Bridging the gap: Nearly 2,000 women in Bihar to be trained in financial and digital literacy through CSR

Patna, India: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading FMCG companies, at an event today announced that it will provide financial and digital literacy training to train close to 2,000 women in Bihar’s Hajipur. The training will be spread across five villages: Sultanpur, Jethuli, Karanpura, Mograhi, and Sahdullpur. HCCB has joined hands with the Y4D foundation for this endeavour, aiming to bridge the skills deficit in financial and technological expertise among women from diverse backgrounds.

Among the key dignitaries present at the event were Shri Awadhesh Singh, Member of Legislative Assembly, Hajipur, Patna; Shri Ram Kripal Yadav, Member of Parliament, Patna and former Minister of State for Rural Development, Government of India; and Shri Sanjiv Chourasia, Member of Legislative Assembly, Digha, Patna.

The financial literacy training will cover fundamental concepts like Banking Basics, Account Opening procedures, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) training, Investment Guidance, Net Banking, and information on various Government Schemes for women such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Sam Riddhi Yojana Nari Shakti, etc. On the other hand, the digital literacy component will encompass topics such as Mobile Banking, Digital Market Linkage, and Cyber Safety and Security to equip these women with the necessary tools to succeed in the digital era.

The training will be conducted in a classroom-based format in identified locations nationwide. The beneficiaries will be identified and trained in groups based on their interests, needs, and current digital and financial literacy levels. The effort is aimed at promoting a more concentrated and efficient learning experience.

On this initiative, Mr Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Officer, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, said, “With this training in Bihar, HCCB aims to reinforce the financial and digital prowess of these women, envisioning it as a step towards the state’s economic progress. This initiative emphasizes women-centric growth and the pivotal role of technology in propelling inclusivity”.

Shri Ram Kripal Yadav, Member of Parliament, Patna and former Minister of State for Rural Development, Government of India commented, “I wholeheartedly support this endeavour by HCCB. Training women in financial and digital sectors not only empowers them but strengthens the very fabric of our society.”

Shri Awadhesh Singh, Member of Legislative Assembly, Hajipur, Patna, said, “Such initiatives by renowned corporates play a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of our women. This is a commendable step towards realizing the dream of a digitally and financially inclusive Bihar.”

Shri Sanjiv Chourasia, Member of Legislative Assembly, Digha, Patna, remarked, “Bihar is progressing rapidly, and with initiatives like these, our women will be at the forefront of this transformation. Their empowerment translates to the state’s development.”

Through this endeavour, HCCB aspires to support women, enabling them to take charge of their financial independence and embrace the opportunities the government and digital world offer. HCCB has facilitated several women-led self-help groups countrywide, empowering them to run their enterprises today. HCCB aspires to create more entrepreneurs through this drive.