KARNATAKA (India CSR): CBM India Trust, a leading not-for-profit organization working to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and other marginalized communities, has announced the launch of ‘Empowerment Through Skills: Inclusive Training for Economic Independence’, a structured skill development program supported and funded by HDFC Bank Parivartan, HDFC Bank’s corporate social responsibility initiative.
Over a period of three years, 1,140 young people from marginalized communities and persons with disabilities will be equipped with practical, market-relevant skills to facilitate employment, self-employment, and long-term economic independence. The courses offered include IT and IT-enabled services, retail and logistics, and basic computer and life skills, complemented by hands-on industry exposure and practical workplace experience. Classes will be held at the Parivartan Skill Academy in Kolar. On successful completion of the training, participants will receive a certification accredited by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Following certification, trainees will be provided with comprehensive placement support, including personalized career counselling, resume preparation assistance, and interview-readiness coaching. The organization will also work with employers, helping them make adjustments to their workplace to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities and promote inclusive hiring practices, with continued post-placement engagement to ensure retention. Additionally, through the initiative, program participants will be connected to relevant government schemes and social security programs.
Commenting on the initiative, Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India Trust, said, “Kolar has emerging economic opportunities through its industrial, logistics, and retail sectors and its proximity to Bengaluru’s IT sector. Even so, young people from marginalized backgrounds and persons with disabilities face difficulties in securing decent employment. This initiative acts like a bridge between young people and opportunities. It makes participants job-ready through training aligned with the local labor market, builds employer partnerships, and connects them to government social protection schemes. We’re proud of this collaboration with HDFC Bank Parivartan.”
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Praveen P. Bagewadi, IAS, CEO, Zilla Panchayat, Kolar, as the chief guest, along with Ramesh T.K., KPAS, Deputy Secretary, Zilla Panchayat, Kolar, Ms. R. Manjula, District Disabled Welfare Officer, Kolar, and Srinivasa K., District Skill Development Officer, Kolar. Representing HDFC Bank, Somashekar P.T. Reddy, Cluster Head, Karnataka Cluster 2, and Amit Namdev, CSR – Regional Projects Lead – South India, were present, along with officials from HDFC Bank’s local branches. For CBM India, Ms. Fairlene Soji, Director – Impact and Knowledge Management, Ravi Ranganathan, Director – Programs, and Vinoo Mathew, Chief – Development and Sustainability, attended the event. Also present were representatives from leading industries, manufacturing companies, retail chains, and members of the Malur Industry Association operating in the Kolar district.
(India CSR)
