The in-house training team of KAS ensures that the staff recruited from outside understand and imbibe the cherished values and culture of KAS. Prior to their branch posting, staff recruited for branch level operations are provided one orientation training and 3-4 days hands on training in the field. The training sessions include topics such as the history and growth of KAS, the strategic orientation and approaches over the years, the products and services of KAS, roles and responsibilities, branch operations and use of computers as well as soft skills such as appropriate behavior and communicating with members, communicating with senior staff etc.
Capacity building programmes
In addition to the orientation training provided to new recruits, the in-house training team also conducts training programmes for JO (MIS), JO/SO (Accounts), EICs and Branch Managers. The topics covered in these training programmes are more specific to branch level operations and maintenance of books and records. Importance is also given to soft-skills such as communication skills, leadership skills, presentation skills etc.
Training at XIM, Bhubaneswar
In the month of November 2006, a 5 day residential Programme was organized in the Xavier Institute of Management for 30 Executive-in-charge of CDFI Centres and Administrative Officers of KAS with the active support of the ICICI Bank. This training program covered topics like Current trends and challenges in Indian Microfinance sector, Management of Branches as Strategic Business Unit, cost and profit analysis of Branches, Delinquency and Portfolio Management, MIS - Need and reporting system and preparing of Business Plan for Branches.
Training on Fishery
A Programme on training cum field visit to Central Institute of Fishery and Aquaculture (CIFA) was done in March 2007 for the selected staff members of Nimapara, Gop, Sakhigopal, Puri, Tangi and Bramhagiri Branches/CDFI Centres. Training was held on carp fry, fingerlings rearing, carp fish rearing and ornament fish rearing, pearl culture and pond management. Soil and water management for aquaculture and pond preparation were discussed in detail. Under the guidance of Dr. Manisha Mohanty, Project Coordinator, Fishery, these trained staff members are appraising the loan applications for fishery and provide technical assistance to the cultivators.
Training on Reiki
KAS organized a three days Reiki training program at Puri conducted by Mr. Chandran, Ms. Purna Thakkar and Mr.Aditya of the Kryon India , Pune for 27 senior staff members to strengthen their inherent qualities and for stress management. Training was given on self-healing, group reiki, body talk, cleaning chakras, light cycle and getting in to the message system to get new power and new energy.
Exposure visits
KAS sends its staff to exposure visits, training programmes and workshops within the country with the aim of developing the capacity of the staff, and is exposing them to the best practices followed in other branches of KAS group companies in various parts of India by making them move from one centre to another at irregular intervals. Mr. S. Kathiresan, CEO participated in an Exposure program organized by the Reserve Bank of India to Brazil and South Africa to have idea about how the Business Correspondent model is adopted in those countries.
