NEW DELHI, AUG 19
On India’s 78th Independence Day, Vedanta Aluminium, the country’s largest aluminium producer, has launched Phase-III of Project Shree Shakti, an innovative initiative designed to integrate women employees into the night shift at its smelter operations in Jharsuguda, Odisha. This new phase, a pioneering effort in the state’s metals and manufacturing industry, was inaugurated by Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Limited and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc.
The project aims to offer women greater flexibility in their working hours and allow them to take on crucial roles in core plant operations. It underscores Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce while prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of its employees.
In her remarks, Priya Agarwal Hebbar emphasized, “Building an inclusive organization requires a continuous focus on creating equal opportunities for all. Project Shree Shakti is a step in that direction and is driving positive transformation within Odisha’s industrial landscape. At Vedanta, we are dedicated to cultivating a work environment where every team member, regardless of gender, can thrive and excel.”
Project Shree Shakti embodies the values of empowerment and independence that are fundamental to a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ By offering women professionals flexible working hours, the initiative enables them to advance their careers on their own terms. It involves integrating women into the night shift across the company’s core operations in Odisha, ensuring a safe and supportive work environment. This approach is designed to create additional career advancement opportunities for women and promote equitable access to leadership roles.
Women participating in the project will handle advanced operational tasks traditionally performed by male employees, demonstrating their technical expertise. The initiative aims to unlock the full potential of women by providing them with professional skill development, advanced training in industrial processes, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. To facilitate a smooth transition for these new employees, Vedanta has introduced enhanced security and safety measures at its Odisha operations, including sensitization sessions for all staff, a specialized team to oversee workplace commutes, designated female drivers, and exclusive platforms for women employees to connect.
Soni Kumari, a PTM (Pot Tending Machine) operator at Vedanta Aluminium’s potline operations in Jharsuguda, who joined under the first phase of the project, shared her experience: “Working under the Shree Shakti Project has been transformative. The comprehensive work experience I received allowed me to balance my career and studies effectively. I have gained valuable skills that have increased my independence and confidence. This initiative has not
