Embracing a renewed commitment to social responsibility, the Bajaj Group has announced a substantial investment of ₹5,000 crore over the next five years for impactful initiatives under the banner of ‘Bajaj Beyond.’ This initiative encompasses all Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and charitable programs of the Group, with a primary focus on skill development. The aim is to empower over 20 million young individuals, equipping them with the necessary skills to leverage the employment and entrepreneurial opportunities emerging from India’s burgeoning economy.
A Legacy of Social Responsibility
The ethos of social responsibility has been deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Bajaj Family’s businesses and philanthropic ventures across generations. Over the past decade, the Bajaj Group has contributed close to ₹4,000 crore towards various CSR initiatives, with a significant emphasis on skill enhancement, education, healthcare, livelihood generation, water conservation, and other critical areas of development.
The humanitarian efforts of the Bajaj Group are channeled through a network of institutions such as the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Jankidevi Bajaj Gram Vikas Sanstha, and the Kamalnayan Bajaj Hospital, among others. These institutions have tirelessly worked towards uplifting and empowering communities, reflecting the Group’s steadfast commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive future for all citizens of India.
Flagship CSR Initiatives
Among the key CSR initiatives of the Bajaj Group is the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) program, which was launched in 2023. This program aims to enhance the skills of engineering and diploma graduates in cutting-edge technologies relevant to Industry 4.0. With its flagship center already operational in Pune, the program is set to expand with the establishment of 15 centers across the country.
Another notable initiative is Bajaj Finserv Ltd’s Certificate Program in Banking, Finance, and Insurance (CPBFI), designed to bridge the skill gap by aligning industry requirements with academic curriculum. Operating in 140 towns, this program has trained over 53,000 fresh graduates, thereby facilitating their entry into the financial services sector. Collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and AICTE underscores the program’s commitment to excellence and relevance.
The Bajaj Water Conservation Project, launched in 2015 across 161 villages in the Aurangabad district, stands as a testament to the Group’s dedication to environmental sustainability and community welfare. This initiative, with an investment exceeding ₹140 crore, focuses on promoting preventive healthcare, water management, and sanitation in water-scarce regions like Vidarbha.
Additionally, Hamaara Sapna, an initiative by the Jamnalal Bajaj Trust launched in 2012, aims to uplift marginalized women in Mumbai’s slums through education and entrepreneurship. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing various developmental activities, the initiative seeks to empower women with essential skills and knowledge for socio-economic advancement.
Voices of Leadership
Expressing his views on the initiatives, Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director, Bajaj Electricals Ltd.,“Our initiatives have demonstrated the transformative impact of empowering India’s youth. Today, we unveil Bajaj Beyond, continuing our mission to equip future generations with the tools they need for success.”
Sharing his thoughts about the initiative, Niraj Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said: “As stewards of the Bajaj legacy, we recognize our responsibility of giving back to society. Our new initiative, Bajaj Beyond, truly goes beyond mere training programs. What we have launched is a holistic approach that trains and prepares first-generation graduates from smaller towns and cities to realize their full potential. By addressing all aspects of employability—attitude, skills, and knowledge—Bajaj Beyond equips them to build successful careers. We are not just closing the skill gap; we are creating a versatile pool of skilled resources that will drive India’s growth story in a comprehensive manner and strengthen the economy to compete in the global arena.”
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said: “Launching the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) last year has been a valuable learning experience for us. It gave us a very clear picture of the critical gap between theoretical education and practical skills needed in the manufacturing industry. The insights gained through BEST acted as a cornerstone in laying down the groundwork. With Bajaj Beyond, we will expand our skilling efforts across the group. Together, we will design future-proof curriculums, provide real-world, hands-on experiences, and equip our youth with the adaptability and innovation required to thrive in the ever-evolving mobility landscape.”
Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman & Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv Ltd, said, “Inspired by our founder, Jamnalal Bajaj, the Bajaj Group has a legacy of working for the ‘common good’ of society and of serving the nation. Skilling has been at the heart of our social impact initiatives and we have seen the positive multiplier effect it has on the well-being of youth and their families. Our Certificate Programme in Banking, Finance and Insurance (CPBFI) prepares youth for employment in the fast-expanding financial services sector which is currently seeing a shortage of talent. With Bajaj Beyond, we commit to strengthening India’s skilling ecosystem, especially in the hinterland, enabling greater access to economic prosperity.”
In essence, Bajaj Group’s ‘Bajaj Beyond’ initiative epitomises its enduring commitment to social responsibility and its unwavering dedication to creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
