News Excerpt:
Recently, the Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, launched Project ODISERV in Sambalpur to prepare young graduates of Odisha for employment opportunities in the financial services sector.

About the Project:

• This project is an initiative of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Bajaj Finserv Ltd. 
• The project will impart knowledge and skills to graduates, especially first-generation graduates, through Bajaj Finserv’s Certificate Programme for Banking Finance & Insurance (CPBFI) programme. 
• It is a 100-hour comprehensive training programme that prepares youth from tier-II and tier-III cities for employment in the financial services sector. 
• The project will empower youth, make them more employable and fulfil their aspirations.
• It launches the CPBFI programme in 60 colleges in Odisha across 11 cities and 10 districts.
• The CPBFI programme (the partnership with NSDC & Bajaj Finserv) will be introduced 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. 

About the CPFBI (100 Hour 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) to ensure students are not just academically equipped but also excel in the financial sector. 
• SIDH is a comprehensive information gateway for all government-led skilling and entrepreneurship initiatives.
• 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.