Bangalore: BioconBSE 1.08 % said it is setting up an institute in Bangalore to train graduates in skills required for finding employment in the fast-growing biotechnology industry. Starting January 2014, the institute will offer a 16-week certificate-programme in partnership with California-based Keck Graduate Institute.
"There is a dearth of skilled expertise in this space, which inhibits our ability to innovate and work on deep domain experiments. Biocon Academy aims to bring world class training programs for biotech students in India through customised programs," said Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairperson and MD at Biocon. "Given the growing stature of India's life sciences industry, both Biocon and the Indian life sciences sector as a whole will benefit greatly from this collaboration."
The programme-with a course fee of Rs 6 lakh-will cover areas including molecular biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, bio-pharmaceutical quality assurance and introduction to US FDA and European Laws.
India's biotech sector currently is valued at $11billion, growing at an average annual rate of more than 20% over the past ten years. Every year roughly 40,000 biotech students graduate from 725 institutions.
Starting with a batch of 30, the academy aims at enrolling over a hundred students in a year's time. These graduates will find job opportunities in Biocon and other leading biotechnology companies. Biocon has invested about 10 crore in this initiative. This will also include scholarship of up to 75% of course fee on the basis of merit.
"Believer - Humanitarian - Habit of Success" Sukumar Balakrishnan is the Founder of JB GROUP, a 500 Crore National Organization with over 150 Direct & 1200 indirect professionals operating from 5 major cities in India. Jayalakshmi Balakrishnan Group, a multi-faceted group venturing into, E- Commerce and Import-Export (INNOKAIZ), Retail and Wholesale (JB MART), Food and Beverages (KRISHNA FOODS ), Real Estate (Constructions on sites, Interior scaping, Facility Management)
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Monday, November 18, 2013
PepsiCo to invest Rs 33k cr in India by 2020: Nooyi
Bullish on the India story, company plans to double manufacturing capacity
New Delhi: PepsiCo Inc, along with its partners, would invest $5.5 billion (Rs 33,000 crore) to double its manufacturing capacity in India by 2020, Indra Nooyi, chairperson & CEO of the food & beverage company, announced on Monday.
With arch-rival Coca-Cola’s plan to invest $5 billion in the country by 2020, announced in June last year, PepsiCo’s announcement means India will have received $10.5 billion in investments from the two global giants by the end of this decade.
Nooyi, on a two-day visit to India, revealed her company’s plans after a meeting with Finance Minister P Chidambaram. Later, she said in an interview: “Here, we will make investments in innovation, manufacturing, infrastructure, selling & go-to-market strategy and agriculture — in both food and beverage segments. This will double our manufacturing capacity by 2020.”
Explaining her bullishness on India, she added: “We are making this investment as we believe India’s fundamental story is still sound. The demographic dividend is there, the middle-class is growing. India will remain among very important markets for PepsiCo. Today, it is among the top 10 markets for us; I believe it will keep moving up. So far, we’ have only scratched the surface of the long-term growth opportunities.”
VIDEO: PepsiCo to invest Rs 33,000 crore
Last year, Nooyi’s counterpart at Coca-Cola, Muhtar Kent, had announced an investment of $5 billion in the country by 2020. He had said the move would help India climb two notches for Coke to become the fifth-largest market for it in terms of volumes.
Both PepsiCo and Coke, since their respective entries into India in 1990 and 1993, have invested about $2 billion here. PepsiCo India has 42 bottling plants in the country, while Coke has 58.
However, India’s Rs 30,000-crore soft drinks market, where more than 1.2 billion cases are sold annually, still offers the two global giants scope for major expansion. This is because the per-capita annual soft drink consumption in the country stands at a low 20 servings, compared with the international average of 94. Also, these beverages are currently available at only a fourth of the country’s eight million retail outlets.
While Coke controls Sprite and Thums Up, the top two soft drink brands in the country, PepsiCo’s Pepsi is the third. But the latter’s thrust on the foods segment and organic brand-building — through Pepsi, Lay’s, Kurkure, 7UP, Slice, Mirinda, Mountain Dew and Aquafina — help it raise an estimated Rs 1,000 crore of annual retail sales.
Also, through NourishCo, its joint venture with the Tatas, the company is targetting the lower end of the market, where pricing is key.
