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Friday, March 20, 2026 10:31 PM

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Air India Appoints Ravindra Kumar G P as Chief Human Resources Officer

Air India announced on Friday that Ravindra Kumar G P will assume the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) starting April 1. Currently associated with Tata Motors, Kumar will succeed Suresh Dutt Tripathi, who is retiring from his position at the airline. With a distinguished career, including a significant tenure at General Electric Company, where he served as CHRO for South Asia in the last four years, Kumar brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His recent role as President & CHRO at Tata Motors since 2018 adds to his extensive background in human resources. Kumar will report directly to Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson. In a statement, Wilson expressed gratitude for the outstanding contribution of Suresh Dutt Tripathi, highlighting his vital role over the past two years, particularly during the transitional phase of Air India’s privatization. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Air India, following the takeover by the Tata group in January 2022. The change in leadership reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen and streamline the operations of the national carrier under the new ownership. As Air India undergoes significant transformations, the new CHRO, Ravindra Kumar G P, is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the airline’s human resources strategies and contributing to its overall success.

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India Witnesses Remarkable Surge in Employable Youth, DEA Highlights Transformative Skill Development

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In a significant development, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has reported a substantial increase in the percentage of employable youth in India. According to the January 2024 review of the economy, the employable percentage of final-year and pre-final-year students has risen from 33.9% in 2014 to an impressive 51.3% in 2024. This positive trend is attributed to the concerted efforts in mass skilling initiatives since 2014. The DEA’s report underscores the transformative journey in skill development witnessed in India over the last decade. The push for skilling has begun to yield dividends, creating ample scope to integrate skilling into the education curriculum and upskill a significant portion of the existing workforce with future-relevant skills. The report also highlights India’s notable progress in WorldSkills Competitions, moving from the 39th position in 2011 to the 11th position in 2022. This across-the-board advancement in skilling, coupled with the rising enrolment in higher education, reflects the expanding and increasingly employable young workforce in India. Noteworthy statistics from the report include India’s 50.2% of men and 41% of women with ten or more years of schooling in the 15-49 age group. The DEA sees an opportunity to leverage the education-skill continuum as a powerful tool for the Indian Miracle by focusing on the youth who can benefit from finishing schools for enhanced employability. Under the National Education Policy, 2020, the report emphasizes the special focus on vocational education and skill development. Integrating vocational education with general education and mainstreaming vocational education are identified as key reforms in the country’s education system. Despite these advancements, the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23 reveals that 72.6% of workers aged 15-59 years did not receive any formal or informal vocational or technical training. To address this gap, the report highlights the recent launch of the Skill India Digital platform, serving as the digital public infrastructure for the skilling, education, employment, and entrepreneurship ecosystem. This initiative is seen as a significant step toward enhancing the ease of acquiring skills in India.

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Indian Railways Concludes Employment Process for 1.5 Lakh Posts, Announces Annual Recruitment Drive

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the successful completion of the employment process for 1.5 lakh posts within the Indian Railways, with the selection of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs) marking the initial phase. In a bid to create more employment opportunities, the railway ministry plans to conduct an annual recruitment process, addressing vacancies in various categories. Vaishnaw emphasized the significance of the recently concluded employment drive, stating, “We have recently completed the employment process for one lakh fifty-thousand employees, and immediately after concluding that, we have started the new process from the selection of assistant Loco pilots (ALPs). This is the first step.” Highlighting the railway’s vision, he outlined the shift towards an annual recruitment procedure. “There will be more employment opportunities in technical and non-technical popular categories in Group D. Instead of bunching everything together, our objective now is to have more employment. An annual recruitment process has been commenced so that more and more people can get opportunities,” Vaishnaw added. Anil Kumar Khandelwal, General Manager of East Central Railway, provided insights into the ongoing recruitment process. “Railway has started a new recruitment process. The railway will create vacancies every year on a regular basis. Railway infrastructure and operations are increasing every year. The vacancies will be filled on a yearly basis in multiple categories. The recruitment of 5,696 ALP (assistant loco pilots) has already started in this direction as of January 20.” Khandelwal emphasized the annual nature of the recruitment process, allowing candidates unsuccessful in the current year to reapply in the following year. He highlighted the positive shift from the previous practice of conducting recruitment once every three or four years, providing candidates with consistent opportunities to participate in the railway’s recruitment process. With the issuance of the first notification for 5,696 loco pilots on January 20, the Indian Railways aims to not only address immediate staffing needs but also establish a sustainable and recurring framework for employment opportunities.

