Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated Project ODISERV in Odisha, a skill development initiative launched by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Bajaj Finserv Ltd. The project aims to provide training to graduates, particularly first-generation graduates, through Bajaj Finserv’s Certificate Programme for Banking Finance & Insurance (CPBFI) programme. The training, spanning 100 hours, targets youth from tier-II and tier-III cities, preparing them for employment in the financial services sector. Pradhan emphasized that Project ODISERV will empower the youth, enhance their employability, and help them achieve their aspirations. He highlighted that 1100 students in Odisha have already undergone training under the project, with some receiving job offers.

Project ODISERV marks the first initiative resulting from the collaboration between NSDC and Bajaj Finserv, announced in December 2023. Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman & Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv, underscored the importance of skilling and youth employment in driving India’s economic growth, emphasizing Bajaj Finserv’s commitment to social impact initiatives through skill development. The launch event, held at Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) in Sambalpur, Odisha, signifies a significant step towards bridging the skill gap and fostering economic empowerment among the youth, particularly in smaller cities and towns. With a focus on providing industry-relevant training, Project ODISERV aims to contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global economic powerhouse by harnessing the potential of its young workforce.