Dalmia Bharat Foundation Launches Two Residential DIKSHa Centres in Odisha to Boost Youth Employability in Textile Sector
~To train 900 youth annually with a strong focus on increasing women’s participation in the workforce~
Bhubaneswar, April 17, 2026: Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the CSR arm of Dalmia Bharat Ltd., one of India’s leading cement companiesin partnership with the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), today announced the launch of two new DIKSHacentres in Bhubaneswar at Katabada and Ghangapatna. Aligned with DBF’s focus on enabling sustainable livelihoods, both centres will offer training in the Sewing Machine Operator trade, a sector witnessing strong demand in Odisha. The state has emerged as a growing hub for apparel manufacturing which has created a steady demand for a skilled workforce, particularly in entry-level machine operations, making the trade a viable pathway for employment, especially for women. The centres are being operationalised through MoUs with Sahana Clothing Company Ltd. and Armstrong Clothing Company Ltd.With an annual capacity of 900 youth, the programme will emphasise women’s participation and offer industry-aligned training with 100% placement support through captive employment opportunities.In addition, candidates will receive third-party certification as nominated by OSDA.These new centres bring DBF’s total DIKSHa footprint in Odisha to eight.
The centres were inaugurated by distinguished guests, including Mr. Subasish Behera, DSDEO, Bhubaneswar (OSDA); Mr. Sanjeev Pradhan, Joint Director, OSDA; Mr. Durga Madhab Subudhi, Senior Manager, Sahana Clothing Company Ltd.; and Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundation. In a first for DBF, both centres are fully residential training facilities, designed to expand access to structured skilling opportunities for youth from underserved and remote regions.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundation, said, “At Dalmia Bharat, we see skill development as a key driver of socio-economic transformation. Odisha has been central to our skilling efforts, and this milestone reflects our continued commitment to the state’s youth. Through our DIKSHacentres, we have trained over 10,000 young people in Odisha, achieving a 78% placement rate, with more than 60% women. With these new centres, we are further strengthening our presence and contributing to a more inclusive skilling ecosystem. We are grateful to the Government of Odisha and OSDA for their continued partnership in this shared mission.”
Dalmia Bharat Foundation led DIKSHa is a placement-linked, short-term skill training program for youth and women, enabling them to become part of the skilled workforce. The program currently operates32 DIKSHa skill centres across 12 states and has trained over 29800 youth, enhancing employability across communities near its plant locations, with a strong focus on women’s participation and the inclusion of underrepresented groups.
