21 youth empowerment success stories of chandigarh · number of successful case studies of the...

I n c l u s i v e G r o w t h S t o r y

21 Youth Empowerment Success Stories of Chandigarh

A collaborative effort of SUPA, BTGT and other eco-system partners for inclusive growth

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or inclusion in any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of BTGT Education Foundation BTGT Education Foundation encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission promptly.

Poverty Action Research Lab (PARL), BTGT Copyright © BTGT Education Foundation 2014

Designed By: Ripudaman Chopra, Team Bridging the Gap Together Mission Bridging the Gap Together (BTGT) Mission SCO: 10‐11‐12, Sahota Building, Sector 17–B, Chandigarh‐160017 0172‐ 4011924 | 2721112 | 09999 002522 | [email protected]

Collaborative Intervention by

Eco‐System Partners for Poverty Alleviation

BTGT – Bridging the Gap Together Mission

Chandigarh

SUPA – State Urban Poverty Alleviation

cell, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh

Under EST&P component of NULM – National Urban Livelihood Mission Formerly Swaran Jayanti Shahri Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY)

21 Youth Empowerment Success Stories of Chandigarh

AN INCLUSIVE GROWTH STORY

Youth Empowerment Success Stories

2

People are poor not because they do not have money but because they are not able to realize their human

potential.

Each individual has a potential.

EWS students are making lot of efforts to come out of poverty trap.

There is a need to co‐create a framework, which acts as an enabler to unlock their potential.

Bridging the Gap together Mission has made a humble attempt and impacted around 1000+ students in last

4.5 Years.

Our Poverty Action Research Lab (PARL) has acted as a backbone to evolve Inclusive Growth Framework.

Competency, Experience and Education are three pillars of our Inclusive Growth Framework


3

We as a part of Bridging the Gap Together Mission have made a humble

attempt to co‐create an eco‐system to facilitate BPL/EWS urban youth to

break free from vicious trap of poverty.

The 21 case studies showcase how BPL/EWS urban youth have made efforts

and leveraged the eco‐system to come out of the poverty loop.

These youth are the brand ambassadors of the envisioned inclusive, strong

and developed nation.

The summary of our interventions are provided at the end.

‐VivekRaheja,

PARL(PovertyActionResearchLab),BridgingtheGapTogetherMission


4

BTGT has implemented the Inclusive Growth Framework in collaboration with SUPA and impacted 140+ EWS (Economically Weaker Section) / BPL students of Chandigarh.

The 21 case studies of BPL/EWS Youth Empowerment in this book are the outcomes of the current project with 140 students with SUPA Cell, MC Chandigarh under National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM)

State Urban Poverty Alleviation cell, is an independent structure within Municipal Corporation Chandigarh implementing National Urban Livelihood Mission and its components in Chandigarh in an innovative way with good governance.


5

Foreword

I congratulate BTGT for taking an exceptional task of compiling the work, along with 21

youth empowerment stories, undertaken in transforming the lives of urban poor under

skill training component. It is indeed one of its kinds of initiative among all other skill

training providers.

The youth empowerment stories, showcases the efforts involved in reaching to a

number of successful case studies of the program. No doubt, these case studies will be

a guiding force for the stakeholders who are working in livelihood sector including

STPs, NGOs, and Government Institutions. I am very happy to see the way BTGT has

worked on providing psycho‐social support, sustainable handholding and progressive

growth.

Converging and network linkage of skill training program with IGNOU and Financial

Inclusion are the distinctive factors which has made BTGT as leading STP which has off

course strengthened our skill development program for the urban poor.

Introducing teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Dr Abdul Kalam have also proved to

be an effective method to work on ethics and value based education among

marginalized and secluded community.

The kind of growth observed in the per‐capita monthly income under the livelihood

linkage program has ensured the way forward for this community to break the vicious

cycle of poverty. I congratulate team of BTGT, State Urban Poverty Alleviation cell,

Community development societies and their eco‐system partners for their contribution

in making the skill program a success.

‐ Vivek Trivedi,

Social Development Officer,

State Urban Poverty Alleviation Cell,

Municipal Corporation Chandigarh


6


7

Placement & Exposure

Placed for selling international brands of cosmetics and perfumes

She started at just `7500 /month

Average income is `13,000 to `14,000 /month after one year of experience.

