Chhattisgarh: In a significant step toward inclusive growth and community empowerment, NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer and a Navratna public sector enterprise, has announced two major education initiatives aimed at uplifting tribal youth from Chhattisgarh. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs—‘Balika Shiksha Yojana’ and a new ‘Medical Technology Program’—NMDC reaffirms its commitment to nurturing talent and bridging socio-economic disparities through accessible and quality education.
1. Balika Shiksha Yojana – Free Nursing Education for Tribal Girls
Under the flagship initiative Balika Shiksha Yojana, NMDC is offering fully-sponsored nursing education to tribal girls (ST category) hailing from the districts of Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Bijapur, and Narayanpur.
- Courses Offered:
- B.Sc. Nursing (4 years) – 110 seats
- GNM – General Nursing & Midwifery (3 years) – 90 seats
- Total Seats: 200
- Partner Institutions:
- Apollo School of Nursing
- Yashoda School of Nursing
- KIMS College of Nursing (all in Hyderabad)
- Coverage:
- The program includes 100% funding of tuition fees, hostel accommodation, academic materials, and miscellaneous expenses.
- The estimated investment per student ranges between ₹12 to ₹15 lakh.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
- Family income must not exceed ₹72,000 per annum.
- Application Deadline:
- 28th June 2025
This initiative not only aims to empower tribal girls with healthcare skills but also ensures a sustainable career path for them, while simultaneously addressing the shortage of trained nursing professionals in India.
2. Medical Technology Program – Allied Health Sciences for Tribal Youth
NMDC, in collaboration with Apollo University, Chittoor, has launched a fully-funded Medical Technology Program for underprivileged ST youth from Dantewada and Bastar districts.
- Courses Offered (B.Sc. Allied Health Sciences – 4 years):
- Emergency Medical Technology
- Medical Lab Technology
- Anaesthesiology & Operation Theatre Technician
- Imaging Technology
- Physician Assistant
- Renal Dialysis Technology
- Total Seats: 90
- 60% reserved for girls
- 40% reserved for boys
- Sponsorship:
- NMDC will cover the entire cost of education, ranging from ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student, including tuition, accommodation, and other academic expenses.
- Application Deadline:
- 30th June 2025
This transformative initiative is part of NMDC’s broader mission to enhance healthcare access, economic empowerment, and skill development in India’s tribal regions. By aligning with industry leaders like Apollo University, NMDC is equipping young individuals with technical and medical skills that ensure both employment and service to the community.
A Legacy of Development in Chhattisgarh
For over six decades, NMDC has played a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic development of Chhattisgarh, where its key mining operations are based. With these new educational initiatives, the organization is going beyond infrastructure and mining to invest in human capital—specifically the tribal youth who have traditionally faced barriers to education and employment.
Through this focused approach to inclusive education and healthcare training, NMDC is setting a benchmark in CSR-driven development, creating new pathways of hope, skill, and prosperity for India’s tribal communities.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates and guardians can obtain further details and apply via the official NMDC website or contact their local NMDC CSR offices in the respective districts.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
For more details, visit Channel 6 Network.
