Recruitment agencies and consultants are invited by Saksham, an apex Government of India mission to solve the problem of unemployment in India, to apply and become a Saksham Empanelled Vendor or a Saksham Rojgar Sathi.

Saksham website showing Hon Prime Minister’s message for ending unemployment

Such empanelled vendors shall be given exclusive access to mandates from job providing companies, an AI powered technology platform to manage the low income workforce hiring, and the right guidelines for increased growth. The mission by TIFAC, a government of India body under the Department of Science and Technology, is currently focusing on onboarding of agencies from the state of Maharashtra, and an RFP for the same has been issued.

“By creating an umbrella to guide recruitment agencies of all levels, include single person companies, and empowering them with our IPs and brand value, we are taking a major step towards increasing revenues for recruitment agencies, while solving the problem of unemployment step by step,” says Dayal Kalyan Kangne, Lead Coordinator of the mission in Maharashtra.

The mission has already touched lives of more than 40 lac unemployed workforce and is aiming to empower more than 50 crore workforce in India that is employed in the low income segment.

“India’s blue collared recruitment industry is largely unorganised, and was expected to remain so, without appropriate intervention of technology. With our intervention, we hope to empower recruitment agencies to serve more jobseekers, and play a role in reducing unemployment,” Dr Pradeep Srivastava, Executive Director, TIFAC, was quoted as saying.

There are said to be more than 100,000 recruitment agencies or independent consultants in India, who are eligible to apply to this program, when it opens for the rest of India. Currently, agencies from Maharashtra have started applying to become Saksham Rojgar Sathi. The first round of announcement of selected consultants shall be made soon.

The Government of India mission is inviting all such agencies and consultants to apply, irrespective of their existing strength and turnover. Selection shall be based on genuinity and credibility, and the aim is to make every credible organisation a Saksham Rojgar Sathi.

“We are speaking to companies across India, advising them to recruit through credible agencies only, especially for the low income workforce. There have been a number of cases of frauds as well as incompetencies, leading to lack of enough employment opportunities for the right candidates. Hence, this movement is critical,” adds Prashant Nikam, former IRAS officer and Chairman of Sapio Analytics, nodal agency for Saksham.

Sapio Analytics is a partner of multiple governments in their missions related to livelihood, and also works with organisations in enhancing the performance of their low income workforce. TIFAC is the apex technology forecasting body of India focused on solving issues of national importance using technology.

• Indias first suspension wheels-driven technology, reducing spinal vibration by 60%, thereby enhancing the comfort of wheelchair users making it one the most innovative technologies today

• Rut3 marks a monumental step towards independent living for persons with disabilities by collaborating with Rotary Club, and the Delhi Government,

• This is the first ever made-in-India technology to be introduced to PWDs in this category

• Rut3’s patented technology aligns with Indian infrastructure, aiming to reduce Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) by up to 11 years.

Rut3 Engineering Pvt. Ltd., a technology driven startup, unveils its first landmark initiative in cutting-edge wheelchair driven technology. In partnership with Rotary Club and the Department of Social Welfare, Government of NCT of Delhi Rut3 have launched Indias first ever suspension wheels-driven technology at the General Disability Camp. This groundbreaking technology is poised to revolutionize the independent living of persons with disabilities in India.

Cabinet Minister for Social Welfare, Labour, Employment-Raaj Kumar Anand, Mitesh Rasal, Founder Rut3, Shubham Sutar, Co-founder & CTO Rut3 at the General Disability Camp Delhi handing PWDs wheelchairs

Designed and patented with Indian infrastructure in mind, Rut3s unique wheel design features suspensions within the wheels rim, significantly reducing the unwarranted vibrations impacting wheelchair users. Tested rigorously in partnership with IIT Madras innovation centre, this Made in India innovation reportedly reduces spinal vibration by an impressive 60% and can cut Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) by up to 11 years.

“At the heart of this innovation is a compassionate understanding of the daily challenges faced by wheelchair users, who often endure discomfort akin to truck drivers. Rut3s technology focuses on reducing both the physical strain and the economic burden, significantly decreasing chronic medical expenses, maintenance costs, and the overall economic loss,” said Shubham Sutar, Co-founder & CTO Rut3.

Rut3, the Delhi Government and the Rotary Club together distributed state-of-the-art wheelchairs to end users. Rut3 will be seeking real-time feedback from PWDs about their experience using the Rut3 wheelchairs in coming months. Shri Raaj Kumar Anand, Delhi Cabinet Minister for Social Welfare, Labour, Employment lauded Mitesh Rasal, Founder of Rut3 for his active participation and contribution towards PWDs and endorsed the companys efforts towards the cause and the Make In India initiative undertaken by the Rut3 technology team.