She has earned up to 30000/month in festive /peak seasons of retail

Targeting for fixed income of `25,000 per month Family

Paying for the studies of her siblings

Her younger sister has gone for National Taekwondo Championship

Contributing in family savings Career Direction

Jyoti emerged as an empowered youth as a part of this mission

She became a strong practitioner of taking initiatives and teamwork

Career growth is one of her main learnings from BTGT.

She registered with IGNOU for BBA Retail for prospective career in retail.

Jyoti was an undergraduate in arts and 18 years of age

She had little awareness about career

Her father is road‐side kiosk vendor and sole bread earner in the family of six

“Everyyouthhaspotential.Thereisaneedforarightkindofeco‐systemwheretheyouthcanunlocktheirpotentialandbreaktheviciouscycleofpoverty.”

‐VivekRaheja,Co‐founder,BTGTMission

21 Case Studies of the beneficiaries securely placed from last one year

Case Study 1: Jyoti

Life before

Life during training and after

“Career awareness, Self‐confidence and inspiration to support my family is what I learnt from BTGT training”

‐ Jyoti

Jyoti at SHOPPER’S STOP, Elante Mall, Chandigarh


8


She got selected in top brand of Jewellery Retail

She earned `6,399 as her 1st salary and had highest income of `14,000 in March 2014

After one year of experience, her basic salary is `8,000 and with incentives and takes home an average of `11,000 per month

Career Direction

Mrs. Sangeeta is now more confident and taking jewellery retail as her career

She feels that her personal growth due to professional exposure will boost her children’s career building

Family

She is paying for four LIC policies of the family

She pays annual admission charges of both kids

She has made gold and then took loan on it to buy a taxi for her Father‐in‐law

She wants to contribute in the renovation of her kuccha house

In beginning I had

apprehensions about

BTGT training being

same as others, but to

my surprise it was

different. My personality

developed more during

training. It gave me a

career, now I feel my life

is growing

‐ Ms. Sangeeta

“Inspiteofsocialstructuralbarriers,sheisanepitomeofgenderequityandwomenempowerment.”

‐MrsReenaRaheja,Co‐founder,BTGTMission

Case Study 2: Sangeeta

She is a graduate and was taking tutions to contribute to her family income and was earning around `5000 /month

She has been a confident person

Living in Kuccha house with joint family of 6 including 2 kids

Was looking for a settled income source

She wanted her children to study in a good school

Wanted to support her family


Sangeeta working at TANISHQ showroom at Sector

17, Chandigarh

Life before


9


Got selected in Pantaloon, the leading apparels selling brand in India

First salary (with incentive) `8500 and now after one year she’s taking an average of `9000 to `10000 / month

Awarded as a ‘Star Employee of month’ twice

Given the responsibility to train and manage three new staff members

She was called upon in a Radio program for being an example of youth empowerment

Career Direction

Planning to complete higher education and want to grow in the retail field

Aspiring to be DM – Display Manager with salary package of `20,000

Family

She is contributing all her salary to her family and saving for her studies as well

She is considered as a major contributor in family earnings

She is considered as a role model in her neighbourhood and girls of her age get motivated by her to take up the responsibility of family

“BTGT training gave me awareness

and understanding of ’Taking

Initiatives’ which in turn has

changed my life so far. Technically I

learnt about exceptional customer

service”

‐ Asha

“SheisanepitomeofyouthempowermentleadingtostrongandinclusiveIndia.”

‐ReenaRaheja,

Case Study 3: Asha

Life before

A 12th passed student with responsibility of contributing in a large family of nine members

She had no career direction

She was also looking for an opportunity to support her family


Asha at Pantaloon outlet located in

Elante Mall, Chandigarh


10


There are steady changes in his attire, attitude, language and behaviour

He got selected in TANISHQ jewellery retail store on basic salary of `6500/month

He is working as a sales executive and became one of the favourite employee of the store

Reached to the highest earnings of `15,000. for single month

Average income is above `10,000 & some extra income from part‐time DJ work is also coming

Career Direction

His communication as well as customer service skills has Improved a lot.

Now he is confident enough to be successful as a Retail Sales Associate

Family

Became a major bread earner for the family

Always helps family at the time of need

“Every youth has a potential. Thereisaneedforrightkindofeco‐systemwhere the youth can unlock theirpotentialandbreaktheviciouscycleofpoverty.”

