HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force, represented by the office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff – Accounts & Air Veterans, and CSC Academy. The collaboration marks the launch of Project HAKK (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra) – Serving Those Who Have Served, a dedicated initiative to support defence pensioners, veterans, and their families.
Initially, 25 centres are proposed across Air Force units, covering key locations such as New Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Pune, Secunderabad, Guwahati, Jodhpur, and Chandigarh, among others.
Under its Parivartan programme, HDFC Bank will focus on economic empowerment for defence veterans and their next of kin. In partnership with CSC Academy, the bank will offer skill development and training in financial products and services, helping them achieve financial independence.
MoU Signing and Key Dignitaries
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by:
- Air Marshal PK Ghosh, AVSM – Air Officer in Charge, Administration
- Ms. Smita Bhagat – Group Head, HDFC Bank
- Mr. Sanjay Rakesh – Chairman, CSC Academy
- Senior officials from the Indian Air Force, HDFC Bank, and CSC e-Governance
The MoU was officially signed by:
- Mr. Satyen Modi – Executive Vice President & Business Head, Alternate Banking Channels & Partnerships, HDFC Bank
- Air Vice Marshal Updesh Sharma, VSM – Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Accounts & Air Veterans)
- Mr. Pravin Chandekar – CEO, CSC Academy
Commitment to Veterans’ Welfare
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Smita Bhagat emphasized HDFC Bank’s dedication to the welfare of Indian Air Force veterans and their families. She stated, “HDFC Bank deeply respects the contributions of the Armed Forces. Through these centres, we aim to provide essential banking services to ex-servicemen and the families of both ex-servicemen and martyrs.”
Mr. Sanjay Rakesh highlighted the significance of the initiative, saying, “We are honored to serve those who have served us by bringing G2C and SPARSH pension services to Air Force veterans, their families, and next of kin, reinforcing our commitment to their well-being.”
Services for Defence Personnel & Families
Through this initiative, defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families will have access to over 500 G2C and B2C services, including:
- Aadhaar services
- National Pension System (NPS)
- PAN card issuance
- Passport services
- Bill collection and more
HDFC Bank will also establish service centres to assist pensioners and their families with pension-related settlements and financial queries. Additionally, they will have access to HDFC Bank’s comprehensive range of banking products, digital banking services, and financial solutions.
HDFC Bank’s Role & Future Plans
As part of this MoU, HDFC Bank will actively engage with defence employees, veterans, and their families across India. The service centres will be managed by trained personnel from CSC Academy, who will also receive a monthly monetary grant for the first year to support their operations.
This partnership marks a significant step toward financial empowerment, accessibility, and support for India’s defence community.
