New Delhi: NMDC Limited, India's largest iron ore producer, has invited applications for two fully sponsored educational initiatives aimed at empowering tribal youth in Chhattisgarh under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

The first initiative, Balika Shiksha Yojana, offers 200 fully funded seats for tribal girls (ST) from Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Kondagaon, Bijapur, and Narayanpur districts. The scheme covers B.Sc Nursing (110 seats) and GNM (90 seats) courses at reputed institutions including Apollo School of Nursing, Yashoda School of Nursing, and KIMS College of Nursing in Hyderabad. Each selected student will receive financial assistance worth ₹12-15 lakh covering tuition, hostel, and academic expenses. The annual family income of applicants must not exceed ₹72,000. The last date to apply is June 28, 2025.

The second initiative, a Medical Technology Program, is launched in collaboration with Apollo University, Chittoor, and offers 90 fully funded seats to tribal boys and girls from Dantewada and Bastar. The program offers specialized B.Sc courses such as Emergency Medical Technology, Imaging Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Anaesthesiology & OT Technician, Renal Dialysis Technology, and Physician Assistant. Sixty percent of seats are reserved for girls. Applications close on June 30, 2025.

With an investment of up to ₹15 lakh per student, NMDC continues its long-standing commitment to inclusive development in Chhattisgarh, where it operates two major mining complexes. These education programs are expected to create new livelihood opportunities for tribal youth.