New Delhi: PepsiCo Inc, along with its partners, would invest $5.5 billion (Rs 33,000 crore) to double its manufacturing capacity in India by 2020, Indra Nooyi, chairperson & CEO of the food & beverage company, announced on Monday.
With arch-rival Coca-Cola’s plan to invest $5 billion in the country by 2020, announced in June last year, PepsiCo’s announcement means India will have received $10.5 billion in investments from the two global giants by the end of this decade.
Nooyi, on a two-day visit to India, revealed her company’s plans after a meeting with Finance Minister P Chidambaram. Later, she said in an interview: “Here, we will make investments in innovation, manufacturing, infrastructure, selling & go-to-market strategy and agriculture — in both food and beverage segments. This will double our manufacturing capacity by 2020.”
Explaining her bullishness on India, she added: “We are making this investment as we believe India’s fundamental story is still sound. The demographic dividend is there, the middle-class is growing. India will remain among very important markets for PepsiCo. Today, it is among the top 10 markets for us; I believe it will keep moving up. So far, we’ have only scratched the surface of the long-term growth opportunities.”
VIDEO: PepsiCo to invest Rs 33,000 crore
Last year, Nooyi’s counterpart at Coca-Cola, Muhtar Kent, had announced an investment of $5 billion in the country by 2020. He had said the move would help India climb two notches for Coke to become the fifth-largest market for it in terms of volumes.
Both PepsiCo and Coke, since their respective entries into India in 1990 and 1993, have invested about $2 billion here. PepsiCo India has 42 bottling plants in the country, while Coke has 58.
However, India’s Rs 30,000-crore soft drinks market, where more than 1.2 billion cases are sold annually, still offers the two global giants scope for major expansion. This is because the per-capita annual soft drink consumption in the country stands at a low 20 servings, compared with the international average of 94. Also, these beverages are currently available at only a fourth of the country’s eight million retail outlets.
While Coke controls Sprite and Thums Up, the top two soft drink brands in the country, PepsiCo’s Pepsi is the third. But the latter’s thrust on the foods segment and organic brand-building — through Pepsi, Lay’s, Kurkure, 7UP, Slice, Mirinda, Mountain Dew and Aquafina — help it raise an estimated Rs 1,000 crore of annual retail sales.
Also, through NourishCo, its joint venture with the Tatas, the company is targetting the lower end of the market, where pricing is key.
Centre plans 4 solar UMPPs of Rs 90,000 crore
These projects are planned in Rajasthan (4000 MW), Gujarat (4,000 MW), Kargil (2,000 MW) and Ladakh (5,000 MW)
Mumbai: The Centre has proposed four ultra mega solar power projects (UMPPs). These would be in Rajasthan (4,000 Mw), Gujarat (4,000 Mw), Kargil (2,000 Mw) and Ladakh (5,000 Mw). These would cost Rs 90,000 crore.
Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary, ministry of new and renewable energy, said the per Mw capital cost has been estimated at Rs 6 crore against the existing Rs 7-7.5 crore. The per unit rate is estimated at Rs 5.50.
'"The one in Rajasthan would be developed on an engineering procurement and construction (EPC) basis. For this, public undertakings Bharat Heavy Electricals, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Power Grid, Hindustan Salt and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam and Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments will form a joint venture company.”
According to Kapoor, BHEL which will be a lead company in the proposed JVC, will manufacture solar panels needed for Rajasthan project.
Kapoor informed that the first phase of 1,000 MW of Rajasthan UMPP is expected to be operational in three years while the entire project in seven years. The land has already been identified. He said the power to be produced from Rajasthan UMPP will be sold to Solar Energy Corporation which will trade it to various distribution companies.
As far as Gujarat UMPP is concerned, it will be developed with five to six companies. However, Kapoor said the Centre has yet to finalise details in this regard. Further, a lot of private developers have desired to develop 1,000 MW to 3,000 MW on their own.
However, it won't be possible as the project will be tendered, he added. According to Kapoor, transmission is a major issue for the development of Kargil and Ladakh UMPPs.
Mumbai: The Centre has proposed four ultra mega solar power projects (UMPPs). These would be in Rajasthan (4,000 Mw), Gujarat (4,000 Mw), Kargil (2,000 Mw) and Ladakh (5,000 Mw). These would cost Rs 90,000 crore.
Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary, ministry of new and renewable energy, said the per Mw capital cost has been estimated at Rs 6 crore against the existing Rs 7-7.5 crore. The per unit rate is estimated at Rs 5.50.
'"The one in Rajasthan would be developed on an engineering procurement and construction (EPC) basis. For this, public undertakings Bharat Heavy Electricals, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Power Grid, Hindustan Salt and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam and Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments will form a joint venture company.”
According to Kapoor, BHEL which will be a lead company in the proposed JVC, will manufacture solar panels needed for Rajasthan project.
Kapoor informed that the first phase of 1,000 MW of Rajasthan UMPP is expected to be operational in three years while the entire project in seven years. The land has already been identified. He said the power to be produced from Rajasthan UMPP will be sold to Solar Energy Corporation which will trade it to various distribution companies.
As far as Gujarat UMPP is concerned, it will be developed with five to six companies. However, Kapoor said the Centre has yet to finalise details in this regard. Further, a lot of private developers have desired to develop 1,000 MW to 3,000 MW on their own.
However, it won't be possible as the project will be tendered, he added. According to Kapoor, transmission is a major issue for the development of Kargil and Ladakh UMPPs.
RBI allows investors to invest in credit enhanced bonds up to $5 bn
Investment permitted up to $5 bn within overall limit
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to allow various investors to invest in the credit enhanced bonds up to a limit of $5 billion within the overall limit of $51 billion earmarked for corporate debt, said RBI on Monday.
These investors include Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) registered Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs) and long term investors registered with Sebi – Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), multilateral agencies, pension/ insurance/ endowment funds and foreign central banks.
Earlier RBI had said that these parties may purchase, on repatriation basis, government securities and non-convertible debentures (NCDs) / bonds issued by an Indian company subject to norms and limits as prescribed by RBI and Sebi from time to time.
The present limits for investments by FIIs, QFIs and long term investors registered with Sebi in government securities and corporate debt stands at $30 billion and $51 billion, respectively.
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to allow various investors to invest in the credit enhanced bonds up to a limit of $5 billion within the overall limit of $51 billion earmarked for corporate debt, said RBI on Monday.
These investors include Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) registered Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs) and long term investors registered with Sebi – Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), multilateral agencies, pension/ insurance/ endowment funds and foreign central banks.
Earlier RBI had said that these parties may purchase, on repatriation basis, government securities and non-convertible debentures (NCDs) / bonds issued by an Indian company subject to norms and limits as prescribed by RBI and Sebi from time to time.
The present limits for investments by FIIs, QFIs and long term investors registered with Sebi in government securities and corporate debt stands at $30 billion and $51 billion, respectively.
‘Closet consumers’ of luxury goods an emerging class in India: CII report
New Delhi: The past 10 years of economic growth has given rise to a new wealthy class in India —‘closet consumers’— who are a major force behind the country’s luxury market growth, according to a report.
Published by the Confederation of Indian Industry and marketing firm IMRB International, the report, titled ‘The Changing Face of Luxury in India’, focuses on identifying and understanding India’s closet consumers. These are new generation entrepreneurs, senior corporate executives, farmers who have sold their land to developers and the BPO generation that lives with parents and has money to splurge.
Despite their newfound riches, the report indicates that there is an inherent middle class mindset among this class, even as they can no longer be classified as middle class based on their income.
“The inner conflict between a middle class mindset and the globally rich income level, between conspicuous consumption and a level of luxury is what we call the ‘closet consumer’,” says the report.
It also gives an overview of the luxury goods market, which has witnessed a growth of 15 per cent over the past three years and is estimated to have reached $7.58 billion (around Rs 48,000 crore today) in 2012.
Luxury products have grown the fastest at 22 per cent compared with luxury services at 15 per cent and luxury assets at 9.4 per cent – primarily contributed by slow growth in luxury real estate.
It is luxury categories such as apparel and accessories, perfumes, fine dining and automotive that have contributed to this growth, the report says, adding the Indian luxury market still accounts for almost a negligible 1–2 per cent of the global luxury market.