Rut3 Founder, Mitesh Rasal, stated, “Wheelchair users face a tremendous amount of fatigue, stress, and discomfort due to the absence of suspensions, leading to chronic backache, spine injury, and issues with neck ache. Our unique suspensions help focus on the healthcare and mental state of the PWDs and on reducing out-of-pocket expenses for users. The Rut3 wheelchair is an innovative product which will help PWDs save precious income and also enable them to participate in many more in daily activities like a job, family events, etc. Thus alleviating both the familys and the governments health burden.”

The impact of this unique technological advancement extends far beyond mere comfort. One user at the event highlighted how inadequate last-mile infrastructure had restricted his movement, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and substantial economic loss. With the helps of Rut3 technology he will be able to overcome these challenges in the future.

Rotarian Mukesh G Gupta, speaking at the event, reinforced Rut3s commitment to uplifting the lives of people with disabilities and the elderly; by allowing them to travel confidently across diverse terrains. “With the Rut3 aesthetic design, the wheelchair appeals to the end users. It is focused on encouraging PWDs to embrace life and use wheelchairs in public. Thus it helps PWDs bypass the social stigma around wheelchair use in society,” he said.

According to studies conducted by Rut3, the data collected paints a staggering picture, suggesting that an average person in an ill-suited wheelchair tends to lose 11 economic years, equivalent to a loss of 57 million years across India. Rut3 aims to turn this grim statistic around with its cutting-edge technology. Supported by the Government, Rut3s product development involves extensive research, including inputs from over 200 users, rehabilitation centres, and wheelchair manufacturers.

Rut3 is one of Indias top startups and a winner of prestigious awards like the Atal New India Challenge 1.0 and the Prosus SICA Challenge 2022 (India), in partnership with Social Alpha. By marrying technology with empathy, Rut3 are crafting a path towards an inclusive and compassionate world.

Marked by the celebration of Indias 77th Independence Day, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (“BPCL”) joined forces with Youth4Jobs to launch the “Silent Voices” initiative. This program aims to foster socioeconomic independence by championing inclusivity and diversity, providing equal opportunities for specially-abled youth within the mainstream workforce.

Team BPCL with especially abled Fuel Station Staff

With a vision to ignite hope and prosperity, Silent Voices aims to offer more than 250 hearing and speech-impaired young minds the chance to shine at 90 BPCL fuel stations nationwide. In bustling cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Noida, and Kolkata, these talented individuals will utilize signs and gestures to provide customer service, ensuring fuelling experience.

The program was inaugurated at the Police Fuel Station in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, with the esteemed presence of Mr. G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director of BPCL. Joining hands with Mr. Krishnakumar were Mr. Sukhmal Kumar Jain, Director (Marketing), Mr. Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta, Director (Finance), Mr. Raj Kumar Dubey, Director (HR), and Mr. Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries), alongside Mr. Santosh Kumar, Executive Director I/c (Retail). The event garnered further grandeur with the esteemed presence of senior officials from BPCL, Youth4Jobs, and members of the dealer fraternity.

Silent Voices solidifies BPCLs commitment to creating workplaces that recognize, respect, and nurture the potential of every individual. BPCL firmly believes in the untapped abilities of all, regardless of personal challenges. Embracing inclusivity and diversity bolster a better tomorrow by infusing workplaces with renewed vigor and vitality.

Mr. G. Krishnakumar eloquently encapsulated the initiatives essence, saying, “BPCL continues to foster diversity and to bring about socioeconomic inclusion. Through #SilentVoices, we hope to appreciate the value of these gifted youth, who are also an integral cog in the wheel of nation building.”

Mr. Sukhmal Kumar Jain, Director (Marketing) at BPCL, shared his vision for the endeavor by stating, “This initiative while fostering inclusivity, unfolds many possibilities by providing these youth opportunities that they deserve. Empowering this vibrant demographic will not only strengthen our communities but also our nation. Let us rally together, accelerating this noble cause throughout our zone of influence.”

Recently, BPCL and Youth4Jobs formalized their partnership through a memorandum of understanding. Youth4Jobs, a respected organization dedicated to empowering specially-abled youth and promoting their economic inclusion, is set to collaborate closely with BPCL to realize the shared goal of celebrating true equality.

As Silent Voices roars into action, breaking through the barriers of perception and prejudices, these incredible opportunities will empower youth, offering them unparalleled equality, empowerment, and dignity.

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL)

Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the premier integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with a significant presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the elite club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina Refinery have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, energy stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 21,000 Energy Stations, over 6,200 LPG distributorships, 525 Lubes distributorships, 123 POL storage locations, 53 LPG Bottling Plants, 70 Aviation Service Stations, 4 Lube blending plants and 4 cross-country pipelines.

