In a significant move towards social impact, the Bajaj Group has kickstarted skill development initiative, under the umbrella ‘Bajaj Beyond,’ as the current challenge for the country in its development phase is skill crisis.
According to a study, only 5% of India's workforce receive formal skill training. Therefore, the group has pledged INR 5,000 crore over the next five years towards skill development initiatives under its new identity. Social responsibility has been a cornerstone of the Group's activities for generations. Over the past decade, the Group has contributed nearly INR 4,000 crore to various CSR initiatives, with a primary focus on skilling, education, health, livelihood, water conservation, and community development.
Bajaj Beyond, the transformative initiative, aims to empower over two crore youth, equipping them with the necessary skills to seize the employment and entrepreneurial opportunities emerging in India's growing economy. As part of this initiative, the group will also prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a particular emphasis on providing skill development opportunities for differently-abled individuals.
According to Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, CSR is not just Corporate Social Responsibility but can be looked at as 'Constructive Social Reform' or ‘'Create Skilled Resources,’ from accountability perspective and to monitor progress. He said, 90% of Bajaj Auto's CSR budget will go in to skilling. This is because of his belief that “words don't change the world unless you have the skills to put those words in action. And you certainly don't change the world by creating a sensation by saying, I'm going to spend tens of thousands of crore of rupees on CSR.” He emphasised that taking action is crucial, and without the necessary skills, effective action is impossible. He reiterated the importance of practical skills in the manufacturing industry, underscoring the need for future-proof curriculums and hands-on experiences.
Pankaj Ballabh, CSR Head of Bajaj Auto, said, annually, the work integrated learning programme of the company welcomes annually approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children who actively participate and learn. Notably, 30% to 40% of the student body comprises girls, with a significant number of differently abled students also enrolling and benefiting from training initiatives.
Key Initiatives Under 'Bajaj Beyond'
Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Programme: Launched in 2023, this programme aims to enhance the skills of engineering and diploma graduates in cutting-edge technologies relevant to Industry 4.0. With plans to establish 15 centres across India, the programme has already enrolled 120 students at its flagship centre in Pune.
Bajaj Finserv’s Certificate Programme in Banking, Finance, and Insurance (CPBFI): Bridging the skilling gap, this programme links industry with academia, enabling young graduates from Tier 2 & 3 towns to access employment opportunities in the financial services sector. With over 53,000 graduates trained across 140 towns, this initiative has been pivotal in fostering economic inclusion.
Bajaj Water Conservation Project: Since its inception in 2015, this project has empowered communities across 161 villages in the Aurangabad district to manage water resources effectively, dedicating over INR 140 crore to preventive healthcare, water, and sanitation initiatives in water-scarce regions.
Hamaara Sapna: A transformative initiative by the Jamnalal Bajaj Trust, it aims to uplift marginalised women residing in Mumbai's slums through education and entrepreneurship. Offering a holistic development curriculum, the initiative empowers women with essential skills and knowledge for personal and professional growth.
Expressing their commitment to the initiatives, key leaders of the Bajaj Group emphasised the transformative impact of empowering India's youth. Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director of Bajaj Electricals, highlighted the Group's mission to equip future generations for success.
Niraj Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Auto, emphasised the holistic approach of 'Bajaj Beyond,' which not only bridges the skill gap but also nurtures a versatile pool of skilled resources capable of driving India's growth story.
Sanjiv Bajaj, CMD, Bajaj Finserv reaffirmed the Group's commitment to strengthening India's skilling ecosystem, especially in rural areas, to enable greater access to economic opportunities.
As part of the programme, Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, announced CII - Rahul Bajaj Centre of Excellence on Skills.
Also Read: