NMDC Limited, India’s top iron ore producer, is furthering its commitment to inclusive growth with the launch of two transformative education initiatives aimed at empowering tribal youth in Chhattisgarh: the ‘Balika Shiksha Yojana’ for tribal girls and a new ‘Medical Technology Program’ in collaboration with Apollo University, Chittoor.
NMDC Limited is advancing its commitment to community development through two significant educational initiatives aimed at empowering tribal youth in Chhattisgarh. The company has launched the Balika Shiksha Yojana, a fully funded nursing education program for tribal girls, and a Medical Technology Program for underprivileged boys and girls. Both initiatives are designed to provide tribal students with opportunities for advanced education and professional training, empowering them with the skills needed for sustainable careers.
The Balika Shiksha Yojana focuses on providing 100% fully sponsored nursing education to young tribal girls from the districts of Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Bijapur, and Narayanpur. The program offers these girls a chance to pursue B.Sc. Nursing (4 years) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM – 3 years) courses at leading nursing schools, including Apollo School of Nursing, Yashoda School of Nursing, and KIMS College of Nursing in Hyderabad. This initiative will support 200 students, with 110 seats dedicated to the B.Sc. Nursing program and 90 to the GNM course.
All educational expenses for the participants will be fully covered, including tuition, hostel, and academic costs, amounting to an estimated ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student. To be eligible, applicants must come from families with an annual income of ₹72,000 or less. Applications for the Balika Shiksha Yojana are open until June 28, 2025, giving tribal girls from Chhattisgarh an excellent opportunity to build careers in healthcare.
In addition to the nursing initiative, NMDC is launching a Medical Technology Program in collaboration with Apollo University, Chittoor. This program offers fully sponsored education for underprivileged tribal boys and girls from Dantewada and Bastar districts. With an investment of ₹12 to ₹15 lakh per student, the program aims to equip students with specialized skills in the healthcare sector, paving the way for professional opportunities in medical technology.
The Medical Technology Program offers 90 seats, with 60% reserved for girls and 40% for boys. The courses available under this program include Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Anaesthesiology and Operation Theatre Technician, Imaging Technology, Physician Assistant, and Renal Dialysis Technology. Applications for this program will close on June 30, 2025, providing tribal youth in the region with a chance to pursue valuable careers in the growing healthcare industry.
For over 60 years, NMDC has been an integral part of Chhattisgarh’s development, especially with its mining operations in the region. These new educational programs continue the company’s legacy of empowering the local tribal community, helping bridge the gap between education and employment, and offering tribal youth the chance to build a brighter future.
