HDFC Bank to upgrade 24 Government schools into Smart Schools in Tamil Nadu

HDFC Bank announced the inauguration of five Smart Schools by Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan, the Minister for Finance and Human Resources Management of Tamil Nadu and Mr. Sashidhar Jagdishan, Managing Director and CEO, HDFC Bank, on 23rd january in Madurai. A total of 24 such schools will be launched across Tamil Nadu under the aegis of Parivartan-the social initiative of the Bank. The project is expected to benefit 22,000 students in Government schools across the state. 

Additionally, the Bank has also onboarded 8 lakh borrowers under its Sustainable Livelihood Initiative (SLI) in the state.Dr. Thiagarajan and Mr. Jagdishan jointly inaugurated the first five smart schools at Tiruvika Higher Secondary School in Madurai.

As per the reports a smart school comprises of Smart classrooms have smart interactive panels, desk and benches for students, beautification, repair and white washing of classrooms etc, Upgradation of science laboratory including repair and refurbishment of infrastructure, Repair and rejuvenation of toilets for boys and girls, Provision of drinking water (UV based) with hygienic platform and Upgradation/provision of library with books and infrastructure. A digital smart classroom provides enhanced teaching and learning experience. TN Government is leveraging the power of technology to improve the quality of education in these schools. HDFC Bank is partnering in this effort with education being a focus area of work under HDFC Bank Parivartan programme.

HDFC Bank also reached the landmark of eight lakh active borrowers through its Sustainable Livelihood Initiative (SLI). SLI is a holistic approach that aims to deliver financial support to  sections of society who are unable to access formal banking services. This encompasses, skill development and training which is then complemented by livelihood finance. This is directed at all women Self Help Groups (SHG) and Joint Liability Groups (JLG) which helps families break out of poverty. To commemorate the achievement, Dr Thiagarajan and Mr Jagdishan unveiled a placard and distributed cheques to 7 SHGs and JLGs.

“Parivartan, our CSR programme, acts as a catalyst to bring about sustainable change in society. Making quality education accessible to more students is a part of this endeavour and we are pleased to support the Tamil Nadu Government in this initiative,” said Mr Sashidhar Jagdishan, Managing Director and CEO, HDFC Bank.