HCCB to upskill 5,500 individuals and lead community projects in 14 villages in Maharashtra

Pune (Voice news service):- Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading FMCG companies, has joined hands with the Y4D foundation to drive a multi-faceted program to empower 5,500 individuals in Maharashtra, through various upskilling programs. The company also announced various community development initiatives in 14 villages in Lote, Wada and Pirangut. With Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in attendance, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages launched the initiative at the India Moment Conclave hosted by the Y4D Foundation in Pune.

Of the 5,500 individuals, HCCB will equip 3,000 women with pivotal financial and digital literacy skills. Additionally, it will train 2,500 youth through an exhaustive Sales and Marketing certification program. The company will also usher in transformative developmental projects across 14 villages in Lote, Wada and Pirangut in the areas of access to clean drinking water, sustainable agricultural practices, plastic waste management, Nagrik Seva Kendras (NSK) and education infrastructure.

The financial literacy training will cover fundamental concepts like Banking Basics, Account Opening procedures, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) training, Investment Guidance, Net Banking, and information on various Government Schemes for women such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Sam Riddhi Yojana Nari Shakti, etc. On the other hand, the digital literacy component will encompass topics such as Mobile Banking, Digital Market Linkage, and Cyber Safety and Security to equip these women with the necessary tools to succeed in the digital era.  The training will be conducted in a classroom-based format in identified locations nationwide. The beneficiaries will be identified and trained in groups based on their interests, needs, and current digital and financial literacy levels. The effort is aimed at promoting a more concentrated and efficient learning experience.

Similarly, the sales and marketing certification program will include a diverse range of participants, from recent graduates to students currently pursuing their degrees, as well as college dropouts aged 18 and above. Structured over three months, the program will consist of a comprehensive 30-hour curriculum and will provide the participants with an intensive learning experience, combining 6 hours of direct face-to-face interactions and 24 hours of engaging online sessions.

Speaking about the initiatives, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, “I have always believed that industry and community growth should be intertwined, and HCCB’s initiatives further reaffirm this conviction. I envision a Maharashtra where every individual, regardless of gender or background, has the tools and opportunities to thrive. By emphasizing financial and digital literacy for our women and upskilling our youth in sales and marketing, these initiatives will not only fuel individual aspirations but also contribute to our state’s socioeconomic progress. “

Mr Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Officer remarked, “We recognize the pivotal role that industry plays in bolstering the socio-economic landscape. Our multi-dimensional upskilling programs will not only bridge the gender disparity in financial and digital spaces but also provide the youth with the essential sales and marketing tools to excel in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. The community development initiatives across Lote, Wada, and Pirangut reiterate our unwavering commitment to holistic growth. Today, we pledge to make a sustainable and lasting impact in Maharashtra, ensuring our initiatives go hand in hand with the aspirations of its people.”