On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, Honda India Foundation (HIF) launched its flagship CSR initiative, Project Buniyaad, in Sikkim through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Directorate of Craftsmanship Training & Scheme (DCTSE), Skill Development Department (SDD), Government of Sikkim. The MoU was formalized at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok, in the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and senior officials from HIF and the state government.
The initiative, part of the World Bank-supported Sikkim INSPIRES Program, aims to provide structured, industry-aligned training in the hospitality sector, complete with certification and job placement. Targeted especially at youth from National Priority Regions like the Northeast, Project Buniyaad promotes sustainable livelihoods and addresses regional employment challenges.
Gangtok has welcomed the launch as a timely intervention, with local stakeholders optimistic about improved job readiness among the youth. Hospitality businesses in the city anticipate a positive boost in skilled manpower, aligning with the state’s expanding tourism economy. First launched in 2024, Project Buniyaad underscores HIF’s commitment to inclusive growth through partnerships with state governments, focusing on skill development, road safety, education, and rural empowerment.