‐VivekRaheja

“I never thought a guy

playing DJ in private

parties will be able to

provide elite class

customer service to the

elite citizens of the

region, but it became

possible all because of

BTGT training”

‐ Charanjeet

Case Study 4: Charanjeet

Life before

Charanjeet is high school pass and was doing seasonal DJ work

His father being a Motor Mechanic did not had a regular income

His seasonal business never provided him settled income and career

Communication skills were influenced by local slang


Charanjeet working in TANISHQ retail store Sector‐17

Chandigarh


11


Selected in her life’s first interview at Shopper’s Stop on `7,000 And her first salary was more than `8000 with incentives She never looked back, got two appraisals and reached to the basic

salary of `8500/month and average incentives are`3000/month Career Direction

Pursuing her graduation

She is preparing to appear in internal examination at Shopper’s Stop to reach the next higher level

Family

Contributed her whole salary for family 1. She contributed in construction of new rooms upstairs in her house 2. She bought some kitchen utility items; like Gas Stove, Refrigerator

etc 3. The level of living standard of the family is enhanced.

“I found warmth, respect

and nurturing

environment at BTGT

training. I gained the

confidence and developed

my personality at BTGT

training. Shopper’s Stop

added to what I had from

BTGT in last one year.”

‐ Pammu

“SheisanexampleofourInclusivegrowthstory.”

‐ReenaRaheja

Case Study 5: Pammu

Pammu is a daughter of a vegetable street hawker

She completed her 12th with lot of difficulties

She had a hard life, Living in one room accommodation with a large joint family

Father’s earning was just sufficient for food and shelter

Pammu at the age of 18 was sensible enough to understand the need of being employed

Life before


Pammu at Shopper’s Stop, Elante Mall, Chandigarh


12

Placement & Exposure:

Selected after two rounds in ‘Pantaloon’ and got his taste portfolio of ‘Cashier’

His initial salary was `7500 including incentives but after one year his income is `9000 plus incentives

His another appraisal was done few days back and is expecting the third raise in a single year

Career Direction:

Pursuing graduation

To be ‘Head Cashier’ and to take his earnings up to `20000 per month is his next target

Family:

Contributes 60% ‐70% of his salary to his family

He contributed for his grandmother’s medical treatment and funeral rites and feel proud of it

“Buildingcompetenciesarounddemanddriventradesiscriticalforinclusivegrowth”

–AshwaniSharmaCo‐founderBTGTMission

Case Study 6: Pankaj Jha

Pankaj was a confident boy but was suspicious about the training quality of BTGT

He was keen for higher studies and wanted to grow in life

After first day ,his response for BTGT was that “I think this is the right place from where I can grow”

Financial constraints was the hindrance in his career direction and growth

Life before

Life during and training after

Pankaj posing at his workplace:

Pantaloon, Elante Mall,

Chandigarh

“BTGT training gave direction to my

confidence and provided a path of

growth. I am contributing towards

the upliftment of my family status.”

‐ Pankaj


13


Placed in Levi’s retail outlet at biggest shopping mall of the region

Started at `8000 per month with nominal incentives

With persistency in performance and zeal to grow led him to `17000 per month’s basic salary

His take home reached upto `30,000 for single month

He earned around `2.5 lacs in his first year of employment

Career Direction

Pursuing graduation through self financing

Planning to do MBA with Specialization in Retail

Want to pursue Retail career with BTGT’s guidance Family

Contributed approx `2 lacs for his family

Family is very happy that their ward at this age have a settled career

“RavindershowcasesanearlyimpactofourInclusiveGrowthFrameworkmodel.Welookforwardtoseehimtouchthepeak,50kpermonthincoupleofyears.”

‐VivekRaheja

Case Study 7: Ravinder Singh

Ravinder, 20 was just 12th passed with little career direction

He was afraid of selling as a career

When Joined the course was not sure about the benefits

Life before


“After school, things were foggy

for me, I never had clear idea

what to do. BTGT training not

only showed me the way but

groomed me and instilled

confidence in me that I have it

what needs to grow. I can say

that every moment is good for

me now”

‐ Ravinder

Ravinder at Levi’s outlet located in Elante Mall, Chandigarh


14

“Studentsarekeentoexperimentnewupcomingorganizedservicesector,ratherthanjoiningtheirfather’sprofession,likebecomingapainterinthiscase.”

