Key Initiatives

EDUCATION

Centre of Excellence

Enhancing employability and skill development for youth in Mira Bhayandar. The Center of Excellence (CoE) - Education established by CEGP serves as a specialized hub for research, capacity building, and skill development. Through a collaborative framework, the Centre is partnering with NGOs to enhance educational content and methodologies, ensuring the highest quality resources and expertise are utilized in Mira Bhayandar City. This partnership between MBMC and CEGP aims to bridge gaps in education by introducing innovative learning techniques, providing hands-on training, and fostering a more engaging and practical learning environment. To date, the Centre has successfully organized 10+ initiatives, reaching over 10000+ students across various programs. These initiatives have included conducting aptitude tests to identify student strengths, implementing skill development programs to prepare students for the workforce, and providing essential educational apparatus to enhance learning experiences. Additionally, the Centre has focused on mentorship opportunities and industry-linked apprenticeships, ensuring that students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are directly applicable in real-world scenarios. By continuously striving to elevate the standards of education and broadening access to quality learning, the Centre is making significant strides in empowering the next generation to achieve their full potential.

Employability@18

Preparing students for workforce readiness through targeted skill-building. Employability@18 is a youth-centric initiative by the CEGP Foundation designed to equip young adults with the necessary skills and training to secure meaningful employment by the age of 18. This program addresses the skill gap in the workforce by offering vocational training, career counseling, and soft skills development, ensuring that participants are job-ready upon completion. By collaborating with industry partners, the program links students directly with employment opportunities, particularly in sectors that are in high demand. The initiative not only enhances the employability of young individuals but also contributes to building a skilled workforce that supports economic growth and community development.

Campus Placement

The CEGP Foundation’s Campus Placement initiative effectively bridges the gap between education and employment by providing final-year students with direct access to job opportunities through structured campus recruitment drives. This initiative collaborates with leading companies and industries to align students with career opportunities that match their academic qualifications and skills. Beyond job placement, the program offers comprehensive support, including career guidance, resume development, and interview preparation, ensuring that students are thoroughly prepared for the workforce. The initiative has successfully facilitated the placement of numerous students in esteemed organizations, thereby enhancing regional youth employability.

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY:

Waste 360

Through this podcast, we aim to engage,educate, and motivate listeners to take action toward enhancing safe sanitation practices in their communities. The goal is to spark enthusiasm for sustainable waste management solutions. Waste 360 | A CEGP ORIGINAL sets itself apart by delving into the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of individuals driving safe sanitation initiatives. The focus is not solely on organizational work but on the people behind it, their motivations, and the impact of their value-driven efforts. The podcast aims to evoke emotions and create a connection that inspires action.

Dry Waste Management Centre

The CEGP Foundation, in partnership with the Aurangabad Cantonment Board, is spearheading a project to implement a sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system aimed at significantly reducing the environmental impact of waste in the region. Central to this initiative is the establishment of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) with a processing capacity of 1.5 tons per day (TPD). This facility is designed to enhance waste management practices by focusing on efficient resource recovery, minimizing landfill dependency, and promoting responsible waste segregation and disposal. The project also includes comprehensive plans for decentralized waste management, addressing key challenges such as waste collection, transportation, and community engagement. By implementing these strategies, the CEGP Foundation and Aurangabad Cantonment Board are committed to preserving the environment and improving the quality of life for the community in a sustainable and scalable manner.

Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge Review and Assessment

The initiative aims to research and examine SafaiMitras' Sustainability, Security, and Safety, particularly towards the subject of human rights. To assess and evaluate the work environment and means of subsistence at the ULB level and also understand processes at the STP. The peripheral goal of this project is to assess the cities, conduct an analysis, and establish a city ranking based on the evaluation. PHASE 1: The SafaiMitra Suraksha Challenge Review and Assessment, an initiative supported by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to promote human rights awareness and compliance in urban governance. The project focused on 15 cities across the 3 states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh) which aimed to ensure that municipal policies and actions are aligned with human rights principles, particularly concerning marginalized communities. PHASE 2: After completing Phase 1 of the Review and Assessment Initiative, NHRC has approved the CEGP Foundation to expand the initiative to 22 states, targeting 125+ cities across India. This expansion will also include the Life Mission and PMESR Act, 2013. The initiative now covers the cities of Delhi, Haryana, Goa, and Uttar Pradesh. Key areas of focus for this initiative include gathering citizen feedback, building rapport with sanitation workers (SafaiSaathis) to understand their challenges, conducting ground visits and surveys of dumping yards, and collaborating with municipal bodies and other stakeholders in the areas of solid waste management, sewage treatment plants, safety, and security. Additionally, the initiative involves enumerating and ensuring linkage of SafaiSaathis to the social welfare schemes of the Government.

Information, Education And Communication (IECs)

Say NO to Plastic

The interns are assigned different wards and areas around the city, in which they coordinate with respective Sanitation Inspectors, and engage with citizens. The campaign takes place around commercial areas comprising hotels, markets, and shops, as well as other public places around the city, where plastic is in use daily. It is directed mainly towards local shop owners, and vendors, who rely on plastic bags because of the unavailability of options and costs.

Door-to-Door Awareness Campaign

The CEGP interns visit housing societies around the city, to spread environmental awareness related to water conservation, waste management, tree plantation in the surroundings, etc. To bring to citizens’ attention the harmful effects of everyday plastic use; the horrors of animals dying due to plastic consumption, disintegration problems, the choking of water drains, etc. The interns suggest people use eco-friendly alternatives such as jute bags, paper bags, and cloth bags. Installing a dustbin management system to segregate dry and wet waste in society, the ‘segregation at source’ is explained, which makes it easy to recycle garbage.

Go Green Go Solar Campaign

The CEGP Interns conducted a “Go Green Go Solar” campaign drive around the city. This drive aimed to spread awareness among the citizens regarding the importance of renewable energy, especially the use of solar energy. Solar energy generates energy that produces no carbon emissions and reduces air pollution and dependence on imported fossil fuels. Interns showcased presentations to societies' members as well as society officials which promoted the efficient use of solar panels. It included aspects on how to install solar, how solar energy is efficient, and how as members of society, they can contribute to the overall conservation of resources by switching to solar. It is not only beneficial for the environment but also cost-effective.

URBAN GOVERNANCE & POLICY

Innovation Cell

Operating a ULB-level think tank at Mira Bhayandar, driving impactful municipal initiatives. CEGP Foundation has established an ‘Innovation Cell’, to streamline strategic planning and decision-making processes. This initiative provides a comprehensive overview of projects, initiatives, and performance metrics, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and take remedial action, ultimately improving quality of life and service delivery, run by 25 dedicated youth providing technical assistance through innovative approaches. Over the past three years, we have provided technical support to various departments within the corporation, including environment, public works, urban planning, management, and education.

Vigilance Wing

The CEGP Foundation's Vigilance Wing ensures accountability, transparency, and ethical governance across local administrative bodies. Operating as a watchdog, the Vigilance Wing monitors the execution of public services and infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. It provides an essential check-and-balance system by addressing citizens' complaints, investigating corruption, and advocating for systemic reforms within municipal operations. The wing's work is pivotal in building trust between the public and the administration, while also ensuring that projects and services are delivered in a timely and transparent manner.

Abhiyan Monitoring & Evaluation

CEGP Foundation, through its dedicated team, actively engages in the continuous monitoring and evaluation of key initiatives, including Swachh Survekshan 2024, Garbage Free City (5 Star Ranking), Water Plus, Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan, Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge NAMASTE Scheme, Jalshakti Abhiyan, PeyJal Sarvekshan, City Beautification Competition, Mukhyamantri Saksham Shahar Competition, Mission LiFE, PM GatiShakti Abhiyan, and Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. Our team collaborates closely with various departments, providing ongoing assistance to ensure the successful implementation and progress of these Abhiyans. Through continuous support and innovative solutions, we aim to contribute to the achievement of the goals set forth by these initiatives. The continuous efforts of the CEGP Foundation, in partnership with the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation, have led to remarkable achievements in various Abhiyans. Most notably, Mira Bhayandar City was honored with the President's Award in PeyJal Sarvekshan (2023 - 2024), a significant recognition of the city's commitment to excellence in water management and sanitation. In addition, Mira Bhayandar City achieved notable success in the SafaiMitra Suraksha Challenge 2021, securing the 8th rank at the national level and the 2nd rank at the state level in its first campaign. In 2022, the city further improved, attaining the 3rd rank at the national level and 1st rank at the state level in the population group of 3 to 10 lakh. These achievements are a testament to the relentless efforts of the CEGP Foundation in partnership with MBMC in driving sustainable urban development and civic excellence

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT:

SAHYOG – ‘From Margins to Mainstream’

SAHYOG is an initiative committed to uplifting rural communities in India, with a special focus on empowering women. Our mission is clear: to drive sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship in rural areas. We are dedicated to closing the gap between rural and urban opportunities, fostering self-sufficiency through local crafts and entrepreneurship, and boosting the social and economic standing of rural communities. Operating actively in Dudhad Gram Panchayat in District Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, SAHYOG has already made a significant impact, mobilizing two villages, Bhingi and Navalgavahan in Hingoli District, and establishing over 70 specialized Self Help Groups (SHGs).

