APWWA Partners with Tata STRIVE to Enhance Employability of Assam Police Personnel's Children

In a significant step towards improving the employability of the children of Assam Police personnel, the Assam Police Wives Welfare Association (APWWA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata STRIVE, a skill development initiative of the Tata Group. The announcement was made by the Director General of Police (DGP), GP Singh, on January 9, underscoring the program's potential to transform lives.

To gain deeper insights into this initiative, Business Northeast (BNE) spoke to Ameya Vanjari, Chief Operating Officer of Tata STRIVE, about the program's objectives and its potential impact.

BNE:  What is the main agenda for this collaboration?

Ameya Vanjari: This collaboration primarily focuses on expanding the reach of Tata STRIVE's hospitality program at our center near Sonapur to the families of police personnel in Assam. Our center provides courses to equip youth with skills needed for hospitality-related jobs.

BNE: What is the duration of the course?

Ameya Vanjari: The center currently offers five courses, each with a duration of three months. Additionally, after completing the course, students are exposed to industry experience for one to two months. Once they finish the program, they are certified and placed in organizations.

BNE: What are the financial expenses required for a student to complete the course?

Ameya Vanjari: The overall expenditure on a student is over Rs 60,000. However, we only charge a token fee of Rs 500 per student. The remaining expenses are covered through CSR funds from contributing organizations. Last year, organizations like Coal India, Tata BlueScope, and ISCL supported the program, enabling us to reach the needy population. Our aim is to target the right segment, which is why we ensure the program remains affordable.

BNE: What is the capacity of the center, and how many students benefit from the program annually?

Ameya Vanjari: Our center can accommodate 100 to 120 students at any given time. With the courses running quarterly, we certify around 400 to 500 students annually. Over the past 20 months, nearly 700 students have benefited from the program. The batches run continuously, with the current batch scheduled to end in March, though some may extend into April.

BNE: How do you connect with students from the families of police personnel?

Ameya Vanjari: We collaborate with the Assam Police Wives Welfare Association, whose members help spread awareness about the program. They recommend students from families in need. Once students visit our center, we provide proper counseling to understand their interests and match them with the right course. Only those who are genuinely interested and suitable are admitted.

BNE: How many students secure jobs after completing the program?

Ameya Vanjari: On average, 80 per cent of the students who complete the course secure jobs. Anyone who puts in the effort, gets certified, and demonstrates commitment will find opportunities—some within the state and others outside. Our main focus is to prepare them for sustained career growth, not just for a single job. Most students manage to build a stable career and progress over time.