–AshwaniSharma

Case Study 8: Mehfooz Alam


Mehfooz was selected in Shopper’s Stop and got interior decoration section

First salary should have been `7000 but took home more than `8000 with incentives

His highest take home earnings touched `14000 in few months

Career Direction

Thinking beyond just being graduate

Working on his language skills and improved a lot in his IT skills

Aspiring to move to more high value Retail brand Family

His married elder sister expressed her satisfaction and happiness that her younger brother is moving towards settlement in life

Life before

He was Pursuing BA privately with known options of Data Entry operator or work in a shop

Looking for an opportunity to get settled

He never wanted to pursue his father’s profession of painting


Mehfooz working at Shopper’s

Stop as Cashier, he was into sales

before

“BTGT provided me the

opportunity to choose Retail

as a career and now I am

sure that Retail has

promising career growth for

me”

‐ M. Alam


15


She got selected in Shopper’s Stop at Elante Mall

Took home her first salary of `7000 she was consistent in her performance and

doubled the salary within few months which is of 14000/month (with incentive)

Looking forward for another raise in the mid of this year

Career Direction:

Shahina is now more confident and Pursuing her graduation

She is taking retail as her future career option

Family

She gives her whole salary to her family

She finds her family’s financial condition to be stable with her contribution

“Girlsfromtraditionalfamiliesarealsoleveragingthelowhangingfruitsoftheserviceeconomyandsettinganexampleofwomenempowermentwithmodernoutlook.”

–ReenaRaheja,

Case Study 9: Shahina

Life before

Shahina being a Muslim girl was facing social challenges

She was 12th Passed and 20 years of age

Had no idea of career choice

There was a need for economic support for the family

Shahina has a pleasant personality


Shahina posing at her section in

Shopper’s Stop, Elante Mall, Chandigarh

“I have learnt a lot from BTGT

Training, most importantly

taking initiatives which are

helping me to grow in life.”

‐ Shahina


16


He is placed in India’s leading jewellery brand as ‘Cashier’

First salary was `6,500, but with diligence and contributive attitude he took highest salary of `12000 (with incentive) in his first year of employment

Now after one year he will take home `10,000 to `11,000 Plans to be a ‘Head Cashier’ which will take his earnings to

`15,000 to `20,000 Career Direction

Registered for BBA Retail from IGNOU

He foresee himself doing MBA after his graduation Family

Able to contribute between`3000 to `5000/month to his family

Now considered as another earning member of the family

“Employment and career focusmakes our youth busy inconstructive work, and thus helpsthemmoveoutofbadcompanyandaddictions.”

‐VivekRaheja

Case Study 10: Din Bandhu

He was 12th passed with no career awareness

Being a son of a carpenter was not able to pursue his higher education

But he desperately wanted to go for higher studies

His dream was to support his father and elder brothers

Life before


Din Bandhu working in TANISHQ retail store Sector‐17 Chandigarh

“I was dependent on my

parents, BTGT Training

empowered me to be self

dependent and also able to

support my parents, I feel I

am on the right path”

‐ Din Bandhu


17

Ashwani, 21 is 12th passed and diploma holder in IT

He is lively young lad residing in a rehabilitated Indira Colony of Chandigarh

His family background restricted him to develop his personality

He was looking for a platform to get the right opportunity.

“Studentshaveinheritedgoodvalues,butthey need role modelling and rightperspective so that they can sustain thesame.”

–AshwaniSharma

Case Study 11: Ashwani


He started with Pantaloon at `7000 and reached at`8600 in a year as his basic salary

His incentives were average per month `1500 to `2000

He shifted to SPLASH with a raise of 30% and is getting `10000 salary and incentives

Career Direction

He is pursuing graduation

His interest in retail has grown with his suggestions on visual merchandising which was implemented at Pantaloon

Family

Family’s outlook towards Ashwani have changed a lot

He was considered as roamer and now a serious contributor

Life before


Ashwani working at SPLASH, apparel

store in Elante Mall, Chandigarh

“To serve and have empathy is

what I always remember from

BTGT training and practicing

them have improved me and

my professional life”

‐ Ashwani


18


Seema got selected in Tanishq, a TATA group brand

Her first pay cheque was of only `6,500 + Incentive but her consistent performance took her to take home `10,000 +incentive after few months

Created a niche for herself at work place of professional retailers and got highest raise among all

Her regular incentive lie between `4000 to `6000 per month, her take away is now `14000 to `16000 per month

Career Direction

She wants to grow in jewellery retail sector

Seema is looking forward towards a bright career for her children

Family

She bought gifts for her whole family from her first salary

She contributes all her salary at home

She is supporting even her sister‐in‐law’s kids education

Clubbing her and husband’s salary she was able to apply for home loan

“Studentsneedtolearnthatstartingsalarydoesn’tmatterwhatmattersisgrowthwithtimewhichcomesbyhardwork,learningandcontributiveattitude.Growthisinevitablebytakinginitiativesandlearningattitude.Shehasgotgrowthwiththisapproach”

