Ashok K Gupta, CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundation, speaks about the significant strides taken in rural empowerment through skill development programmes.

Could you share more about how your DIKSHa initiative has evolved since its inception in 2016, and what specific challenges and successes you have encountered in scaling up this programme?
With the concept of ‘Giving back to Society’ the DIKSHa programme, a flagship CSR initiative of Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), was initiated in 2016 with the vision of providing alternative livelihood opportunities for the community around us. This reflects our shared vision of empowering individuals with valuable skills and enhancing employability. The conceptualisation and design of the programme were driven by a comprehensive analysis of prevailing skill gaps and industry demands for the trained youth in different trades. Our mission is clear: to reach and uplift every young individual within the vicinity of our business operations.
DIKSHa was initiated in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The broad roles of Dalmia Bharat Foundation and NSDC were integral to the development and implementation of DIKSHa. DBF took the lead in shaping the programme’s direction by identifying high-demand trades, setting up modern training centres, and ensuring a community-centric approach. This ensured that the programme met the needs of the local population while offering relevant skills. Our strong network of industry partners enabled us to link trainees with organised sector job opportunities. NSDC played an instrumental role by offering insights into skill development, designing the curriculum, and aligning it with national standards, particularly the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). Regular evaluations ensure continuous improvement in the program’s implementation.
Operating across 20 centers in 10 states, DIKSHa has trained over 16,460 candidates with a commendable placement rate of 73 per cent. With an annual training capacity of 7,200 youths, the programme offers diverse courses across 21 trades, preparing individuals for a range of industries.
Our programme stands out not only for its comprehensive training but also for the extensive post-placement support we provide. Unlike other government programs that offer three months of post-placement assistance, DIKSHa ensures a full year of post placement support to our candidates. This commitment helps our graduates navigate their new roles, overcome challenges and continue to grow in their careers.
Our achievements would not be possible without the invaluable support of our partners. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners such as the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), NABARD, Bosch, AkzoNobel, Schneider Electric, and many others. Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in scaling our efforts and ensuring the highest standards of training and employment opportunities.
Despite these successes, scaling DIKSHa across geographies presented challenges. Maintaining programme quality and consistent implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) required a robust framework to monitor and track the progress of our centers. Initially, creating awareness and overcoming community hesitation about the programme’s credibility and job opportunities was tough. Mobilising women beneficiaries also posed challenges, especially given societal norms, but we have addressed these through targeted courses and engagement strategies. Retention of candidates post-training and establishing a unified brand across all DIKSHa centers were additional hurdles we have worked to overcome.

With a notable 63 per cent female enrolment in DIKSHa and a high employment rate for graduates, how does DBF tailor its programmes to ensure that women and youth in rural areas are effectively integrated into the workforce?
Yes, we have an enrolment rate of 63 per cent females in our DIKSHa programme, and we are constantly working to increase it further in the coming years. Not only in enrolment—61 per cent of the trainees (5001) who passed in FY 24 were females, demonstrating our commitment to gender equality and rural empowerment. We have carefully designed tailor-made courses that cater specifically to the interests and needs of women and youth, ensuring these courses also align with market demand at both the local and national levels. This approach has made our programs more attractive to participants while increasing their employability. Trades such as General Duty Assistant (GDA), Sewing Machine Operator, Solar PV Installer, Customer Relationship Manager and Assistant Beauty Therapist are examples of how we match local opportunities with the aspirations of our trainees.
To ensure smooth integration into the workforce, we provide comprehensive support during the job placement process, spanning across districts and regions. Our commitment doesn’t end with placement—DIKSHa offers one year of post-placement support, ensuring that our graduates can settle into their roles. If a candidate chooses to switch jobs at any time, they can rely on our team for assistance in securing new employment, reflecting our dedication to long-term career support. Also, for placements where trainees, especially women trainees need to join outside their home district, DIKSHa team members accompany them to the joining location to ensure a smooth process. This support not only ensures a seamless transition but also boosts the confidence of women trainees as they step into their new roles
In addition to formal employment, DBF facilitates the entrepreneurial aspirations of our trainees, especially women. We support the establishment of micro and small businesses by assisting in securing loans from banks or cooperative societies, further promoting financial independence.
Looking ahead, DBF has plans to open three more training centers by FY 25, increasing our total centers to 23 and our annual training capacity
to 8,000. This expansion will enable us to reach more rural youth and women, continuing to bridge the gap between skill development and employment opportunities.