SAHYOG is changing lives by empowering rural women in our target districts. We promote sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurial ventures that celebrate local resources and cultural traditions, creating valuable handcrafted products that resonate with the region’s rich cultural heritage. Adopting a unique three-dimensional empowerment approach, we aim to boost women’s self-efficacy, confidence, and decision-making power on a personal level. We also strive to improve women’s access to markets, resources, and control over household finances on a relational level, while simultaneously contributing to increased female entrepreneurship and participation in the local economy on a societal level.

Verticals of SAHYOG
1. Entrepreneurship
2. Waste Management
3. Self Help Groups

Women-Led Solid Waste Management Initiative

The Women-Led Solid Waste Management Initiative in Dudhad is a program executed by the CEGP Foundation in Dudhad Grampanchayat, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad). This initiative integrates solid waste management with women’s empowerment through Self Help Groups (SHGs). The project involves door-to-door waste collection by SHG women, with waste segregation and processing conducted at a small Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The initiative emphasizes social and financial inclusion, offering SHG members access to essential services such as ID cards, insurance, and pension schemes, alongside skill development and health camps. The project not only addresses waste management challenges but also creates predictable livelihoods for women, ensuring fair prices for recyclables and safe working conditions. By fostering community participation, developing local leadership, and linking with government schemes, the initiative aims to build sustainable waste management practices and empower women to lead their communities toward a cleaner and more prosperous future.

Community-Led Specialised SHGs in Hingoli

Bhingi and Navalgavahan: Bhingi is a focused initiative aimed at empowering rural communities, particularly women, through sustainable dairy farming. Our mission is to uplift the rural segment by promoting self-sufficiency through dairy entrepreneurship. By developing dairy processing units through Self Help Groups (SHGs), we aim to bridge the gap between rural and mainstream economic opportunities, enhance the social standing of rural women, and strengthen local economies. This initiative not only supports
the creation of sustainable livelihoods but also fosters a sense of community ownership and economic independence through the dairy sector.

Navalgavahan is a transformative initiative focused on empowering rural communities, particularly women, by promoting the use of Haldi (turmeric) in arts and crafts. Our mission is to uplift the rural segment by fostering sustainable livelihoods through indigenous crafts and entrepreneurship. By developing processing units through Self Help Groups (SHGs), we aim to bridge the gap between rural and mainstream opportunities. This initiative promotes self-sufficiency by harnessing the cultural and economic potential of Haldi, enhancing the social standing of rural women, and strengthening local economies. Through the innovative use of Haldi in arts and crafts, we are not only preserving traditional knowledge but also creating new avenues for economic empowerment and cultural expression.

Faral Sakhi

The initiative is in partnership with Women Entrepreneurship Program (WEP) NITI Aayog The Faral Sakhi initiative targets women entrepreneurs from unorganised business backgrounds associated with snacks preparations at household level and equipping them with skills, resources, and market access through Capacity Building and Formal Market Exposures while ensuring scalability and replicability. Our vision is to empower budding women entrepreneurs in the traditional snacks productions at the informal level in order to integrate them into formal enterprises and link them to the markets.

Objectives of Faral Sakhi:

Socio-Economic Development: To effectively identify women entrepreneurs engaged in the informal sector operating in the cottage industry associated with food preparation, especially snacks production.
Skilling: Train and enable them through capacity-building workshops to facilitate their market integration resulting in better sales, market size, and product placement, creating sustainable livelihoods and better revenue generation.
Udyam Registration: After Capacity Building and Training workshops, we aim at ensuring the successful registration of the cohort on Udhyam portal to incorporate their businesses into the formal and organised market.
Mentoring and Networking: Facilitate and introduce the mentorship by the industry experts, guidance on CSR funds, chains operating in retail market, E-commerce, Supply Chain & operations, and strengthening
the distribution chain and market presence.
Business Development: Introduce the concepts pertaining to operations and management in the formal sector to promote Scalability and Sustainability. We want to establish Faral Sakhi as a replicable model for other regions.