–AshwaniSharma

Case Study 12: Seema Garg

A house wife with one daughter, 33 of age and joint family to look upon ,Seema had lot of challenges to overcome

Dependent on husband’s sole income and managing with limited funds

She was looking for an opportunity to contribute in her family

Life before


“I have learnt from

BTGT that we need to

contribute by helping

and supporting each

other. This is helping in

my job where I am

growing very well”

‐ Seema

Mrs. Seema in working attire at

TANISHQ, where she is Retail

Sales Associate


19


He was selected in TITAN brand as sales executive

His initial salary was just `6,500 but in a year he touched near `8,500 and now he will get incentives as well

He saved `20,000 in last six months

He displayed patience and flexibility at work

Career Direction

Motivated during training to ‘learn while you earn’,

registered for 12th Examination

He is confident of growing good in Retail sector and will

continue his studies

“Ankithasbeenakeen learner.He started taking initiativeswith this intervention andgained confidence. His storyreflectsconfidencebuildingasacritical outcome of thisprogram.”

–VivekRaheja

Case Study 13: Ankit

“This training has instilled a

beam of confidence in me, I

do not feel down even if

someone objects me or

offends me, I learn from it

whereas, before I use to get

angry and react. I am taking

initiatives for myself which I

learnt from BTGT”

‐ Ankit

Ankit comes from an economically weaker family

He was just 10th passed and not planned for higher education

Father working as work force in a steel factory with limited income

Life before


Ankit working at TITAN, as CRO in Panchkula


20

Case Study 14: Anita Kashyap


She was selected in Titan and celebrated her first anniversary of employment in June 2014

Started at `6500 per month, she reached at `8000 by perseverance She has shown flexibility as well as responsibility by being ready to be shifted to

locations where company needs her the most

She paid the down payment of her two‐wheeler Career Direction

Pursuing graduation and paying for her studies

She feels Retail selling is the best career and she has many opportunities to grow Family

She is giving her whole salary at home.

She now finds her life on the path of growth

Now elders in the family seeks her advice on crucial matters of home

12th passed student with no career direction

Only daughter of cycle repair mechanic

With bleak chances or opportunities due the circumstances

Life before


Anita interacting with customer at Titan, Chandigarh

“I got hope of good life during

BTGT training and now at TITAN it

is turning into reality. I feel I am

on the right path”

‐ Anita

“Careerdirectiontotheyouthasapartofcommunitydevelopmentprogramiscritical.AnitametBTGTandthingschanged.Iamsurethereareplentyofdirectionlessstudentssittingathome.”

–VivekRaheja


21

Mahesh a 12th pass boy had no career direction

No sustained family income, and was under pressure for immediate employment


Mahesh was selected at Shopper’s Stop Elante Mall, Chandigarh

His initial salary was `7500 but take home averages to `9000 to `10000 with incentive

He reached `8500 after a year now his take home is `12000 Career Direction

Registered to do Bachelor of Arts through distance education

He is excited to grow in retail sector and sure to get it after experience and graduation

Family

Mahesh is saving a major portion of his income

He inspires his younger brother who also took training with him.

“Maheshafteremploymentisaninspirationforhisyoungerbrother.Rolemodellingisthekeyforsocialchange.”

–ReenaRaheja

Case Study 15: Mahesh Shani

Life before


Mahesh posing at Shopper’s Stop, Elante Mall

Chandigarh

“BTGT Training gave me direction, whereas I

was just moving on in life. Family needed my

seriousness and now my earnings has brought

new ray of hope in everyone”

‐ Mahesh


22

“Jyotihadzealandshemadeeffortstocontribute.EWSyouthmakeseffortstogrow;theyjustneedrightplatformtounlocktheirpotential”.

–ReenaRaheja

Case Study 16: Jyoti


She got her 1st job after few interviews at Shopper’s Stop

She got `8000 as her first salary with incentives Her highest income was `15000 Her average salary with incentive is `11000 She contributed in buying a two‐wheeler for her Career Direction

Pursuing graduation with her own money

Always remain excited to meet customers and feels empowered after placement

Family

In seven months of her job she managed to save `50000 Contributed to her father for house renovation

Younger sister takes her as a role model, as Jyoti is earning and learning together

She was appearing in 12th and was 20 years of age

She is daughter of a tailor

Jyoti was afraid to express when she met BTGT team

She was planning for her higher education through distance education so that she could have time to look for employment

Life before


Jyoti, at Shopper’s Stop, Ellante Mall Chandigarh

“I feel empowered that I am supporting my

family. BTGT Training taught me that I need to

focus on career and not on job”

‐ Jyoti


23

“Daughtergivinghercompletesalaryto

mothersisagoodsignongenderequityandstrongfamilybond”.

