TPNODL Powers Green Livelihoods for Rural Youth in Northern Odisha

By Sudam Patra

Baleshwar, Oct. 13: TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL), in collaboration with the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), felicitated 120 trainees who successfully completed the first phase of its ‘Green Jobs Training Programme’. Undertaken as part of TPNODL’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the programme equips rural youth with technical skills to pursue livelihood opportunities in the solar energy sector.

The first phase covered eight batches across two trades, Solar Supervisor and Solar Helper / Assistant Technician. Trainees received practical, industry-relevant training and were awarded certificates issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. The initiative seeks to address skill gaps in the solar energy sector while strengthening employability among rural youth in the region.

In a special felicitation ceremony, the trainees were presented with certificates by Mr. Dushyant Kumar Tyagi, CEO, TPNODL; Mr. Nilesh Potphode, Chief – Operation Services; Mr. Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Chief – Projects; Mr. Rajib Kumar Nayak, Chief Engineer – Solarization; and Mr. Ranjan Sharma, Head – CSR, in the presence of other TPNODL and TPSDI officials. The leadership team congratulated the trainees and encouraged them to leverage their skills in the renewable energy sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dushyant Kumar Tyagi, CEO, TPNODL, said, “As the clean energy sector grows, equipping rural youth with relevant skills is essential to helping them access emerging opportunities. Through our green jobs and vocational training initiatives, we aim to strengthen employability and support sustainable livelihoods, enabling young people to contribute to their communities and to the development of Odisha and the nation at large.”

Complementing its specialised green jobs training, TPNODL also operates six Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Baleshwar, Jajpur, Kendujhar, Kaptipada, Bahalda and Chadheipahadi within its licensed region. These centres provide employment-oriented training to improve employability and expand local livelihood opportunities. To date, over 4,300 individuals have received skill development training through this initiative. While beneficiaries have taken up employment across various sectors, others have established their own enterprises and outlets within their local communities.

TPNODL’s green jobs programme and vocational training centres form part of its ongoing CSR efforts to support skill development within its licensed areas. By providing training relevant to employment and entrepreneurship, TPNODL intends to help local youth build sustainable livelihoods and prepare for emerging opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy.