Gurugram, October 16, 2023: The Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) has introduced 'Drive4Progress,' a driver skill development initiative aimed at providing training and employment opportunities for young individuals. This program targets over 1,500 youth, including women, in Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal over the next three years.
Shri. Gaurav Singh, Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Haryana State CSR Trust, inaugurated the program by distributing training kits to beneficiaries in the presence of Mr. Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Hyundai Motor India Limited. The Navjyoti Transforming Lives & Careers Society, a Non-Governmental Organization, will implement the initiative. HMIF, in partnership with Navjyoti, aims to create a pool of skilled drivers from Below Poverty Line (BPL) communities, equipping them with the necessary skills to work in the transportation industry.
Commenting on the importance of upskilling programs for youth, Gaurav Singh, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Haryana State CSR Trust said, "Drive4Progress programme is integral to the government's vision of narrowing the skill gap in the country. Hyundai Motor India Foundation's active involvement demonstrates how corporates can partner with the government to address the critical need for skilled manpower, ultimately contributing to the country's socio-economic development and making India a powerhouse of skilled talent across diverse sectors.”
Speaking at the inauguration of ‘Drive4Progress’, Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head - Corporate Affairs, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “Under Hyundai’s global brand vision ‘Progress for Humanity’, Hyundai Motor India Foundation aims to align with the government's overarching vision to address the growing demand for skilled manpower in India. ‘Drive4Progress’ initiative is of paramount importance as it directly contributes to fulfilling this vision by creating a pool of skilled drivers. By including women in this programme, Hyundai aims to promote inclusivity while also fostering women empowerment, thus breaking down gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. This initiative under the aegis of Hyundai’s global CSV direction of ‘CONTINUE’ is committed to empower the ‘Future of India’ with necessary skills required to navigate the road to success. ‘Drive4Progress’ aims to become a gateway to India’s move towards creating an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.”
Key Aspects of 'Drive4Progress':
- The program consists of three stages: mobilization, training, and employment creation.More than 1,500 beneficiaries in 15 cities across five states will undergo a 45-day comprehensive training program, including theory, soft skills, and practical driving lessons in their local languages.
- As part of the 'Drive4Progress' initiative, HMIF and Navjyoti will support students in obtaining permanent driving licenses. Graduates will receive certification from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) upon successful completion of training and assessments.
- The initiative will primarily focus on securing wage employment for at least 70% of the beneficiaries, with self-employment opportunities for the remainder.