–ReenaRaheja

Case Study 17: Krishna


Got her placement after numerous interviews in Shopper’s Stop at `6500 as basic salary She started earning incentives from very first month and took home `7800 Her highest income for single month touched `12000 within eight months of employment

With much awaited appraisal next month her basic salary will be `8000 plus incentive Career Direction

She took her higher education seriously after BTGT training

She has registered for graduation

She is looking forward to appear for internal examinations of Shopper’s Stop Family

She gives her whole salary to her mother

Now She is taken seriously by her parents and they show faith in her

Residing in Indira Colony Krishna passed her 12th

Daughter of a cosmetics kiosk owner

In a family of five, Krishna at 21, needed to get employed as early as possible

She had no idea about the world of work and its implications

Life before


Krishna, at Shopper’s Stop, Elante

Mall Chandigarh

“I used to stay at home and

was afraid to move out due

to lack of confidence. And

parents were not sure that

outer world is safe for me.

After BTGT training I am

confident and know how to

express. With Job my

parents are also happy.

BTGT taught me studies are

important to grow”

‐Krishna


24


She was selected in her first round interview at Shopper’s Stop

Her initial salary was `6500 with additional incentives She took highest income of `15000 in a single month

Her appraisal took her to the basic salary of `8000 with incentives Career Direction

She is pursuing graduation in arts and appeared for examination

She wants to make a good career in retail. Family

With her consistent income she contributed in renovation of her house

Family had conservative mindset for her employment but she changed the mindset of parents and also encouraged her younger sister Dimple to join BTGT training, and she is also well placed in leading apparel brand.

“By seeing positive careergrowth outcome in Retail, Ms.Shikha ensured that her sisterwilljointhesametraininginthenextbatch.Andnowhersisterisalso placed. We need thestudents to come forward andtake benefit of theseinterventions.”

‐VivekTrivedi,SocialDevelopmentOfficer,SUPAcell,

MunicipalCorporation,Chandigarh

Case Study 18: Shikha

Shikha is a daughter of security guard and cleared her 12th from govt. school

She and her elder sister were staying at home without any career direction

She had the responsibility of house

She was looking for a quick employment

Life before


Shikha at her work place at Shopper’s

Stop, Elante Mall Chandigarh

“BTGT Training

provided me much

needed confidence

and trust on myself.

With placement I got a

platform to earn for

my family. My

hesitation is all gone

as I am talking to

customers who are

total strangers to me”

‐Shikha


25


During training Muzahid counselled to join his father’s white wash business with new and innovative mindset

He started working at basic income per month at `6000 to `8000 He started his own small Dhaba in a motor market and earning average `15000

monthly.

Career Direction

Muzahid may not be studying himself but contributing for sibling’s further education.

Family

Reluctant to join family work before, but now actively participating in developing it.

Independent and taken seriously by family members

Found a way to break the vicious poverty trap

“Oncestudentsstarttakinginitiativeandexploreopportunities,thenself‐employmentisalsoaviableoptionforthem.Butmoreworkhastobedonebyeco‐systempartnerssothattheEWScanaccesscreditandavailrightguidanceforsustainedgrowth.”

–VivekTrivedi

Case Study 19: Muzahid

Son of a painter living in rehabilitated colony in Chandigarh

Just cleared 12th and was sitting at home with no career path

His friend registered for BTGT training and that motivated Muzahid to join

He was observed to be an introvert person.

Life before



26


She got selected at Pantaloons

Her initial salary was `6500 plus incentive. Her monthly average income touched `12,000 /month

She got raise of 19% in her basic salary and now her basic salary is `8300 with extra incentives

Career Direction

Retail career provided a good launching pad for her career

She is confident enough to grow for the growth of her career Family

She is saving major part of her salary

“Everystudentwantscareergrowthalongwitheducation.EarlysignofgoodreturnsfromRetailsectorismotivating–AshwaniSharma

Case Study 20: Reema

Reema is a daughter of white wash contractor living in rehabilitated colony in Chandigarh

She is living in a rented accommodation

Reema was a graduate

Parents had conservative outlook towards her employment

Family was proud of her educational achievement

Life before


“I learnt Retail, English

and computers at BTGT

Training. When I came

here at Pantaloon I knew

one thing that is

‘Customer Relations and

Good Customer service’

because I learnt it at

BTGT. I understood that

by taking initiative we

can bring change in our

lives.”

