National Skill Development Corporation, the flagship organisation under the Ministry of Skill Development, Government of India, aimed at empowering the nation’s youth with skill development opportunities, has joined hands with Bajaj Finserv Ltd., a leading financial services company in India, to launch a groundbreaking initiative known as ODISERV. This collaboration marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between skill development in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance sectors and employment opportunities, with the vision of creating a more skilled and empowered workforce. This initiative aims to empower first-generation graduates with knowledge and skills through the Certificate Programme for Banking Finance & Insurance (CPBFI).
Under the aegis of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of NEP 2020 and building a strong & young skilled workforce to face the challenges when India is surging ahead to become the 3rd Largest Economy in the World, the Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, launched Project ODISERV in Sambalpur on March 1, 2024 to prepare young graduates of Odisha for employment opportunities in the financial services sector. Sanjiv Bajaj, the CMD of Bajaj Finserv Ltd, attended the program. Project ODISERV is the inaugural skill development initiative following the partnership announced by NSDC and Bajaj Finserv in December 2023 in the presence of Dharmendra Pradhan.
Project ODISERV, an initiative of Dharmendra Pradhan, aims to empower the country’s youth, make them more employable and fulfil their aspirations. In his inaugural address, Dharmendra Pradhan elaborated on how NEP 2020 bridges the gap between education and skilling, creating more synergies and allowing students to acquire job-ready skills and academic knowledge. While thanking PM Narendra Modi for envisioning of making India’s youth future and industry ready, he added that Project ODISERV is a perfect example of industry-academia collaboration.
This Certificate Programme for Banking Finance & Insurance programme, a 100-hour comprehensive training programme, will focus on youth from tier-II and tier-III cities and prepare them for employment in the financial services sector. The launch of Project Odiserv is expected to transform the landscape of skill development in Odisha.
Project ODISERV envisages launching the CPBFI programme in 60 colleges of Odisha across 11 cities and 10 districts, including Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Cuttack, Khordha, Balasore and Puri. Some of the colleges covered include Bhuban Women’s Degree College, Mathakaragola Degree College, Sambalpur University and SCS College. Of this, CPBFI has already been launched in 30 colleges, enrolling 1100 students and delivering 25,000 hours of training in a short span of two months.
As per the PIB Press Release, this partnership of NSDC & Bajaj Finserv will introduce the CPBFI programme in 22 States across India, covering over 400 colleges. The partnership aims to initially build the capabilities of 20,000 candidates through the CPBFI programme. The 100-hour programme is developed in collaboration with industry experts, training partners, educational institutions, and psychological health institutes. The programme’s curriculum adapts to the ever-evolving landscape of finance, banking, and insurance and incorporates the latest industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices. The partnership with NSDC will be elevated on Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), which is a comprehensive information gateway for all Government-led skilling and entrepreneurship initiatives to ensure students are not just academically equipped but also excel in the financial sector. Apart from this, the programme will collaborate with banks and other financial stakeholders, financial institutions, and insurance companies to foster new growth opportunities for students and provide access to internships, on-the-job training, and a first-hand glimpse into best industry practices.
While India is on the right track to lead the World, The launch of Project ODISERV is significant for Odisha as the State gears to emerge as a hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups through the recently announced 100 cube initiative of PM Narendra Modi Govt led by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The partnership between Skill India and Bajaj Finserv to launch ODISERV represents a significant milestone in India’s journey towards creating a skilled and empowered workforce. By leveraging digital innovation and vocational training, the initiative aims to unlock new opportunities for youth and propel India towards a brighter future.
With the guidance of visionary leaders like Dharmendra Pradhan, initiatives like ODISERV, in association with Corporates, are poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of young people, the Yuva Shakti across Odisha and the country, enabling them to realise their full potential. It will hugely contribute to India’s growth story and, most importantly, bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skilled manpower.
