Infosys Foundation to spend Rs 249 cr in fiscal 2015

Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic arm of India's second largest IT firm Infosys, will spend Rs 249 crore during fiscal 2015 through various initiatives aimed at promoting education, improving health and assisting rural development.
Infosys Foundation, as a part of its efforts, today launched a new programme 'Spark-IT' to enhance the skill levels of engineering graduates in the country.
"Infosys Foundation has several programs aimed at alleviating hunger, promoting education, improving health, assisting rural development, supporting arts and helping the destitute," Infosys Foundation said in a statement.
For fiscal 2015, Infosys Foundation plans to deploy Rs 249 crore towards these initiatives, it added.

Spark-IT is a three month programme, which will work towards enhancing technical and communication skills of unemployed engineering graduates. However, it does not guarantee employment at Infosys.
"Many engineering graduates in India find it difficult to gain meaningful employment due to inadequate skills. Through Spark-IT we are imparting technical and communication skills to prepare candidates for future employment," Infosys Foundation Chairperson Sudha Murty said.

Under the programme, more than 35,000 applications were received from 27 states.
"In fiscal 2015, Spark-IT plans to train 1,800 graduates spread over 11 batches, at the Infosys campus in Mysore, Mangalore and Chennai and Rs 9 crore have been committed for this programme," the statement said.

Candidates will be given a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 and an accommodation allowance of Rs 5,000 per month. On completing the program, they will be given a certificate of participation.