Kolkata, Mar 12 (UNI) Indian multinational paint company Berger Paints and Smile Foundation have jointly taken up a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and started “iTrain on Wheels” offering skill training to daily wage earners, women to take up projects and bringing a change in their lives.

Such is one story of Rezaul Hoque, from Naodapara village in Murshidabad district, used to be a daily wage earner, staring at an uncertain future. However, his fate took a turn when “iTrain on Wheels” mobile upskilling project approached him to take up the free paint applicator’s training. Today, he is an established and sought-after master painter in his region and employs 18 other paint applicators, Berger Paints and Smile Foundations said in a joint statement.

His story is not merely one of professional success; it is a narrative woven with challenges, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Mr. Abhijit Roy, MD & CEO of Berger Paints India Ltd. said, “By empowering paint applicators, especially women in small towns and villages, we are investing in their future and helping them build a better life for themselves and their families. We are proud to be a part of their journey towards a brighter tomorrow through excellence in skills and with dignity.”

The thought of a household paint applicator or the painter brings a man into the picture naturally. However, women too are disrupting this male-dominated sector across India. Thanks to iTrain on Wheels programme, an innovative CSR initiative from Berger Paints India Limited, implemented by Smile Foundation.

Amrutben from Madhapar village in Kachchh, Gujarat used to supplement her family income by working as a construction labourer not long ago.

Then came a moment that changed everything. When the iTrain on Wheels mobile training team came to her village, with a lot of hesitation, she became the lone female participant braving the unknown. “I learned valuable skills, mastered innovative painting skills and home decoration techniques. The specialized tools and equipment also brought confidence in me to take up work,” reminisced Amrutben.

Today she has employed a team of eight to ten men, with a monthly earning ranging between Rupees 60,000 to 80,000. She says this is still unbelievable to her at times. The programme has transformed Amrutben from a labourer into a leader, proving that with right support and opportunities has helped her paint a brighter future.

There are more such stories which shows CSR initiatives by the Corporate Houses create value for ordinary people who are ready to take up skill training.

Mr. Santanu Mishra, Co-founder & Executive Trustee of Smile Foundation said, “Skill development plays a crucial role in the nation’s economic and social advancement. India faces a pressing need for skilled workers as well as job creators. We are thankful to Berger Paints India Ltd for its trust and the partnership for this unique and impactful CSR initiative.”

Berger Paints India Limited and Smile Foundation came together in 2021 to implement iTrain on Wheels programme. This upskilling initiative is aimed at honing the skills of unorganized paint applicators (household painters) by training them in contemporary painting techniques while simultaneously upskilling existing paint applicators (painters) to enhance their employability and earning opportunities.

Besides technical skills development, the programme also places a significant emphasis on soft skills training, as well as entrepreneurial skills development.

An independent study on the programme shows that as many as 73 per cent of the respondents saw an increase in spending on vegetables and other nutritional food. This indicates a prioritization of health and well-being of the entire family and a comfortable standard of living. A significant 74 per cent of respondents have also purchased a vehicle each. It reflects their financial stability and an increase in the ability to realize their aspiration with the change in the income growth after completion of the iTrain programme. There has also been a corresponding increase in multiple expenditure areas related to family members.

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