Doddaballapur, a town on the outskirts of Bengaluru, is quietly undergoing a remarkable transformation. Once grappling with the challenges of inadequate healthcare, educational shortfalls, and economic stagnation, it is now emerging as a model for sustainable rural development. This shift is driven by a combination of strategic interventions, collaborative partnerships, and a strong commitment to community empowerment.
At the heart of this progress is the AJAX Charitable Trust, whose initiatives have significantly bolstered local healthcare and education. The town’s hospital now boasts a fully equipped OPD, a blood bank, and a state-of-the-art dialysis center, ensuring improved medical access for residents. Meanwhile, schools are being revitalized through modern infrastructure and experiential learning programs like Prayoga’s Kriya initiative, preparing students for a future of opportunity. These efforts are not just enhancing facilities but fostering a culture of self-reliance and growth, creating a foundation for long-term economic resilience.
As industries expand and infrastructure projects like the Bengaluru Business Corridor take shape, Doddaballapur is strategically positioning itself within the region’s economic landscape. The AJAX School of Concrete is playing a crucial role in this transition by equipping local youth with industry-relevant skills, bridging the gap between education and employment. In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. K. Vijay, Chairman, AJAX Engineering Ltd, shares insights on the town’s evolving identity and the roadmap for its continued progress; one built on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development.
Read the full interview below for more details.
Q&A
Q. Doddaballapur has undergone a significant transformation in healthcare, education, and infrastructure over the past decade. What were the most pressing initial challenges the town faced in these areas, and what key factors have catalyzed this remarkable change?
A. Over the past decade, Doddaballapur has experienced significant advancements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Initially, the town faced challenges such as limited healthcare facilities, inadequate educational institutions, and underdeveloped infrastructure, which hindered its growth and accessibility.
A decade ago, Karnataka faced a critical shortage of doctors, with far fewer medical professionals available than the WHO-recommended ratio of 1:1,000. Amidst this shortage, this trend has existed across the country where most doctors were concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural primary health centers understaffed. In 2014, only 27,355 allopathic doctors were posted in rural areas compared to 79,060 in urban areas. Due to this incompatibility, rural regions in Karnataka, such as Doddaballapur, have historically struggled with a shortage of doctors and medical staff, as Primary Health Centres (PHCs) lacked the necessary infrastructure, including medical equipment, lab facilities, and pharmacies.
Similarly, educational institutes in the region were dealing with high student dropout rates due to poverty, lack of qualified instructors and adequate infrastructure. Addressing these challenges required an increased investment in healthcare and education infrastructure, as well as innovative strategies to attract professionals to rural areas.
Targeted investments by the government of Karnataka and policy initiatives driving public private partnerships have been key in driving Doddaballapur’s transformation.
The Karnataka government’s 5800-acre Knowledge, Wellbeing & Innovation (KWIN) City aims to attract talent and boost economic growth, while infrastructure projects like the 80.8 km Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) and the 73.03 km Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC) are improving connectivity and access to essential services. These developments have accelerated urbanization, enhanced job opportunities, and strengthened the town’s healthcare and education sectors, marking a shift towards sustainable growth.
Q. What specific role has the AJAX Charitable Trust played in this transformation? Could you share insights into your flagship projects in healthcare and education, and can you quantify their impact on the local community with specific examples or data?
A. AJAX Charitable Trust has been a driving force in Doddaballapur’s development, especially in healthcare and education. The Trust played an instrumental role in establishing critical healthcare infrastructure, such as an Outpatient Department (OPD), a Blood Bank, a pharmacy and a Dialysis Centre at the local General and Maternal & Child Hospital. The goal was to address the infrastructural challenges faced by the existing OPD, which were managing over 800 cases daily leading to overcrowding, extended wait times, and limited access to essential medical services for patients in need.
In education, the Trust’s efforts in revitalizing schools like the AJAX Government Public School in Bashetihalli and partnering with Prayoga’s Kriya initiative have been transformative. It has helped drive enrollment at the Government Higher Primary School (GHPS) Bashetihalli, which doubled from 400 to over 800 students. The tangible improvements in education and healthcare have impacted thousands, elevating the quality of life for many families in Doddaballapur and the surrounding regions.
Q. The new OPD, blood bank, and dialysis centre are major healthcare milestones. How have these specific facilities improved medical access for residents in concrete terms, and what are the next steps in your healthcare expansion plans, including any new facilities or services?
A. The establishment of the OPD, blood bank, and dialysis center has made a profound difference in the healthcare landscape of Doddaballapur. These facilities have alleviated the burden on residents who had to go extensive distances for primary medical treatment in the past. For instance, the OPD which is equipped to handle over 600 cases daily, has helped dramatically reduce waiting times for consultations, allowing quicker access to primary care services. The dialysis center, aimed towards addressing a critical gap, now serves patients with chronic kidney conditions, offering them timely and life-saving treatments.
Looking forward, AJAX Charitable Trust plans to expand healthcare offerings even further by adding specialized medical facilities. There are also plans for outreach programs in nearby underserved areas to extend these services. With Doddaballapur's population continuing to grow, the trust is committed to scaling healthcare infrastructure to meet the increasing demand.
Q. The revitalization of AJAX Government Public School and Prayoga’s Kriya initiative are enhancing education. How are these specific programs shaping the future of students, and what additional measures are planned for skill development, such as vocational training or partnerships with industry?
A. With Doddaballapur undergoing rapid urbanization, the need for robust educational infrastructure and skill development has become even more pressing. We recognized early on that for the youth in this growing community to thrive, they needed more than just traditional schooling—they needed access to modern educational resources and real-world experiences that could open doors to future opportunities. The changes we’ve implemented at the AJAX Government Public School and through Prayoga’s Kriya initiative are at the heart of this vision.
