Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group in a
momentous occasion today, distributed the Apprentice Engagement Letters to the inaugural
batch of apprentices at Rudrapur Pantnagar. This marked a significant milestone in the
company's commitment to fostering skill development and employment opportunities in
Uttarakhand.
The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Minister of
Skill Development and Employment, Government of Uttarakhand, and Mr. Ganesh Mani,
COO, Ashok Leyland. This endeavour reflects Ashok Leyland's commitment to enhancing skill
development and fostering employment opportunities in the region, aligning with the
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ashok Leyland and
the Government of Uttarakhand in July 2023, the company has aimed to boost
employability in the state. The MoU outlines the engagement of 1000 apprentices annually
for three years, starting from 2023. The initiative is structured to equip apprentices with
industry-relevant skills and prepare them for future job opportunities.
Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, "We understand the vital significance
of empowering youth through skill development initiatives. In an ever-changing landscape,
acquiring pertinent skills is essential to excel in their careers and make meaningful
contributions to society. Our collaboration with the Government of Uttarakhand
underscores our dedication to nurturing talent and creating sustainable employment
opportunities in the region. By investing in skill development, we enable individuals to
unlock their potential and drive positive change within their communities."
Mr. Ganesh Mani, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland said, "Our partnership with the
government reaffirms our profound belief in the power of skill development to bring about
meaningful change. We are honoured to be part of initiatives that drive the socio-economic
development of Uttarakhand."
The issuing of the Apprentice Engagement Letters reflects Ashok Leyland's dedication to
empowering young individuals, promoting skill enhancement, and bolstering the socio-
economic advancement of Uttarakhand. To date, Ashok Leyland has effectively onboarded
over 400 apprentices across diverse disciplines, owing to the cooperative endeavours of the
government and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) throughout Uttarakhand.