FUEL Debuts on NSE Social Stock Exchange: Minister Chandrakant Patil Announces Earn & Learn Scheme for Girls
“Skill Development meets Social Investment: FUEL opens new doors for India’s future!”
Mumbai: In a landmark development for India’s social finance and vocational education ecosystem, Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL) officially debuted on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) platform of the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The milestone was marked by a prestigious ‘Bell Ringing’ ceremony attended by Maharashtra’s top leadership.
The event was graced by Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, and Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development, highlighting the growing synergy between governance, education, and financial innovation.
Earn & Learn Initiative for Girls:
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of a transformative ‘Earn and Learn’ scheme by Minister Chandrakant Patil. Under this initiative, female students across Maharashtra will receive a monthly stipend of ₹2,000 starting this academic year.
Speaking at the event, Patil emphasized that clear direction and skill-based education empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. He noted that the collaboration between the government, NSE, and FUEL will expand access to free education for underprivileged girls, ensuring long-term social upliftment.
FUEL’s Transition to Skill Tech University
Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha praised FUEL’s evolution into a Skill Tech University, calling it a forward-looking step in redefining education. He stressed the importance of innovation-driven skill development, aligning with the national vision of transforming challenges into opportunities.
Meanwhile, CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed the event via video conference, outlining a strategic roadmap for FUEL’s future. He highlighted plans for a ₹100 crore social issue, aimed at enabling widespread public participation and strengthening transparency through public-private partnerships.
₹99 Lakh Raised via SSE Platform
Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD & CEO of NSE, revealed that FUEL has successfully raised approximately ₹99 lakh through the Social Stock Exchange platform. Notably, 37% of the contributions came from retail donors, reflecting growing public participation in social impact investments.
He further noted that NSE’s reach now extends to 99.85% of India’s PIN codes, enabling citizens across the country to actively contribute to nation-building initiatives.
Bridging Education and Global Employment
Ketan Deshpande, Founder Chairman of FUEL, reflected on the organization’s 20-year journey and its mission to bridge the gap between education and employment.
He announced strategic collaborations with global organizations like Syngenta and Global Capability Centers (GCC), aimed at creating international career pathways for students.
Conclusion
FUEL’s listing on the NSE Social Stock Exchange marks a significant shift in how education, skill development, and social investment intersect in India. With government backing, global partnerships, and strong public participation, the initiative is set to reshape opportunities for thousands of students—especially young women—across the country.
Author: Aman Deep Walia
Aman Deep Walia Founder/Editor-In-Chief Amanopedia News Aman Deep Walia, also known as Aadi, is an Indian media entrepreneur, actor, producer, writer, and director based in Mumbai, India. As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AMANOPEDIA News, he leads a fast-growing digital entertainment platform delivering verified industry updates, celebrity features, and cultural commentary across web and social media. With creative credits spanning films, theatre, and advertising. Aman brings a multidisciplinary perspective to storytelling. His work reflects a commitment to authenticity, versatility, and audience-driven narratives across genres. Beyond performance and production, he is actively engaged as a journalist and digital content creator, bridging mainstream cinema with emerging media formats. He has also contributed as a casting director and lyricist, further expanding his creative footprint within the Indian entertainment landscape. Through AMANOPEDIA, Aman Deep Walia continues to position himself at the intersection of journalism, cinema, and digital innovation.