These programs have not only transformed the classroom environment but have also sparked a renewed interest in education among students. By modernizing the school infrastructure and introducing effective teaching methods, students are now engaging more deeply with their studies, resulting in improved academic performance and a surge in enrollment. This is not just about increased numbers but about quality—many of the students from our schools are now pursuing higher education, a clear sign of the lasting impact of these initiatives.
In terms of vocational training to equip individuals with the relevant industry skills, AJAX Charitable Trust has its flagship centre of skilling- The AJAX School of Concrete which focuses on providing hands-on training in concrete technology and construction equipment operations.
The school bridges the gap between traditional education and industry demands by offering specialized courses designed to enhance employability in the construction sector. Through industry collaborations, certification programs, and practical learning modules, graduates gain the technical expertise and confidence needed to secure stable job opportunities.
Looking forward, the Trust is committed to furthering this educational transformation by establishing a state-of-the-art vocational training center in Doddaballapur. This center will provide industry-relevant skills, focusing on sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. We’re also actively working on building partnerships with local industries to provide our students with hands-on experience and pathways to employment, ensuring they’re ready to contribute to the region’s growing economy.
Q. How has collaboration with specific government agencies, corporate partners, and NGOs contributed to Doddaballapur’s growth? Could you give examples of successful collaborations? How have these partnerships helped overcome specific challenges, and what gaps remain?
A. Building sustainable programs requires collaboration and a well-connected ecosystem, which is why AJAX Charitable Trust has always prioritized partnerships with government agencies, corporate partners, and NGOs. This collaborative approach is crucial, especially in sectors like education, where effective programs require the involvement of all stakeholders to ensure long-term success. In education, working hand-in-hand with local governments, such as the Karnataka Education Department, has allowed us to implement wide-reaching reforms like the revitalization of schools and the introduction of specialized teacher training.
A standout example of our collaboration is our work with the Prayoga Institute of Education Research. This partnership led to the donation of a science lab station to a government school in Bengaluru Rural, addressing a significant gap in resources for hands-on learning. With this donation, students are now able to experience science education in a more interactive and practical manner, significantly enhancing their learning outcomes.
Extending its impact beyond the Prayoga Kriya programme, the trust has collaborated with Parikrma to implement various initiatives aimed at holistic education and community development. This partnership focuses on teacher training, life skills training for students, English language classes, and computer education, ensuring comprehensive learning opportunities. Additionally, we support sports classes, club activities, and parents' sports events, fostering both physical and social development. Regular parent meetings are also conducted to strengthen engagement and support for students' growth. Through these efforts, Ajax Engineering Limited remains committed to creating a lasting positive impact on education and society.
Q. With Doddaballapur emerging as a key industrial and real estate hub, how do you see these economic developments complementing your social initiatives in healthcare and education? What specific steps are being taken to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth that benefits all members of the community, including those who might be displaced or left behind by development?
A. Doddaballapur’s emergence as an industrial and real estate hub offers new opportunities for the community, and we see these economic developments complementing our social initiatives. As industries grow, they will create jobs, and the Trust is committed to preparing the local workforce through skill development programs. Our educational and vocational training programs are designed to ensure that local youth can meet the growing demand for skilled labor, and healthcare initiatives will continue to serve all segments of the population.
Through the Ajax school of Concrete, the trust also undertakes the training and certification for under privileged youth (18+ years) for them to become employment ready. The students are trained from Basics to Advance level of Engine, DC& AC electricals, Hydraulics & Concrete equipment, concrete technology.
This enables the students to operate, maintain & repair construction equipment in the Infrastructure equipment industry thus making them a skilled employee in the Infrastructure equipment industry. The students are further assessed by authorized assessment agency of IESC and certified by NCVET/NSDC under National skill qualification framework Level-4.
The Trust is also particularly focused on ensuring that those who might be displaced or marginalized due to industrial expansion are not left behind. By prioritizing inclusive growth, we’re ensuring that healthcare and education reach every corner of the community, and we are establishing safeguards like community outreach and relocation support programs to address these concerns.
Q. What are the key environmental concerns associated with Doddaballapur’s rapid growth (e.g., water management, waste disposal, air quality), and what initiatives are in place to ensure sustainable development?
A. As Doddaballapur experiences rapid growth, several environmental concerns arise, particularly around water management, waste disposal, and air quality. The increasing population and industrialization are putting strain on local resources and ecosystems.
To mitigate these concerns, AJAX Charitable Trust is incorporating sustainable practices into its development projects. We are promoting rainwater harvesting, waste management systems, and energy-efficient infrastructure in all new initiatives. By encouraging the adoption of green building standards and partnering with local authorities, we are working to ensure that the development in Doddaballapur is balanced with environmental responsibility.
Q. Could you share compelling success stories that illustrate how these initiatives have transformed the lives of individuals and families in Doddaballapur?
A. One of the most impactful success stories comes from the AJAX Government Public School in Bashetihalli. Here, the school’s enrolment doubled from 400 to 800 since the Trust’s interventions, leading to improvement in quality of education that was imparted. The introduction of modern teaching methods, specialized teachers, and upgraded facilities has changed the lives of countless students, many of whom are now pursuing higher education. The AJAX School Concrete, since its inception in 2019, has so far trained 254 operators and 517 technicians, out of which 185 operators and 361 Technicians have successfully secured employment.
In healthcare, the establishment of the OPD, blood bank, and dialysis center has been a lifesaver for residents. For example, a local woman suffering from chronic kidney disease no longer has to travel long distances for dialysis treatment, as she now receives care close to home. These are just two of the many lives that have been positively impacted by our initiatives.
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