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Sony Confirms Termination of $10 Billion Merger Deal with Zee Entertainment, Legal Battle Looms

Sony Corporation officially announced on Monday the termination of its proposed $10 billion mega-merger deal with Zee Entertainment, marking the collapse of the ambitious alliance that aimed to create India’s largest entertainment company. The agreement was intended to provide substantial financial prowess, positioning the unified entity to compete with global streaming giants like Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc., as well as local conglomerates such as Reliance Industries Ltd, currently exploring potential partnerships with Disney. The termination notice served by Sony brings an abrupt end to the negotiations, which had been anticipated as Sony Group Corp signaled its hesitancy to extend the discussions beyond the originally agreed-upon deadline. The termination follows a report on January 21 by ET (Economic Times) indicating that Sony was unlikely to prolong the good faith negotiations with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL). Zee Entertainment, in response to Sony’s move, expressed its intention to take legal action against the Japanese conglomerate, setting the stage for a potential legal battle between the two entities. The fallout from the failed merger deal adds a layer of complexity to the media landscape, with Zee Entertainment now reassessing its strategic options. In a prior development, Zee had requested Sony to extend the merger deadline from December 21, 2023, citing the need for more time. The merger deal, initially inked on December 22, 2021, faced hurdles and uncertainties, ultimately leading to its termination. The termination of the Sony-Zee merger deal raises questions about the future trajectory of both companies in the highly competitive Indian entertainment market. Industry observers are closely watching the aftermath of this high-profile breakdown and its potential implications for the broader media and entertainment landscape in India.

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SolarEdge Technologies Announces 16% Workforce Reduction Amidst Strategic Operational Adjustments

In a strategic move to streamline operations and cut operating costs, SolarEdge Technologies announced on Sunday that it will be implementing a significant workforce reduction, affecting approximately 16% of its global workforce, or roughly 900 employees. This decision comes on the heels of the firm’s recent strategic shifts, including the discontinuation of manufacturing operations in Mexico, a reduction in manufacturing capacity in China, and the termination of light commercial vehicle e-mobility activity. CEO Zvi Lando explained the rationale behind the tough decision, stating, “We have made a very difficult, but necessary decision to implement a workforce reduction and other cost-cutting measures in order to align our cost structure with the rapidly changing market dynamics.” The renewable energy company had previously adjusted its fourth-quarter revenue expectations in November, citing weak demand for its solar inverters. The solar industry, particularly in Europe, has experienced a slowdown over the past year due to excess inventories and weakening demand. In the United States, factors such as higher interest rates and a metering reform in California, the country’s largest solar market, have contributed to lower demand for solar products. SolarEdge’s strategic measures reflect the company’s proactive response to the evolving dynamics of the solar market, aiming to position itself effectively in the face of challenges. The announcement underscores the broader trends and challenges within the renewable energy sector, as companies navigate market shifts and seek to optimize their operations in a rapidly changing environment.

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Significant Surge in Youth Employment: 7.47 Lakh New Jobs Created in November 2023, ESIC Data Reveals

In a positive development for India’s employment landscape, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has reported a substantial increase in job opportunities for the youth. According to the provisional payroll data of the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), a staggering 7.47 lakh new jobs were generated for individuals up to the age of 25 in November 2023. The data, shared by the ministry, discloses that a total of 15.92 lakh new employees have been enrolled under the Employment State Insurance (ESI) scheme during the same period. Notably, the youth demographic constitutes a significant portion, accounting for 47% of the total registrations in November 2023. An official statement from the ministry emphasized the evident growth in youth employment, stating, “Data evidently reveals that more jobs have been generated for the youth of the nation.” The ministry also provided insights into the gender distribution, indicating that 3.17 lakh new workers are women, while 58 transgender employees have been included in the ESIC scheme. Highlighting the inclusive nature of the ESIC initiative, the ministry expressed commitment to extending benefits to all sections of society. Additionally, the government revealed that 20,830 new establishments have been brought under the social security umbrella of the scheme in November 2023, expanding coverage to more workers. It’s important to note that the Ministry of Labour and Employment clarified that the payroll data is provisional, as data generation is an ongoing process. Despite this, the positive trends observed in November 2023 suggest a promising outlook for the nation’s employment scenario, particularly for its youth population.

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Haryana’s Visionary Leap: ‘Mission 60,000’ Unleashes Employment Opportunities for Underprivileged Youth

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched ‘Mission 60,000,’ aiming to provide employment opportunities for 60,000 youngsters from families earning less than Rs 1.80 lakh annually. The announcement was made during the state-level ‘Vivekananda Youth Mahasammelan’ on Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary. Under the comprehensive initiative, Khattar outlined key components of ‘Mission 60,000.’ The government plans to engage 7,500 ‘Van Mitra’ individuals, recruit 15,000 contractual employees through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam, and involve 7,500 ‘e-Sewa Mitra’ for Common Services Centre, among other roles. Notably, 15,000 youths with diplomas or degrees in civil engineering will undergo specialized training to become contractors. Chief Minister Khattar highlighted a crucial financial support aspect, stating, “The government will extend a loan of Rs 3 lakhs to these individuals for one year without requiring any collateral. Trained youths under this program will be exempt from providing a guarantee for work up to Rs 25 lakh.” The overarching goal is to elevate their annual income, enabling them to surpass the Below Poverty Line (BPL) threshold. Paying homage to Swami Vivekananda, Khattar considered his life an inspiration and emphasized his significant role in representing India’s perspective at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. Khattar laid the foundation stone for the Saraswati Vatika development project of the irrigation and water resources department, allocating Rs 3.68 crore for the three-phase initiative. Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia and Printing and Stationery Minister Sandeep Singh graced the occasion with their presence.

