19th September 2026
Successful Conduct of Women’s Job Mela by VISL – IOK
Chitradurga, Karnataka: Empowering rural women with opportunities for financial independence, Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited (VISL) – Iron Ore Karnataka (IOK), in collaboration with Vedanta Foundation and in partnership with Arvind Limited, organised ‘Women’s Job Mela’ at Mylaralingeshwara Temple, Malapanahatti, Chitradurga. The initiative created valuable employment opportunities for women in the garment industry.
The event, part of VISL-IOK’s Project Jeevika focused on vocational and financial empowerment for women, witnessed enthusiastic participation from women community members from Malapanahatti, Hireguntanuru, Tanigehalli and Megalahalli villages, and comprising, among others, those who have successfully completed tailoring skilling at the Vedanta Tailoring Training Institutes across Chitradurga. The enthusiastic participation reflects upon the growing aspiration for progress and economic mobility among rural women.
The programme was graced by Mr. Viresh T, Gram Panchayat PDO; Mr. Suresh H Ugrana, Former GP Member; Mr. Vasant Kumar , Senior HR Arvind Ltd., along with VISL – IOK executives.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Viresh T, Gram Panchayat PDO, said, “It is encouraging to see such a strong response from women across the region. Through initiatives like NSDC-certified Vedanta Tailoring Training Centres and by promoting employment linkages, VISL -IOK is helping women acquire industry-relevant skills and creating opportunities for economic progress.”
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, VISL-IOK, commented, “At VISL-IOK, our CSR initiatives focus on creating a lasting and transformational impact through vocational training. We are proud to be a catalyst for rural community members by helping bridge the gap between the skills required and the industry needs. The Vedanta Tailoring Training Centres (VTTCs), being run under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, are playing a significant part in mainstreaming rural communities and integrating them with the larger economy of the region. I thank our partners Arvind Limited, village panchayats and the enterprising community members for making the Women’s Job Mela a success.”
The VTTCs are accredited by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), ensuring industry-aligned and quality skill development opportunities for local communities.
During the job mela, participants received detailed information about job roles, workplace facilities, employee benefits, career progression opportunities, and the recruitment process at Arvind Limited. The event also included sharing of experiences by women currently employed at Arvind Ltd.
Manjula T, a trainee of the Vedanta Tailoring Training Centre (VTTC) and participant in the Women’s Job Mela, shared her experience, “I am grateful to Vedanta Iron And Steel Limited for empowering us through the tailoring training programme. The skills I gained at the tailoring centre have opened new opportunities, and the support being provided for job placement is truly invaluable. Earning an income through employment will strengthen my confidence, help me become self-reliant, and enable me to lead a better life.”
The initiative marks another milestone in VISL-IOK’s efforts to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and facilitate the transition of rural women from skill development to meaningful employment. Beyond livelihood generation, VISL-IOK, continues to drive several community development initiatives across Chitradurga in the field of basic affordable healthcare, education, IT training and sustainable agriculture.