Genpact-Supported Skill BRIDGE Project Implemented by REACHA with Certification by Tata STRIVE for Youth Employability in Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata, October 8, 2026: A Grassroots CSR Dialogue on strengthening youth employability through skill development was held at the Amartya Sen Research Centre and Auditorium, Salt Lake, Kolkata, bringing together representatives from government, industry, academia, the skill-development sector and youth.

Youtube Link - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vhP0gjL5Spk

Supported by Genpact’s CSR initiative and implemented by REACHA, the dialogue focused on strengthening industry-aligned skills and creating better employment pathways for young people in West Bengal. The event was attended by Skill BRIDGE trainees, parents, government, academia and industry representatives and other stakeholders. Shri Raunak Agarwal, IAS, Joint Secretary to the Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, was among the dignitaries present.

The Genpact Skill BRIDGE Programme is providing free skill development to 200 youth in Kolkata in General Duty Assistant (GDA – Elderly Care) and Housekeeping, along with employability support. The programme targets 10th/12th-pass candidates aged 18 years and above. Following training and assessment, eligible trainees receive Tata STRIVE certification and support for interview, On-the-Job Training and placement opportunities.

The dialogue discussed the need for stronger collaboration among CSR initiatives represented by youth and their parents, government, industry, implementing NPO, training and certification institutions to ensure that skill development remains aligned with market requirements. A key part of the programme was direct conversation with the youth/trainees, who shared their aspirations, dreams and experiences, while industry, government and academia shared their wisdom and pathways to successful careers.

Dignitaries present at the Dialogue included  - Ms. Sutanuka Ghosh, Lead – CSR, Genpact, Mr. Swarup Kumar Malik, Special Secretary, Directorate of Employment, Labour Department, Government of West Bengal, Mr. Nikhil Pant, Chairman and CEO, REACHA. Other Dignitaries and Speakers included Mr. Rajarshi Mukherjee, Head – Partnership & Program Development, Tata STRIVE, Prof. Ramendra Singh, Professor of Marketing, IIM Calcutta, Subject Matter Experts: Dr. Chandrayee Das, Secretary, Hijli Inspiration, Dr. Nayan Mitra, Founder and Director, Sustainable Advancements, and Mr. Rahul Bhattacharya, Manager – Operations, Senses Hotel. Participation from the dignitaries strengthened the event positively, and motivated the trainees.

For the youth enrolled in Skill BRIDGE, the programme is an opportunity to turn their aspirations into reality. The trainees shared how learning new skills, improving communication and preparing for interviews are helping them gain confidence and explore career opportunities.

The programme highlighted the importance of combining technical training with employability support, industry exposure, and placement opportunities to help young people access meaningful employment and sustainable income opportunities in West Bengal. It also reinforced the value of multi-stakeholder Collaborations to strengthen the last mile. 

Skill BRIDGE is more than a training programme. It is a bridge from aspiration to livelihood, and a model of what collaborative CSR can achieve for the youth of West Bengal.