NML Talaipalli Signs MoU with OP Jindal Community College for Skill Development

Raigarh, C.G.

NML Talaipalli Coal Mining Project signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OP Jindal Community College (OPJCC), Punjipathra, Raigarh, to strengthen skill development initiatives for the youth of project-affected villages. The MoU was signed by Shri Anand Ji Agarwal, HoP I/C & General Manager (TS), NML Talaipalli, and Dr. R. D. Patidar, Vice Chancellor, OP Jindal University, in the presence of officials from both organisations.

Under the agreement, a three-month Skill Development Training Programme will be jointly implemented to equip project-affected youth with industry-oriented vocational skills. The programme aims to enhance their employability, improve livelihood opportunities, and prepare them for meaningful careers in various industrial sectors.

The collaboration supervised by Raigarh district administration reflects NML Talaipalli’s continued commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihood generation. By fostering industry-academia partnerships, the project seeks to create a skilled local workforce and contribute to the socio-economic development of the surrounding communities.

Representatives pointed out that numerous impoverished, tribal, rural, and economically disadvantaged students rely heavily on public colleges for higher education. They warned that such massive seat reductions will exclude a vast number of aspirants from pursuing their degrees. The committee has demanded an immediate rollback of the cut orders to ensure enrollment for every eligible candidate. Additionally, they pressed for the resumption of the LL.B. course at SP College, the reinstatement of essential subjects like geography, and a speedy resolution to pending grievances concerning B.Ed. colleges.

Warning of an escalation, student leaders declared that if the university administration fails to take positive action within three days, an indefinite lockdown and a wider agitation will begin at the Sidho Kanhu Murmu University headquarters in Dumka starting Monday, August 10. The committee emphasized that the protest is a fight for equal educational opportunities and the protection of the future of youth across Santhal Pargana, while urging university authorities to prioritize student interests.

The lockdown demonstration saw the participation of hundreds of students alongside prominent figures including Dr. Shyamdev Hembrom, Rajiv Baskski, Rajendra Murmu, Ramkrishna Tudu, Ritesh Murmu, Sanjay Kisku, Martha Soren, Meena Soren, Anamika Hansda, Subasten Murmu, Julius Marandi, Baburam Tudu, Mathias Hembrom, Reshmi Hembrom, Premshila Soren, Lugulungmag Soren, Darbari Hembrom, Mathias Hembrom, Baburam Tudu, Ranjeet Murmu, Suphal Murmu, Mangal Soren, Subhash Kisku, Amod Basksi, Subasten Murmu, Hemant Basksi, Prem Marandi, Naveen Soren, Subhash Kumar Marandi, Sushil Hansda, Santoshan Marandi, Shriram Tudu, Hapna Soren, Mukesh Soren, Deepak Tudu, Kailash Hansda, Emmanuel Tudu, Rahul Kumar Hembrom, Kanhu Hembrom, Shivram Hembrom, Pintu Marandi, Bulay Koda, Murlidhar Marandi, Nitesh Hembrom, Ashish Soren, Bindu Marandi, Kundan Murmu, Sebastian Soren, Ajay Soren, Manoj Tudu, and Soglan Murmu, among others.