Industry experts believe multiple factors are contributing to the slow growth – low priority status assigned to luxury goods by the Government, lack of adequate range of luxury goods and service levels that are below par. They also believe Indian culture dissuades customers from flaunting their wealth. Yet they are optimistic about the above factors changing in the coming years and predict that the luxury market will boom in India over the next few years.
Closet consumers are cost-conscious and seek “value” even when buying luxury products. And their definitions, symbols of luxury are often in variance with conventional ones, the report adds.
Published by the Confederation of Indian Industry and marketing firm IMRB International, the report, titled ‘The Changing Face of Luxury in India’, focuses on identifying and understanding India’s closet consumers. These are new generation entrepreneurs, senior corporate executives, farmers who have sold their land to developers and the BPO generation that lives with parents and has money to splurge.
Despite their newfound riches, the report indicates that there is an inherent middle class mindset among this class, even as they can no longer be classified as middle class based on their income.
“The inner conflict between a middle class mindset and the globally rich income level, between conspicuous consumption and a level of luxury is what we call the ‘closet consumer’,” says the report.
It also gives an overview of the luxury goods market, which has witnessed a growth of 15 per cent over the past three years and is estimated to have reached $7.58 billion (around Rs 48,000 crore today) in 2012.
Luxury products have grown the fastest at 22 per cent compared with luxury services at 15 per cent and luxury assets at 9.4 per cent – primarily contributed by slow growth in luxury real estate.
It is luxury categories such as apparel and accessories, perfumes, fine dining and automotive that have contributed to this growth, the report says, adding the Indian luxury market still accounts for almost a negligible 1–2 per cent of the global luxury market.
Industry experts believe multiple factors are contributing to the slow growth – low priority status assigned to luxury goods by the Government, lack of adequate range of luxury goods and service levels that are below par. They also believe Indian culture dissuades customers from flaunting their wealth. Yet they are optimistic about the above factors changing in the coming years and predict that the luxury market will boom in India over the next few years.
Closet consumers are cost-conscious and seek “value” even when buying luxury products. And their definitions, symbols of luxury are often in variance with conventional ones, the report adds.
Reliance Power to commission second unit of 660 mw at Sasan in December
Mumbai: Reliance Power will commission the second unit of its sasan ultra mega power project ( UMPP) in December after it successfully lit-up the boiler for the unit, the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Groups said Friday.
The company had bagged three of the four UMPPs of 4,000 mw each awarded by the government but Sasan is the only one where work has progressed. In March 2013, the first unit of 660 mw at Sasan was commissioned.
The company has already started production of coal from the coal mines attached to the Sasan project.
Reliance Power has an operational capacity of 2,545 mw. At the time of its initial public offer in 2008, R-Power had planned to set up power plants with a combined capacity of 28,200 mw across India, fuelled by coal or gas as well as hydropower. Since then, the company has added a few new projects but also abandoned some. It later revised its capacity addition target to 25,000 mw by 2015, but it now expects to add 20,000 mw by 2020, given the slowdown in the industry.
The company had bagged three of the four UMPPs of 4,000 mw each awarded by the government but Sasan is the only one where work has progressed. In March 2013, the first unit of 660 mw at Sasan was commissioned.
The company has already started production of coal from the coal mines attached to the Sasan project.
Reliance Power has an operational capacity of 2,545 mw. At the time of its initial public offer in 2008, R-Power had planned to set up power plants with a combined capacity of 28,200 mw across India, fuelled by coal or gas as well as hydropower. Since then, the company has added a few new projects but also abandoned some. It later revised its capacity addition target to 25,000 mw by 2015, but it now expects to add 20,000 mw by 2020, given the slowdown in the industry.
GE to make India a manufacturing hub for its global markets
Hyderabad: US-based diversified conglomerate General Electric Co says the huge talent pool and lower manufacturing costs in India will drive the company’s plan to make the country a manufacturing hub for its global markets.
Banmali Agrawala, President and CEO, GE South Asia, said its coming plant at Chakan, Pune, is the first major step towards this direction.
"The Chakan plant is expected to be operational by the middle of next year. We will use the facility to manufacture a range of products for our global markets," he told reporters here on Friday.
The Rs 1,000-crore plant will produce diversified equipment for the aviation, energy, oil and gas and transportation sectors.
