Lucknow: At an event in Lucknow, organized by American India Foundation (AIF) and partner Bhartiya Micro Credit (BMC), around 200 rickshaw pullers who received training on technical, regulatory and financial dimensions were awarded ASDC certificates by Chief Guest Sanjay Sapre, President of Franklin Templeton Investments, India. The keys to e-rickshaws were handed over to the qualified beneficiaries at the launch event, in the presence of UPMA CEO, Anoop Singh, Gaurab Parija, Director Franklin Templeton Investments, Nishant Pandey, Country Director AIF, and Vijay Pandey, Managing Director BMC along with other officials.

Franklin Templeton Investments, India, through its CSR efforts, is supporting the Comprehensive Skill Development Program in Lucknow and Kanpur for rickshaw pullers. Through this programme, around 725 beneficiaries will receive the skills necessary to upgrade to e-rickshaws. Till date, around 200 candidates have received the skills training assessed by ASDC (Automotive Skills Development Council) and certificates were awarded to the successful candidates.

Sanjay Sapre, President of Franklin Templeton India, distributed the certificates and said, “We at Franklin Templeton have a strong commitment, both globally and in India, in giving back to the society. In line with the same we have partnered with a number of organizations around 4 themes – Education, Infrastructure, Vocational skills and Livelihood as part of our CSR initiative in India.

One of the organizations we have been associated with is AIF, where we have been involved in their Rickshaw Sangh program. We are delighted to extend the program from manual to e-Rickshaws, which should not only help increase household income but also provide a far less strenuous means of earning a livelihood, and yet provide safe and environmentally friendly transport options. This will provide the beneficiaries necessary tools to enhance their future. We believe that such initiatives focused on enhancing skills, are critical to building an inclusive society and a stronger India.”

Speaking on the occasion, AIF’s Country Director Nishant Pandey said, “AIF’s Rickshaw Sangh program is changing the industry paradigm of rickshaw drivers, by promoting joint spousal asset ownership and access to a suite of social benefits that dignify the profession. Till date we have reached 1,06,763 rickshaw drivers in 8 states of India. We hope that this model of financial inclusion and skill development will be one that is emulated and replicated by banks & financial institutions in the entire country. We are delighted that Sanjay Sapre, President of Franklin Templeton Investments, India has graced this occasion. ”