Hindustan Zinc’s Zinc Kaushal Trains Over 10,000 Rural Youth, Strengthening Livelihood Opportunities

Udaipur, July 15, 2026: Hindustan Zinc has announced that its flagship skilling and livelihood initiative, Zinc Kaushal, has trained more than 10,000 rural and tribal youth across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand since its launch in 2019. Backed by an investment of ₹26 crore, the programme focuses on enhancing employability through industry-oriented skill development, with women accounting for 45% of the participants.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with Ambuja Foundation and Tata Strive, operates through six skilling centres in Rajasthan—Debari, Dariba, Zawar, Chittorgarh, Agucha and Kayad—and previously in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. According to the company, more than 8,000 trainees have secured employment with organisations including Tata Consultancy Services, Foxconn, Honda, Marella Cruises and GMR Group.

During FY2026, the programme trained over 2,600 youth, including 420 participants through convergence partnerships with NABARD, JK Cement, YES Foundation and Bajaj Finserv. Hindustan Zinc said a dedicated batch of deaf and mute trainees achieved 100% placement, joining hospitality organisations such as Taj Fateh Prakash, Radisson Blu and The Fern Residency.

The company reported an 83% placement rate under the programme, with participants recording an average 16% increase in salary, reflecting the initiative's focus on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Among the beneficiaries is Deepika, a resident of Bhamniya Khet near Udaipur, who received training in Food & Beverage Services through Zinc Kaushal before securing an opportunity with Marella Cruises in Spain. Another participant, Wasif, who is hearing impaired, began his hospitality career with Ramada and currently works as a Guest Service Associate at Taj Aravali, while also mentoring other hearing-impaired youth.

Beyond employment, Zinc Kaushal has partnered with the Udaipur Police Department under the Smart Policing initiative to provide skill development opportunities for vulnerable youth and support their integration into mainstream employment.

Hindustan Zinc said the programme has also received four district-level awards from the Government of Rajasthan for its contribution to youth employability. Marking World Youth Skills Day, the company highlighted Zinc Kaushal as part of its broader efforts to promote education, employment and inclusive community development.