Tata Chemicals’ CSR Initiative Supports Rural Youth for Armed Forces Careers in Okhamandal

Gujarat, January 21, 2026: The Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD), the CSR arm of Tata Chemicals, has initiated an Armed Forces Training Programme in the Okhamandal Block, aimed at supporting rural youth aspiring to pursue careers in the Indian Armed Forces. The programme is being implemented in partnership with Ramshingbha Trust (Manek Defence Academy) during FY 2024–25.

The initiative has shown encouraging early outcomes. In its first batch, 12 candidates were enrolled, of whom seven were selected for the Indian Army under the Agniveer scheme. In the current year, 27 candidates are undergoing training. Among them, one candidate has been selected for the Indian Air Force, three candidates have cleared written, physical and medical examinations under the SSC GD category and are awaiting the final merit list, while 14 candidates have cleared the written examination and are preparing for subsequent stages of the selection process.

To ensure inclusive participation, TCSRD has extended financial support for training fees, covering 75% of the cost for candidates from SC/ST categories and women, and 50% for candidates from other social categories. This support is intended to reduce financial barriers and enable greater access to structured defence training for rural aspirants.

Ujas Dave, Head of CSR, Tata Chemicals, said, “Through this collaboration to train youth of Okhamandal Block, TCSRD is enabling rural youth to access systematic preparation for careers in the Indian Armed Forces. The initiative addresses both training and affordability, ensuring wider participation and better preparedness among aspirants.”

The Armed Forces Training Programme is part of Tata Chemicals’ broader CSR focus on education, skilling and employment-oriented interventions for rural communities. By combining professional training support with financial assistance, the initiative aims to create sustainable career pathways for youth from underserved regions while strengthening their readiness for national defence services.