Haryana’s Visionary Leap: ‘Mission 60,000’ Unleashes Employment Opportunities for Underprivileged Youth Read More »

Challenges Faced by Goa’s People with Disabilities in Employment Explored at International Purple Fest

As part of the ongoing International Purple Fest in Goa, a panel discussion titled “Championing Inclusivity: Sharing Experiences in Employing People with Disabilities (PwDs)” shed light on the challenges faced by people with disabilities in securing employment. The event was organized by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in collaboration with the State Commission for Disabilities, Keystone Institute India, and Sangath. Minister for Industries, Mauvin Godinho, served as the chief guest, and Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare, was the guest of honor, overseeing the International Purple Fest. The panel discussion emphasized that despite constituting 8-10% of the population, PwDs encounter difficulties in finding employment opportunities. The event saw the presence of Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for PwDs; Elizabeth Neuville, Executive Director, Keystone Institute India; and Monica Bariya, Chairperson, Sangath. In her welcome address, GCCI Vice President Pratima Dhond stressed the importance of integrating PwDs into the mainstream of society. Dhond urged the government to formulate disability-friendly policies within industries to promote the employment of PwDs. Setting the tone for the discussion, Percy Cardozo, a psychologist from Sangath, highlighted the need to treat persons with disabilities as worthy adults. The panel discussion, moderated by Leela Raj, Project Leader at Keystone Institute India, featured diverse perspectives from professionals like Alyx Albuquerque, entrepreneur and business owner; Rebecca Sikha, creative partner; Suman John, managing director; Faisal Ashraf Nomani, talent acquisition specialist; Neha Satish, CSR representative; Suresh P, supervisor in wood and paper unit; Akita Bahl, DLI manager Asia; and Srideep Dutta, kitchen assistant. The discussion underscored the transformative impact of employing persons with disabilities in mainstream businesses, providing not only financial stability but also fostering a sense of respect, belonging, purpose, and pride. The panelists called for a collective effort to create an inclusive environment that recognizes the potential and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

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Kotak Mahindra Bank Welcomes Akansha Sriram as VP-HR in Leadership Reshuffle

Kotak Mahindra Bank has bolstered its leadership team with the recent appointment of Akansha Sriram as the Vice President of Human Resources. Sriram, who previously served at Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. This move comes on the heels of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s strategic appointments, including the announcement of Ashok Vaswani as CEO and Anupam Kaura as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). With a focus on strengthening their executive team, the bank is positioning itself for continued growth and success. Expressing her excitement about the new role, Akansha Sriram took to LinkedIn to share the news with her professional network. In her post, she mentioned, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Vice President – Human Resources | Vertical HR RM – Priority, NR, CEC, RL – HO at Kotak Mahindra Bank!” Kotak Mahindra Bank is evidently making strategic moves in its leadership appointments, aiming to enhance its capabilities and fortify its position in the financial sector. The addition of Akansha Sriram to the team signifies the bank’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a robust human resources infrastructure. The financial industry is closely watching Kotak Mahindra Bank’s leadership transitions, anticipating positive outcomes and continued growth under the guidance of its newly appointed executives.

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Telangana Congress Government Unveils Visionary State Advisory Council for Education and Employment Revamp

The recently elected Congress government in Telangana is gearing up for a transformative step by planning the formation of a high-level State Advisory Council dedicated to elevating the standards of education and boosting youth employability in the state. This strategic move aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, as reported by the Times of India. Headed by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, the State Advisory Council draws inspiration from the 2004 National Advisory Council spearheaded by Sonia Gandhi. Comprising eminent personalities like Professor Haragopal, former IAS officer Aakunuri Murali, Professor K Nageshwar, and former IPS officer and BSP state president RS Praveen Kumar, the council is set to be a powerhouse of expertise in education and employment matters. In a progressive move, the council is considering the inclusion of advisors from multinational companies (MNCs), bringing a holistic perspective to its initiatives. The operational base will be situated at the Phule Bhavan campus, overseeing activities across state universities and proposed skill development and development universities. The advisory council has outlined key objectives that include providing insights to the government on curriculum enhancement, planning syllabi in alignment with market demands, and amplifying employment prospects for students. Additionally, the council will play a pivotal role in the selection of vice-chancellors, providing valuable consultation on such crucial matters. A notable development is the expressed interest from corporate giants such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata, and Centurion University from Orissa, who are keen on establishing skill development universities in the state’s ten districts. Collaborating with the government, these institutes will contribute by offering land, designing curricula, managing admissions and examinations, and producing a workforce tailored to meet the demands of the job market. The proposed three-year courses, available post-Intermediate, ITI, or polytechnic, will employ entrance tests for student admissions, with a specialized focus on industries like the automobile sector. This forward-thinking approach is poised to reshape the educational landscape in Telangana, emphasizing practical skills and industry relevance.

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