMBAL SUMMER CAMP

Hindustan Zinc’s Shiksha Sambal Program by now has provided classes in Maths, Science & English to over 7000 rural & tribal students

Schools in deep rural areas have their own challenges in terms of providing education to students. First and the foremost, it is difficult to convince villagers to send their children to schools, particularly the girls. Secondly, it is evenly difficult to get qualified and experienced teachers.

Hindustan Zinc, through its Shiksha Sambal program focuses on quality education and provides remedial classes to rural students appearing for Rajasthan Board Examination, i.e. students of 10th to 12th classes in the 5 districts - Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and Ajmer. This project in association with Vidya Bhawan Society aims to provide special subject classes like Math, Science, Political Science, English and Accounts. The program is reaching out to 7000 students in 55 Government Schools.

Taking a step further to ensure the overall development of these students, Hindustan Zinc in association with Vidya Bhawan Society is organizing 7 Summer Camps in 5 districts of Rajasthan for about 800 rural students who are appearing for 10th Board Exams this year. This one month camp began on 15th May, 2017 at Udaipur and 6 business locations of Hindustan Zinc – Zawar, Debari, Chittorgarh, Dariba, Agucha and Kayad.

The launch program was organized on 22nd May, 2017 at Vidya Bhawan Auditorium, Udaipur.

The first residential summer camp was organized last year in Udaipur that saw the participation of around 70 rural students. Sighting the success of last year’s camp, this year, more than 200 students are actively participating where about 50% of them are girls from villages around all 7 business locations including Pantnagar. About 12-15 students from the last year camp are also participating in this year’s camp as ‘Captain’ to aid in managing the current batch.

These camps organizes sessions on yoga, painting, carpentry, music, dance, finance & accounts and art & crafts facilitating holistic development of students apart from their regular academic curriculum.

Ms. Neelima Khetan – Head CSR, HZL, Mr. Bhagwat Babel – Vice President, Vidya Bhawan, HZL CSR representatives and Vidhya Bhawan officials along with more than 200 rural students were present to grace the occasion.

‘UNCHI UDAAN’ TO GIVE WINGS TO 24 SELECT RURAL STUDENTS

Hindustan Zinc to give free coaching to 24 select rural students under 2 year school integrated residential program...

The famous proverb says “Education is a gift that no one can take away”.  It gives opportunity to people irrespective of their backgrounds to change the world with their knowledge.

Being a responsible metal & mining corporate, Hindustan Zinc is committed to the principles of harmonious and sustainable development and has a strong focus towards uplifting the communities residing near its business locations. With a focus on Education, Hindustan Zinc has launched a new program – ‘UNCHI UDAAN’ – an Educational Excellence Initiative on 25^th April, 2017 at Head Office, Udaipur in association with Resonance Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. and Vidya Bhawan, Udaipur. The initiative aims at providing free coaching to 24 select students to appear and get through the IITs and other prestigious Engineering Colleges. These 24 bright students from lower earning families will get free coaching under 2 year school integrated residential program.

Mr. Sunil Duggal – CEO, HZL said “Unchi Udaan is very close to my heart. Through this program, Hindustan Zinc is contributing to the society and is bringing deprived students into mainstream education that would help in Building the Nation”.

Ms. Neelima Khetan – Head CSR, HZL informed that these 24 students comprising 12 girls were selected through rigorous 2 level selection process conducted across 6 districts – Udaipur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand & Ajmer from Rajasthan and Pantnagar from Uttrakhand. About 2330 students appeared for the exam during the selection process, out of which these 24 select students will pursue for 11^th & 12^th coaching program.

The technical partner, Resonance Eduventures Pvt. Ltd is a well-known name in the field of education providing classroom training to aspirants intending to prepare and appear in various competitive, talent search and scholarship examinations of national and international level. Resonance will coach these students for IIT entrance exam and will also be responsible for teaching Physics, Chemistry & Maths of 11th & 12^th.

For schooling, boarding & lodging facilities, HZL has partnered with Vidya Bhawan, Udaipur where select students will get admitted as per regular course for class 11th RBSE and can avail the facilities like music, sports while getting groomed for overall personality development during the program.

While addressing the students, Mr. Pankaj Kumar – COO, Smelters emphasized on the importance of hard-work and passion along with the talent while working towards getting through IITs and other prestigious colleges.

The event saw the participation of students as well as their parents who were there to motivate them and to see them taking their first step towards bright future.

Mr. Pavan Kaushik – Head Corporate Communication, HZL said “Hindustan Zinc through its educational programs like Shiksha Sambal, Yashad Sumedha Scholarship program and other coaching programs to appear in Govt. Competitive Exams have always focussed on inclusive growth of students from rural background. ‘Unchi Udaan’ is one such initiative where young minds are motivated financially to come forward and secure their future”.

Also present during the occasion were Mr. V. Jayaraman – Head EOHS, HZL, Mr. P.C. Bhandari – HZL, Mr. Ravi Ranjan – Head Academic Excellence, Resonance Eduventures Pvt. Ltd, Udaipur Region, Mr. Ajay Mehta – President, Vidya Bhawan Society, Ms. Madhulika – Principal, Vidya Bhawan School, Mr. Arun Shrimali - Resonance Eduventures Pvt. Ltd along with Location CSR Heads of Hindustan Zinc and other HZL representatives.