From Coal to Careers: RASCI Initiative Creates New Livelihood Pathways in Ramgarh
RASCI’s Just Transition initiative in Ramgarh is creating new livelihood pathways through retail and allied sector skilling for coal-affected communities.
Ramgarh, Jharkhand:
In a significant step toward enabling sustainable livelihoods in coal-dependent regions, the Retail Associated Skill Council of India (RASCI) has launched a demand-driven skilling initiative under the Just Transition Project in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand, aimed at supporting communities impacted by the gradual decline of coal-based economies.
The Just Transition Project supports India’s shift toward sustainable energy by applying Just Transition principles to the closure and repurposing of coal mines. With several mines in Jharkhand nearing closure, the initiative focuses on planning sustainable mine transitions, strengthening institutional capacities, and promoting gender-equitable socio-economic development in coal-affected communities.
As part of this initiative, RASCI is conducting exploratory research and implementing skilling, employment, and self-employment models in the retail, e-commerce, warehousing, and allied sectors across Ramgarh (Mandu Block) and Giridih (Sadar Block). The project aims to address livelihood vulnerabilities by creating alternative career pathways aligned with local market demand.
To ensure effective on-ground implementation, IACT Education Pvt. Ltd. has been onboarded as the Training Partner, leveraging its strong grassroots presence and expertise in skill development. IACT Education is responsible for community mobilization, training delivery, assessment and certification coordination, as well as placement and post-placement retention tracking.
The project will support up to 200 beneficiaries, providing them with industry-relevant skills, certification, and livelihood assistance. In addition to skilling outcomes, structured field engagement will help capture ground-level insights, beneficiary feedback, and implementation learnings, contributing to the development of an evidence-based project closure report by RASCI.
Marking the transition from planning to action, the first two batches of training have already commenced in Ramgarh, signaling a tangible move “from coal to careers” for local youth and workers seeking sustainable employment opportunities beyond mining.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort to build inclusive, scalable, and future-ready livelihood models for communities navigating economic transition, reinforcing RASCI’s and IACT Education’s commitment to India’s Just Transition agenda.
