Education is extremely vital to the growth of human beings. From the perspective of human development, the prerequisite presence of an informed and well-rounded qualification is needed. Such a qualification emerges from structured and clear assimilation of knowledge. For a person to develop an individual skill set, educational background plays a significant role. In relation to the development of mind and body, educational and intellectual conditioning assembles a person that is capable of self-sustenance and living. Uniform access to educational opportunities facilitates an upward growth trajectory ( Rajni, 2020).
About Parivartan
Parivartan is an umbrella initiative by HDFC Bank which aims to achieve social, economic and educational development in various under-developed areas of the country. It is structured around five key components such as rural development, education, skill development and livelihood enhancement, healthcare & hygiene and financial literacy. Promotion of Education is an important element under this scheme that nurtures good standard of living, Dignity and Equity. Various interventions such as scholarship schemes, infrastructure development in schools and anganwadis, teacher training, sports activities, etc. have been undertaken under this program. To work with various NGO, Civil Society organisations and government initiatives in providing access to quality Education.
The CSR activity is linked to various SDGs including Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being and Goal 5: Gender Equality.
The initiative by Parivartan focuses on improving quality education by means of inclusive and equitable structure, installation of smart boards and other techniques, access to improved infrastructure with libraries and by providing scholarships to underprivileged students on the basis of Merit. It has also provided sports equipment and motivated inculcation of sporting spirit among students which helps in maintaining general well-being and good health. The Zero Investment Innovation for Education Initiative (ZIIEI) and Educational Crisis Scholarship (ECS) helps in reducing financial inequalities and in nurturing young talent by providing improved education at zero or minimal costs and scholarships to school students from Class 6 to those pursuing UG and PG programmes. Also, Students who are unable to pay the school fees due to personal/family crisis or other financial challenges and are on the verge of dropping out are given monetary support of up to INR 75,000 to help them finish their studies (Today, 2021)
Beneficiaries
Parivartan by HDFC has impacted many lives spread across different regions. More than 87 million lives have been impacted so far. The work has continuously been going on even during the Covid-19 pandemic and has helped in creating awareness among students, teachers and other communities. In terms of education, 19.73+ Lakh teachers have been benefited, 2.08+ Crore students have been impacted. More than 630+ community libraries have been built till now. Such Initiatives show the success and how it has been working towards achieving the SDGs by 2030. Further it has tried to expand its reach by collaborating with various pan-India and local organisations like CARD, Sri Aurobindo Society, International Foundation for Research and Education, etc. It has been one of the largest investors in the CSRs and has shown a remarkable achievement so far.
While the initiative is taking major steps for educational reforms, there are certain points which can be further look upon –
Under the educational program the major focus needs to be laid on foundational education, teacher training and producing quality assets. An equal amount of importance should be given to all levels of education. One of the major concerns of our education system is that there is a lack of training when it comes to school teachers. It also affects the overall development of the students.
The aspect of benefiting differently-abled is also missing. Parivartan should provide equitable access to education to the differently-abled section of the society by making the initiative more inclusive. Along with this, higher education in backward areas of the society should also be emphasised to ensure an educated population. Lastly, more emphasis should be given on digital education means, which is critical given the Covid-19 pandemic crisis we faced recently. Development of vocational and tertiary skills among the students from the school level itself should also be kept in mind.
Conclusion
Parivartan is a fruitful initiative by HDFC Bank which has fulfilled the dreams of many by making changes in the society through different initiatives. Overall, it has contributed towards the fulfilment of various SDGs like quality education, reduced inequalities, gender equality, good health and well-being, etc. It can further work upon to become more inclusive and rational, expand its target areas, groups and be more influential. Such initiatives are essential in a society like ours, where there is a need to optimise work potential by turning liabilities into assets through relevant measures like education.
-Authored by Kanishka Garg
Edited by Kshitij Madan
(This article is a part of the “CSRs For SDGs” series where we will explore CSR initiatives of Indian Corporates and critically analyze the impact they are creating. Tune in for the next article!)
REFERENCES:
1. Rajni, D., 2020. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF PRIMARY EDUCATION IN INDIA : AT A GLANCE. AN INTERNATIONAL BILINGUAL PEER REVIEWED REFEREED RESEARCH JOURNAL, 27(7), pp. 124 – 129.
2. Hindu, T., 2021. Scholarships. 3 July.
3. India, B., 2022. HDFC Bank: Changing the course of education. 5 aril.
4. Today, I., 2021. HDFC Bank scholarship for meritorious but needy students: Benefits up to Rs 75,000, check details. 28 June.
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