HDFC Bank and Smile Foundation Launch 'Parivartan' Skill Center in Bareilly to Empower 850 Youth

Bareilly : In a significant move to bridge the employability gap in Uttar Pradesh, HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has partnered with Smile Foundation to inaugurate the ‘Parivartan Skilling Center’ in Bareilly. Launched under the bank’s flagship CSR initiative 'Parivartan,' the center aims to transform the career trajectories of 850 underprivileged youth over the next 30 months.

The initiative specifically targets the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) and Retail sectors, which are currently witnessing high demand for skilled entry-level professionals. The curriculum is meticulously designed to combine technical expertise with essential soft skills, including workplace etiquette, communication, and customer relationship management.

Key Highlights of the Initiative:
Target Demographic: 850 youth from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Placement Goal: A commitment to securing formal employment for at least 70% of trained candidates.

Holistic Support: Smile Foundation will manage end-to-end operations, including training, placement assistance, and post-placement tracking to ensure long-term career stability.

Nusrat Pathan, CSR Head at HDFC Bank, emphasized that the project focuses on creating "meaningful and sustainable livelihood opportunities" by aligning training with real-world industry needs. By establishing this hub in Bareilly, the bank aims to provide localized opportunities, reducing the need for distress migration to metropolitan cities.

Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder of Smile Foundation, highlighted that the academy is a step toward harnessing India's demographic dividend. "The Parivartan Skill Academy is about making youth confident and employable, contributing to both personal and national growth," he stated.

This strategic investment by HDFC Bank into Bareilly’s local talent pool reinforces its commitment to inclusive growth and long-term socio-economic empowerment in Uttar Pradesh.