The $150-billion revenue multinational, which has interests in capital goods, technology and financial services, is now present in 164 countries, earning more than $1 billion revenue each from at least 40 countries and more than $100 million from 60 countries. Agrawala said GE will also start exporting healthcare devices from its Bangalore plant as part of the strategy to make India a manufacturing hub.
The Bangalore plant will make an array of “super-value products”, including ultrasound machines, ECG units, maternal and infant care equipment, which will be exported to Africa, Europe, Latin America and Asia.
He is of the view that India can become a global manufacturing hub, provided the government takes certain policies and cuts regulation.
“We have enough talents here. The government should not see India as a manufacturing hub for India alone, but for the world.
“It should accordingly change its policies and not have excessive regulation. It should play the role of a facilitator.” amitmitra@thehindu.co.in
Banmali Agrawala, President and CEO, GE South Asia, said its coming plant at Chakan, Pune, is the first major step towards this direction.
"The Chakan plant is expected to be operational by the middle of next year. We will use the facility to manufacture a range of products for our global markets," he told reporters here on Friday.
The Rs 1,000-crore plant will produce diversified equipment for the aviation, energy, oil and gas and transportation sectors.
The $150-billion revenue multinational, which has interests in capital goods, technology and financial services, is now present in 164 countries, earning more than $1 billion revenue each from at least 40 countries and more than $100 million from 60 countries. Agrawala said GE will also start exporting healthcare devices from its Bangalore plant as part of the strategy to make India a manufacturing hub.
The Bangalore plant will make an array of “super-value products”, including ultrasound machines, ECG units, maternal and infant care equipment, which will be exported to Africa, Europe, Latin America and Asia.
He is of the view that India can become a global manufacturing hub, provided the government takes certain policies and cuts regulation.
“We have enough talents here. The government should not see India as a manufacturing hub for India alone, but for the world.
“It should accordingly change its policies and not have excessive regulation. It should play the role of a facilitator.” amitmitra@thehindu.co.in
TechM wins deal from Australian firm
Mumbai: Tech Mahindra Ltd has secured an outsourcing deal from Australian financial services firm Perpetual to provide registry services.
As part of the contract, the Mahindra group company will provide technology support for several superannuation and pension products of Perpetual.
“We are looking to see a complete refresh of registry IT infrastructure and applications which will allow us to focus on our core strengths,” Paul Statham, acting Group Executive of Perpetual Investments, said in a press statement. The agreement covers both administration and technology services.
Though the size of the engagement was not disclosed, it is believed to be a multi-million dollar deal. News reports in the Australian media indicate that Perpetual will make 50 roles redundant and transfer a number of positions to the Indian software services company. The Sydney headquartered Perpetual is an investment and trustee group that specialises in investment products, financial advice and corporate service.
The Tech Mahindra scrip hit its 52-week high on BSE before settling at Rs 1,674.05, higher by 5.94 per cent than previous close.
As part of the contract, the Mahindra group company will provide technology support for several superannuation and pension products of Perpetual.
“We are looking to see a complete refresh of registry IT infrastructure and applications which will allow us to focus on our core strengths,” Paul Statham, acting Group Executive of Perpetual Investments, said in a press statement. The agreement covers both administration and technology services.
Though the size of the engagement was not disclosed, it is believed to be a multi-million dollar deal. News reports in the Australian media indicate that Perpetual will make 50 roles redundant and transfer a number of positions to the Indian software services company. The Sydney headquartered Perpetual is an investment and trustee group that specialises in investment products, financial advice and corporate service.
The Tech Mahindra scrip hit its 52-week high on BSE before settling at Rs 1,674.05, higher by 5.94 per cent than previous close.
India and Japan to strengthen their cooperation in the maritime sector
New Delhi: India and Japan have decided to further strengthen their cooperation in the maritime sector as a part of the overall robust bilateral relations. The two countries agreed to enhance their interaction through the existing forums and through port-to-port exchanges.
These issues came up for a discussion between the Union Minister of Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan, who is on an official visit to Japan and his Japanese counterpart Shri Akihiro Ohta, Minister of land, Industries and Transport & Tourism, Government of Japan.
Shri Vasan explained the developments that were taking place in India in the Ports sector and assured Shri Ohta that concerns regarding infrastructure and connectivity of ports are being addressed expeditiously. In particular, he said that the ports in Ennore and Chennai are catering to the Japanese car exporters like Toyota and Nissan who have so far exported about 42000 and 300000 cars respectively from these ports.