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has chalked out the plan to offer electric vehicle charging stations at around 7000 energy stations over next 5 years.

With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing a vibrant ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting innumerable initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be the most admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.

For more information, please visit www.bharatpetroleum.com

Positioned at the cusp of a technological revolution, Odisha has swiftly emerged as a formidable contender in Indias Information Technology (IT) landscape, captivating the attention of startups, tech behemoths, and global investors alike. Spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, and propelled by a series of progressive policies, the state has positioned itself as the Silicon Coast of India, rivalling the renowned innovation hub of Silicon Valley.

Deloitte Indias new tech talent hub, BMC Tower, Janpath Road, Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the pulsating heart of Odishas tech industry, stands on the brink of eclipsing traditional tech powerhouses like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, to ascend as Indias premier IT centre.

Cognizants new technology centre inaugurated by Honble Chief minister Shri Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneshwar. Anchoring Odishas position as Silicon Coast of India

Bhubaneswar distinguishes itself from other cities with its conducive environment for tech innovation and business growth, free from the infrastructure challenges, high living costs, and traffic congestion often found elsewhere. Recognised as one of Indias emerging technology hubs by Nasscom and Deloitte, the city boasts a skilled talent pool, cost-effective operations, and robust infrastructure, all backed by unwavering government support, rendering it an attractive destination for IT investments. Its strategic coastal location, combined with lower operational costs, positions Bhubaneswar as an irresistible hub for tech ventures. Moreover, proactive government initiatives in quality IT education and skill development ensure a continuous influx of skilled professionals to fuel industry expansion. As the city emerges as a centre for semiconductor innovation, bolstered by successful diplomatic endeavours and global collaborations, Bhubaneswars trajectory towards becoming the Silicon Coast of India appears inevitable, ushering in a new era of technological prowess and economic prosperity.

Odisha proudly hosts over 200 IT firms, including tech giants such as Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra, driving opportunities and technological advancements. Cognizants state-of-the-art facility in Bhubaneswar, spanning a sprawling 52,000 sqft, marks a pivotal moment, set to accommodate 1000 associates initially and expand to over 5000 in two years. Accentures most awaited inauguration further enriches the tech ecosystem. The presence of consulting giants like PwC, Deloitte, and EY underscores Odishas appeal, attracting more industry leaders to establish offshore centres. The states proactive talent development strategy ensures a high-calibre IT workforce, fueling sustained industry growth.

In the last four years, Bhubaneswar has witnessed a remarkable influx of over 50 new IT companies, catapulting the city into the forefront of Indias tech revolution. This surge in investments has not only diversified the IT landscape but has also led to a doubling of employment opportunities within the sector. Alongside established industry giants like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, the city now proudly hosts an array of innovative startups and global corporations, all drawn by its conducive business environment, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure. This exponential growth not only underscores Bhubaneswars emergence as a vibrant technology hub but also solidifies its position as the Silicon Coast of India, poised to lead the nations digital transformation journey.

Forward-thinking policies like the IT Policy 2022 and Odisha Semiconductor and Fabless Policy 2023 foster innovation and investment. Odishas strategic location enables seamless trade with Southeast Asia, while lower operational costs and improved air connectivity enhance its attractiveness to businesses.

A recent diplomatic mission to the USA, led by Minister for Electronics and IT, Shri. Tusharkanti Behera, in collaboration with Shri. Kartik Pandian, Chairman of 5T and Naveen Odisha, has significantly advanced Odishas ambitions in the electronics and IT sector. By engaging with investors and stakeholders in Silicon Valley, the delegation adeptly showcased Odishas potential as the new Silicon Coast for semiconductor manufacturing and chip design, garnering widespread international acclaim and attention.

As the technological landscape of India evolves, Odisha emerges as the next frontier in the realm of innovation. Government-backed IT enclaves such as Infocity, Info valley, and O-Hub, fortified by supportive policies, underscore Odishas steadfast commitment to nurturing an environment conducive to IT investment and development. The resounding success of the Silicon Valley mission unequivocally solidifies Odishas standing as a burgeoning hub for semiconductor innovation. With unwavering government support, the state is primed for exponential growth in the IT sector, positioning itself to carve a lasting legacy as the Silicon Coast of India.

Hon’ble Chief Minister has been directly involved in bringing relief to the recent flood affected communities in the state. He is seen engrossed in a long strategy and implementation discussions with senior officials from IRDAI, Member Non-Life and Executive Director, including, CEO of Universal Sompo General Insurance, representing the non-life insurance industry.

Honble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu chairing a meet with key officials

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from the AP Government including, Secretary, Additional Secretary and Commissioner.

At this hour of need, AP Government and Insurance Regulator along with entire Insurance Industry are working to extend full support to flood victims by expediting settlements.