Project PREM, a joint initiative of Berhampur-based Non-Government Organization (NGO) and Axis Bank Foundation-Mumbai, will provide livelihood training to around 10,000 youths including 8,000 females in the next five years in four districts in Orissa- Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal and Puri.
The project was launched on Tuesday by the state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the presence of Shikha Sharma, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Axis Bank and Jacob Thundyil, head of PREM. The project cost is estimated at Rs 9 crore.
The targeted groups will be trained in the field of computer hardware, software, hotel management, nursing, electronics, advanced agriculture, motor vehicle driving, security guard, kewda, mat weaving and craft design, said Thundyil.
Speaking on the occasion, Sharma said, “Axis Bank was spending one per cent of its profit every year under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
“Axis Bank has already supported 60,000 children in the area of primary education in different states in the country and it has rendered support for the first time in a livelihood programme in Orissa along with an NGO. The PREM project is estimated to cost Rs 9 crore”, she added.
Under the project, tie-ups would be arranged with corporate employers and other sectors of the job market to ensure that graduates of vocational training will reap the benefits through good employment and job security.
“We monitor the progress of all students once they reach the job market”, said Thundyil.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister during his whirlwind tour in Ganjam district, attended the annual function of the students’ union in Berhampur University and laid the foundation stone for four projects including the destination tourism project at Taratarini temple.