Tata Steel has inducted the first batch of women firefighters, making it the only company in Jharkhand to engage women in firefighting and rescue operations.

“Tata Steel on Thursday inducted the first batch of 23 women firefighter trainees who will undergo training in basic firefighting and rescue operations and will be the first-ever women firefighters in Tata Steel. To mark this initiative, an event, Flames of Change, was organised to introduce these future firefighters,” said a company spokesperson.

Anil Palta, the director-general of home guard and fire services in Jharkhand, expressed happiness at the decision.

“I have not heard of any corporate or PSU taking the step of inducting women fighters in Jharkhand. It is a laudable decision,” said Palta.

The event marked the launch of a three-month training programme designed to train the 23 women to become competent firefighters.

“The training will provide theoretical understanding as well as hands-on experience to these women. After the training programme, the candidates will be evaluated, and the selected trainees will be inducted into the fire and rescue services team of Tata Steel,” added the company spokesperson.

During the event, a training manual on basic firefighting was also unveiled by Tata Steel vice-president, corporate services, Chanakya Chaudhary, in the presence of Tata Workers Union president Sanjeev Kumar Chaudhary, chief security and brand protection, Tata Steel, Arvind Kumar Sinha and other senior officials of Tata Steel at Jamshedpur.

“Tata Steel has been a pioneer in taking such initiatives and creating opportunities for women in various fields in the organisation.

“The women firefighters inducted today in the fire and rescue services team of Tata Steel will inspire everyone across the nation,” said Chanakya Chaudhary.

Chief security and brand protection, Tata Steel, Arvind Kumar Sinha said that after completing the training, the women firefighters would be deployed across Tata Steel footprints in Odisha and Jharkhand.