Government Recognizes Amazon's Pratidhi Scholarship as a Model for Corporate Social Responsibility

Amazon India announced the felicitation students for its third annual Pratidhi Scholarship Program, an initiative aimed at empowering the children of its delivery associates. This year’s program will provide financial assistance to nearly 1200 students, helping them overcome financial barriers and pursue their academic aspirations.

The Pratidhi Scholarship offers financial assistance of INR6000 to cover tuition fees, school supplies, and other educational expenses. Additionally, students with disabilities receive a scholarship of INR 10,000 to support therapeutic expenses, school supplies, and books. To identify deserving candidates, Amazon partnered with the Buddy4Study India Foundation to conduct a rigorous evaluation process. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and leadership potential. A maximum of two children per eligible driver associate can receive the scholarship.

In addition, students who are interested can also apply for mentorship program. In 2024, our mentorship program experienced remarkable growth, with a 100+% increase in both mentors and mentees. A total of 73 dedicated volunteers provided guidance to 175 students on crucial topics like cyber security and the inspiring journeys of India's leading figures. This is a significant expansion from 2023, where 38 mentors worked with 45 students on English communication and financial literacy.

“As a critical part of Amazon's last-mile delivery operations, driver associates are at the heart of the company's business. The Pratidhi Scholarship Program is part of Amazon's broader commitment to driver welfare, ensuring their families have access to quality education,”said Dr. Karuna Shankar Pande, Vice President - Last Mile Operations, Amazon India. "Amazon is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders. We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of these scholars and support their journey towards a brighter future,”added Dr. Karuna Shankar Pande.

Dr. N.V. Prasad, Secretary, Labour Department, and Secretary, Transport Department, Government of Karnataka, commended the initiative, stating, “We welcome Programs like Pratidhi that reflect a strong commitment to worker welfare and inclusive growth. By empowering the families of driver associates through access to quality education, Amazon is setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the government’s vision to ensure social security and upliftment for gig workers, showcasing how public and private sectors can collaborate for a more equitable and prosperous future.”

Pratidhi Scholarship was introduced in 2022 which is an indirect financial support focused on drivers’ families where the provision of scholarships for their children was announced.  The Pratidhi Scholarship Program reflects Amazon's dedication to nurturing talent and supporting educational aspirations in India. By empowering students to pursue higher education, the program aims to create a brighter future for these young minds.