‐Reema

Reema, confident working at

Pantaloon, Elante Mall Chandigarh


27


She joined Westside and remained there for 3 months

She joined at Rs 6500/month

She shifted to Shopper’s Stop with a hike of `1000 in her salary to get `7500/month

Her average salary is `9000/month after one year

Her highest income was Rs 14000 for a single month Career Direction

Professional world demanding environment and BTGT direction motivated her for higher education

She bought her graduation registration forms Family

She saves major part of her salary

She contributed for the renovation of house

Parents are now assured for her success

“Deepaissavinghercompletesalary,thusfinancialinclusioninterventionshasbeenimpactful.”

–VivekTrivedi

Case Study 21: Deepa

Deepa was 20 and 12th Passed

Her father is a flower arrangement contractor

She had a large family to support

She was not confident to take up any career

Family had conservative outlook towards her employment

Life before


“I learnt a lot from

BTGT: Retail, its scope,

operations, customer

communication etc. I

became Independent

and came to know how

to move forward in life,

never cared about my

career. Sense of

responsibility has

increased a lot after

doing job”

‐Deepa

Deepa, at Shopper’s Stop, Elante all

Chandigarh


28

S umm a r y : N e e d , I n t e r v e n t i o n s , & O u t c om e s

We, envision a strong, developed and inclusive India. Poverty is one of the key barriers that obstructs

realisation of this shared vision. The need is to understand the multi‐dimensional problem and layers

that make up poverty. Systematic need based interventions are critical to alleviate poverty and are

much more effective rather than millions in aids and funding. This document shares the case study of

how SUPA department, MC Chandigarh and BTGT (Bridging The Gap Together Mission) collaborated as

eco‐system partners to facilitate urban poor youth break free from vicious trap of poverty. The

empirical outcomes of the interventions are promising, with right platform which worked as trigger for

urban poor youth with additional support and guidance to self‐create opportunities and privileges at

par with relatively‐elite urban youth.

The problem of poverty is multi‐dimensional as: Poverty constitutes many interlocked dimensions.

Bottom line is hunger – the lack of food.

Poverty has important psychological dimensions, such as powerlessness, voicelessness,

dependency, shame and humiliation.

Poor lack access to basic infrastructure.

Poor health and illness are dreaded almost everywhere as source of destitution and the social

fabric – poor people’s only insurance‐ is unravelling.

Poor people realize that education and skill training can offer definitive escape from poverty – but only

if eco system in the society at large and the quality of education and skill training improves.

Need:

There is a need to co‐create an eco‐system which facilitates sustainable growth of the poor.

The ecosystem needs to facilitate and strengthen the assets of the poor which includes:

i. Physical capital, including land and material belongings

ii. Human capital, including health care, education, training, and labour power.

iii. Social Capital, which refers to the extent and nature of social networks such as kinship

networks, neighbours, and associations.

Poverty alleviation and employment generational schemes play critical role in providing placement

linked training and employment to urban poor youth and help them to break the poverty trap.

The SUPA cell, MC Chandigarh, an innovative and outcome oriented organisation empanelled BTGT

and provided the podium to conduct placement linked training and placement under STEP UP

component of SJSRY.

BTGT mission is not just to provide the placement to youth but to also give platform for growth so that

they can accelerate their development on growth ladder of professional world with relevant skill

training. BTGT with Research and Innovation as essential component of its DNA conducted the training

on 160 EWS youth in two years with the zeal of a mission and tried to come up with sustainable

solutions to alleviate poverty.


29

Gaps: Some gaps that we observed during the mobilisation, training and placement are as follows:

Low self esteem, confidence and poor communication skills

No definite career direction

Impacted quality education, i.e. week backward linkage

Gender equity issues

And weak social capital

Skill gaps for technology driven changing market.

Interventions: Some key interventions required and practised to bridge the aforesaid gaps are:

Focus on competency (skills, knowledge, ethics and attitude), experience and

education as 3 key pillars for sustained career growth.

Market research for the selection of demand driven trades

Competency based curriculum

Non‐judgemental mindset and environment during classroom interventions

Personal and professional counselling through teachers as mentors.

Engaging pedagogy with use of technology.

