Kumar Bahukhandi
Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Laxmi Rajwade holds a meeting with representatives of Axis Bank and Catalyst for Social Action to discuss skill development, rehabilitation and employment opportunities for children residing in Child Care Institutions across Chhattisgarh at her official Residence on Thursday August 6, 2026 -Photo Credit: channel24india.com via CG/PR
Minister Laxmi Rajwade Leads Statewide Initiative with Banking and Social Sector Partners
Raipur: In a significant step towards strengthening the rehabilitation and long-term empowerment of orphaned and destitute children living in Child Care Institutions (CCIs), Chhattisgarh Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Laxmi Rajwade has initiated a state-level collaboration with banking and social development organisations to connect children with skill development, vocational training and employment opportunities here in Nava Raipur on Thursday August 6, 2026 .
During a meeting held at her official residence, the Minister held detailed discussions with representatives of Axis Bank and Catalyst for Social Action (CSA) on expanding livelihood-oriented support for children residing in Child Care Institutions across the state.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade with representatives of Axis Bank and Catalyst for Social Action after discussions on expanding CSR-supported skill development and livelihood initiatives for orphaned and destitute children at her Official Residence in Nava Rai on Thursday August 6, 2026 -Photo Credit: channel24india.com via CG/PR
The discussions focused on leveraging Axis Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to improve facilities in child care institutions, provide market-oriented skill training, digital education and career guidance, enabling children to become financially independent and socially empowered.
“Connecting orphaned and destitute children with quality education, vocational skills and meaningful employment opportunities is one of the State Government’s key priorities. Our objective is to ensure that every child living in a Child Care Institution gains the confidence and capability to lead a dignified and self-reliant life,” Minister Laxmi Rajwade said during the meeting.
The initiative seeks to move beyond providing institutional care by creating sustainable pathways for rehabilitation through education, technical training and employment. Officials said the partnership would help equip children with practical skills that match current industry requirements.
The Minister informed participants that the programme was launched nearly a year ago through community participation to strengthen the social rehabilitation of children living in child protection and child care institutions. The initiative has already been implemented successfully in five districts, and the State Government is now preparing an action plan to extend it to all districts of Chhattisgarh.
“The future of these children cannot be limited to protection alone. They must receive opportunities for digital learning, skill development, career counselling and employment so they can become productive members of society,” Rajwade added.
She also emphasised the importance of partnerships between the government, corporate sector, industries and voluntary organisations in ensuring the holistic development of vulnerable children.
Representatives from Axis Bank, including senior CSR officials, regional managers and state representatives, along with officials from Catalyst for Social Action, participated in the meeting and expressed their commitment to supporting the initiative through institutional collaboration and capacity-building programmes.
The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen Chhattisgarh’s child welfare framework by integrating education, employability and social rehabilitation into a comprehensive support system for children living in institutional care.