In the context of Dalmia Bharat’s broader sustainability goals, how does DBF contribute to the circular economy through its skill development programmes?
The Foundation aligns closely with Dalmia Bharat’s broader sustainability goals. Circular economy principles are embedded in our programmes. Through these initiatives, we not only enhance the employability of rural youth but also promote environmental sustainability by focusing on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy sources. Our programmes, such as those that train individuals in green jobs like solar PV installation, are designed to address the dual challenge of unemployment and environmental degradation.
By offering skills in organic farming and water conservation techniques, we encourage sustainable agricultural practices, leading to improved crop yields and reduced dependence on chemical inputs. These efforts contribute to environmental sustainability while providing rural communities with the tools to flourish economically, creating a model of inclusive and sustainable development. Moreover, we also support circular economy initiatives by facilitating the use of biomass as alternative fuel through projects like bamboo cultivation, municipal waste collection, and the use of agricultural waste as fuel, significantly contributing to the reduction of carbon footprints in rural areas.
The DIKSHa programme has been a game-changer for contributing to the circular economy. A recent Social Return on Investment (SROI) study conducted by KPMG India for the DIKSHa programme revealed an impressive SROI value of 7.5. This means that for every rupee invested, the programme generates 7.5 rupees in socio-economic value. The programme trains youth and women in trades such as industrial sewing machine operators, domestic electricians, assistant beauty therapists, general duty assistants and customer relationship managers, equipping them with industry-relevant skills. The programme enhances employability, improves livelihoods, and promotes financial stability, leading to inclusive growth.
In addition to skill development, DBF is actively involved in environmental sustainability through its water and soil conservation programmes. A study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on over 6,000 water conservation structures highlighted the impact of these initiatives, achieving another SROI value of 7.5. These programmes focus on organic farming, water conservation techniques, and the promotion of climate resilient practices.
This not only reduces waste and encourages
recycling but also empowers rural communities economically, creating a model of inclusive and sustainable development.
These initiatives help DBF build resilient and self-reliant communities while contributing to India’s sustainable development goals.

As India progresses towards its ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, what role do you see DBF playing in shaping the future of rural development and employment?
As India advances towards its ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF) is committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of rural development and employment. Our focus has always been on empowering rural communities by building sustainable livelihoods, enhancing skill development, and promoting social and economic inclusion. DBF envisions being a key driver in ensuring that rural India contributes significantly to the country’s overall growth story.
To support this vision, we plan to scale up our existing programmes like DIKSHa and Gram Parivartan. DIKSHa, which has already trained over 16,460 candidates, will expand further with three additional centers in FY 25, increasing our annual training capacity to 8,000. This will allow us to offer skill development in more sectors, particularly in green and future-ready jobs, aligning with national priorities. We are also exploring partnerships to introduce digital skilling, which will equip rural youth with skills for the tech-driven economy.
Under Gram Parivartan, we aim to deepen our impact across the 20 locations covering more than 84,000 households where we currently operate. With the success of our livelihood intervention model, which integrates agriculture, horticulture, micro-enterprises and social capital, we plan to cover more households by introducing innovative income-generating activities such as agri-tech solutions and climate-resilient farming techniques. We also see the potential in expanding micro-enterprises, particularly for women and landless households, to build resilient rural economies.
In terms of new initiatives, we are exploring opportunities to enhance our efforts in renewable energy training and water conservation, ensuring that rural communities not only have access to sustainable resources but also the skills to manage them. The vision is to create a rural green economy where sustainable practices, such as solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and organic farming, become the backbone of livelihood activities.
Furthermore, DBF plans to strengthen its public-private partnerships, aligning our programs with various government schemes and global development goals. Through collaboration, innovation, and firm focus on rural empowerment, DBF is poised to be a critical contributor to India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision, ensuring that no rural community is left behind in the nation’s journey toward progress.

– Kanika Mathur