During the talks, Shri Vasan thanked the Japanese government for its support to various Indian Ports and infrastructure projects through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also mentioned the possibility of JICA assistance to VOC Port at Thoothukudi for the upcoming Outer Harbour Project.
Japanese Minister Shri Ohta, while acknowledging the existing cordial relationship between India and Japan, assured that Japan will carry forward the momentum. He also thanked Shri Vasan for his efforts in this direction and expressed Japan’s interest in shipbuilding and recycling industries in India.
Shri Vasan later visited the Yokohama port where he was received by Shri Nobuya Suzuki, Deputy Mayor of Yokohama city and Shri Masaharu Ikegami, the Vice Director General of the Ministry of Land, Industries and Transport & Tourism, (MLIT) Government of Japan.
These issues came up for a discussion between the Union Minister of Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan, who is on an official visit to Japan and his Japanese counterpart Shri Akihiro Ohta, Minister of land, Industries and Transport & Tourism, Government of Japan.
Shri Vasan explained the developments that were taking place in India in the Ports sector and assured Shri Ohta that concerns regarding infrastructure and connectivity of ports are being addressed expeditiously. In particular, he said that the ports in Ennore and Chennai are catering to the Japanese car exporters like Toyota and Nissan who have so far exported about 42000 and 300000 cars respectively from these ports.
During the talks, Shri Vasan thanked the Japanese government for its support to various Indian Ports and infrastructure projects through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also mentioned the possibility of JICA assistance to VOC Port at Thoothukudi for the upcoming Outer Harbour Project.
Japanese Minister Shri Ohta, while acknowledging the existing cordial relationship between India and Japan, assured that Japan will carry forward the momentum. He also thanked Shri Vasan for his efforts in this direction and expressed Japan’s interest in shipbuilding and recycling industries in India.
Shri Vasan later visited the Yokohama port where he was received by Shri Nobuya Suzuki, Deputy Mayor of Yokohama city and Shri Masaharu Ikegami, the Vice Director General of the Ministry of Land, Industries and Transport & Tourism, (MLIT) Government of Japan.
Monday, November 11, 2013
HDFC Bank launches rural financial literacy initiative in Kerala
New Delhi: HDFC Bank Ltd has launched its rural financial literacy initiative in the village of Palakkad Marutha Road, in Kerala, under the aegis of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
HDFC Bank will conduct financial literacy camps in 39 rural and semi-urban branches across Kerala. As per instructions from the RBI, these branches will serve the Malampuzha block in Palakkad district and the Mathilakam block in Trichur district of Kerala. The camps will enable both adults and school children from 234 Panchayath wards in 26 villages to attain a conceptual understanding of financial products and services.
This initiative is in line with the RBI's recent circular which recommended that banks should scale up financial literacy efforts in rural areas through their branch networks.
HDFC Bank will use the Financial Literacy Guide, provided by the RBI as the standard curriculum while conducting these camps. This material is currently available in Hindi and English.
HDFC Bank has gone a step further in Kerala and is the first bank to translate the guide into Malayalam, which is the local language. This has been done in consultation with the RBI and will greatly increase the impact and efficacy of these camps in Kerala will allow the participants to understand the material in the language they are most comfortable with.
HDFC Bank will conduct financial literacy camps in 39 rural and semi-urban branches across Kerala. As per instructions from the RBI, these branches will serve the Malampuzha block in Palakkad district and the Mathilakam block in Trichur district of Kerala. The camps will enable both adults and school children from 234 Panchayath wards in 26 villages to attain a conceptual understanding of financial products and services.
This initiative is in line with the RBI's recent circular which recommended that banks should scale up financial literacy efforts in rural areas through their branch networks.
HDFC Bank will use the Financial Literacy Guide, provided by the RBI as the standard curriculum while conducting these camps. This material is currently available in Hindi and English.
HDFC Bank has gone a step further in Kerala and is the first bank to translate the guide into Malayalam, which is the local language. This has been done in consultation with the RBI and will greatly increase the impact and efficacy of these camps in Kerala will allow the participants to understand the material in the language they are most comfortable with.
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