NMDC Launches Medical Tech Program for ST Students

In a powerful reaffirmation of its commitment to inclusive growth and community development, NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer, has unveiled two transformative educational initiatives under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) umbrella. These include the flagship ‘Balika Shiksha Yojana’ for tribal girls and the launch of a cutting-edge Medical TechnologyProgram in collaboration with Apollo University, Chittoor, targeted at underprivileged tribal youth. Both initiatives are aimed at building equitable access to quality education and professional opportunities for students in remote and underserved tribal districts.

Balika Shiksha Yojana – Uplifting Tribal Girls Through Nursing Education

As part of its enduring mission to empower tribal women through education and career-building opportunities, NMDC is inviting applications for the Balika Shiksha Yojana. This scheme offers 100% free nursing education to tribal girls from the districts of Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Bijapur, and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh.

The program offers 200 seats in total:

• 110 seats for the B.Sc. Nursing (4-year) program
• 90 seats for GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery, 3-year) program

These courses will be hosted at prestigious nursing institutions such as the Apollo School of Nursing, Yashoda School of Nursing, and KIMS College of Nursing, all located in Hyderabad. Every selected candidate will receive a fully sponsored education package, covering tuition fees, hostel accommodation, academic materials, and other related expenses. The total investment per student is estimated at ₹12–₹15 lakh, ensuring that economic constraints do not hinder their aspirations.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must belong to Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities from the specified districts.
• The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹72,000.
• The application deadline is 28 June 2025.

Medical Technology Program – Professional Healthcare Skills for Tribal Youth

NMDC, in collaboration with Apollo University, Chittoor, has introduced a Medical Technology Program aimed at empowering both boys and girls from the tribal districts of Dantewada and Bastar. This initiative equips students with skills for careers in Allied Health Sciences, a vital and rapidly expanding field in India’s healthcare landscape.

The program offers 90 seats, with a deliberate focus on gender inclusivity:

• 60% of the seats are reserved for girls
• 40% are reserved for boys

The following B.Sc. specialized courses are available under this program:

• Emergency Medical Technology
• Medical Lab Technology
• Anaesthesiology & Operation Theatre Technician
• Imaging Technology
• Physician Assistant
• Renal Dialysis Technology

Each student will receive complete financial support, with NMDC investing between ₹12–₹15 lakh per participant to cover all academic and residential costs.

Applications are open until 30th June 2025.

A Legacy of Empowerment in Chhattisgarh

NMDC’s mining complexes have served as the economic backbone of Chhattisgarh for over six decades, playing a significant role in regional development. With these two flagship programs, NMDC extends its reach beyond infrastructure to human development, laying a strong foundation for healthcare education, women empowerment, and livelihood generation in tribal communities.

These initiatives not only represent NMDC’s long-standing philosophy of inclusive growth but also reinforce its leadership in corporate-driven nation-building. By enabling tribal youth, particularly girls, to step into crucial roles in the healthcare sector, NMDC is helping shape a future that is healthier, more equitable, and self-reliant.