Special Correspondent
Gadchiroli : In a transformative step for tribal education and employment in Maharashtra, Gondwana University has launched a fully-funded technical diploma programme through its newly established University Institute of Technology (UIT) in Gadchiroli. The initiative, aimed at empowering tribal youth from Naxal-affected and underdeveloped areas, is being hailed as a milestone in India’s efforts to merge inclusive education with direct employability.
The programme offers free three-year diplomas in high-demand technical fields such as mining engineering, metallurgy, manufacturing technology, and computer science, tailored specifically to the industrial requirements of the region. What sets this project apart is its comprehensive backing—₹25 crore funding has been provided entirely through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd, one of the leading industrial players in central India.
According to university officials, 120 tribal students will be admitted in the first batch. These students will receive not just free education, but also hostel accommodation, meals, learning materials, uniforms, and access to a world-class academic infrastructure developed over a sprawling 170-acre campus at Adapalli near Etapalli in Gadchiroli district.
But the opportunity does not end with just education. The placement guarantee is the most impactful component of this initiative. Upon successful completion of the diploma, every student will be absorbed into Lloyds’ new manufacturing and processing facilities in the same region with a starting monthly salary of ₹40,000, a life-changing amount for most families in the area. This guarantees not only employment but also long-term economic stability for tribal households, many of whom are first-generation learners.
In an unprecedented global tie-up, the students will also undergo a six-month international training module at Curtin University in Australia, one of the top global institutions for mining and metallurgy education. This collaboration aims to expose students to advanced international practices and technologies, which they can later implement in local industry.
Speaking about the initiative, Vice-Chancellor of Gondwana University Dr. Shriniwas Varakhedi said, “This is not just an academic programme; it is a mission to uplift the entire tribal belt of eastern Maharashtra. The inclusion of international training and guaranteed jobs makes it one of the most holistic education-to-employment models in the country.”
Officials from Lloyds Metals stated that the initiative is part of a broader vision to make Gadchiroli the “Steel Hub of Maharashtra”, for which a skilled local workforce is critical. This programme, they believe, will serve as a model for other CSR-driven educational partnerships across India.
The response from tribal communities has been overwhelmingly positive. For decades, students in the region lacked access to quality technical education. With this initiative, many see a new era of dignity, opportunity, and economic empowerment dawning in the region.
Admissions for the first batch are set to begin in August 2025, with classes scheduled to commence in September. Selection will be based on merit and socio-economic background, ensuring that the most deserving and underprivileged candidates benefit.
As India looks toward building an inclusive knowledge economy, Gondwana University’s initiative offers a blueprint for integrating higher education, industry, and social responsibility. It’s not just about teaching students how to build machines—it’s about giving them the tools to rebuild their futures.