Good infrastructure

Industry as key stakeholder for gathering information on competency required.

Promoting higher education with the tie ups of various organisation like Open

school, IGNOU etc

Promoting social capital build up through face book alias and planning for youth

empowerment centres in their localities.

Promoting financial inclusion (opening a bank account etc), sensitisation on

importance of saving in their future planning.

Research outcomes

In 2012‐13, BTGT conducted the Placement linked training in retail sector under STEP‐UP

component of SJSRY in collaboration with SUPA cell, MC Chandigarh for 80 candidates and

successfully completed the programme with remarkable results. Impact evaluation was

conducted on the sample of 48 (which is 60% of the whole population) students through

random sampling method. Research categorised the sample into different categories as

employed, employed but left the job, studying, not interested, interested but didn’t get the

job.

Likert scale was used on the designed questionnaire.

Quantitative research outcomes: placement and salary as key external indicators:

i. Economic Indicators:

1. The average monthly income of employed trainees increased from Rs 8073/‐ as starting

average salary to Rs 10913/‐ after one year, leading to percentage average increase in

income of 35.13% in the very first year of their work life.


30

2. In the research, it was found that highest initial income of an individual trainee was

Rs.12,500/month and after one year current income of an individual for a month is Rs

17000/month, where as lowest initial income was Rs 5000/‐ and current level for the

same is Rs.6000/month.

3. Some of the individual have earned up to Rs. 30,000 per month in the festive season.

ii. Placement and Retention indicators:

1. The placement rate after the training was around 70% the sustained placement after

one year is 56% which dropped down from actual 70% the various reasons for the 19%

attrition rate are covered in this report.

2. 14% out of the remaining 30% were pursuing their next level education so job at that

time was not a priority. 15% were married women and were not able to take up jobs

due to weak family support and motherhood related issues.

Qualitative research outcomes:

i. Social settings prevalent practices in their immediate environment and lack of awareness

among parents condition an attitude in students which is a main area for concern. As the

professional world has no tolerance for such attitude and related issues, so counselling of

parents as well as students played a vital role and helped change the mindset during the

programme but in some rather complex cases more interventions for longer period are

required for sustained impact of the programme.

ii. Some students who were not ready to take up job earlier got inspired by their employed

friends who are doing well in the corporate world and prepared for and bagged jobs through

self exploratory techniques taught to them in classes.

iii. Motherhood related issues and weak family support is a very grave area of concern for

married female candidates.

iv. The employed EWS trained candidates are contributing to their family and their overall family

income, standard of living and happiness index is improving. They are turning an asset for the

family.

v. On the other hand, Individualistic approach, non‐contributive attitude towards society leads to

weak social capital.

vi. In research, it was found that some beneficiaries weren’t able to write a single sentence in any

language even after senior secondary level. As basic education is the foundation for strong skill

building, in such a scenario strong skill building without strengthened education system cannot

be promoted. Backward linkage needs to be strengthened foremost for modular employability

programme to be impactful. Feedback needs to be given to relevant authorities in education

system, regarding how these beneficiaries can contribute towards nation building.

vii. There is a need to strengthen linkages with parents so that they act as role models and help

the children to inculcate right ethics and attitude.

viii. Efforts towards financial inclusion showed very positive outcomes as 75% of the sample has

bank accounts now and 70% in employed categories are saving for their future. They became

aware of importance of planning for future.


31

ix. 75% of the sample is pursuing their next level education as a consequence of our awareness

session on importance of higher education. The sessions of financial inclusion and higher

education were conducted by the guidance and cooperation of SUPA cell.

This is a proof of concept of effective ground level execution based on strong inclusive growth model.

This systematic approach with sincere commitment by the stakeholders and eco‐system partners are

critical to provide the required platform in order to alleviate poverty which in turn contributes towards

making strong, developed and inclusive individual, society and country.

Our Eco‐system partners contributing as key enablers for youth empowerment and inclusive growth:

Sharing youth empowerment success stories at Jyotirgmaya 91.2 FM community radio of Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Key media enablers for the inclusive growth story of Chandigarh

Printed in India BTGT0814‐21SS

Bridging the Gap Together (BTGT) Mission SCO: 10-11-12, Sahota Building, Sector 17 – B, Chandigarh-160017 0172- 4011924 | 2721112 | 09999 002522 | [email protected]

Co-creating a Platform for Unlocking the Potential

21 youth empowerment success stories of chandigarh · number of successful case studies of the...

Documents