A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram, and South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Bilaspur based CIL Subsidiary under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Coal, for a vocational training program aimed at uplifting under privileged youth from economically weaker sections of society. The agreement was signed in the  august presence of Ms Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal and Ms. Santosh, DDG  Ministry of Coal at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. The Additional Secretary extended her congratulations to the SECL CSR team for taking proactive and forward-thinking steps in implementing the vocational training program with ATDC. The program, which is part of SECL's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, is set to benefit 400 candidates, providing them with the skills needed for self-employment. A total of Rs. 3.12 Crore will be allocated for the initiative. Under this agreement, ATDC will establish training centers for 300 candidates in a non-residential self-employed tailor program across SECL Bishrampur, Sohagpur and Korba areas. Additionally, 100 candidates will undergo a fully residential program at the ATDC training center in Chhindwada, Madhya Pradesh, which will include free boarding and lodging. These candidates will be selected from within a 25-kilometer radius of SECL's establishments. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Biranchi Das, Director (P), SECL; Rakesh Vaid, Senior Vice Chairman, ATDC; Dr. Vijay Mathur, Director General and CEO, ATDC; Alok Kumar, General Manager (Civil/CSR), SECL; along with officials from SECL and ATDC. Under the guidance of the Minister of Coal, this initiative strives to empower underprivileged youth in coalfield regions, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.