Mr. Rahul Bajaj, a member of Parliament and Chairman of the conglomerate Bajaj Group, has released a statement that the group is committing a whopping 100 crore rupees in the fight against COVID-19.
Saluting the healthcare, sanitation and emergency support workers and local police who are working hard in these tough times, the industrialist said his company will help them in every possible manner. With a 130-year legacy, Bajaj Group has in the past worked with communities and the government in times of trouble through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Mr. Bajaj said that in this unprecedented circumstance of the pandemic, “we all need to come forward in ways more than ever before, to ensure that all citizens have access to healthcare and other necessities of life.” Bajaj Group will work with the Indian Government and its network of 200 NGO partners to make resources available to those who need them most.
Bajaj Group Offers Aid to Pune
In Pune, the Group will support upgradation of key healthcare infrastructure. The funds will be used in supporting the Government and private sector hospitals to upgrade ICUs, procure additional equipment and consumables including ventilators and personal protection equipment, enhance testing, and set up isolation units. These interventions will support communities in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and rural areas of Pune.
Food and Shelter
Mr. Bajaj said that they are also working with organisations in multiple geographies across India to extend immediate support to the most affected – daily wage workers, the homeless and street children. Bajaj Group will employ part of the funds to support initiatives on food supply, shelter and access to sanitation and healthcare.
Rural Care and Livelihood Aid
The past few weeks have witnessed a reverse migration to villages. Taking the burden on rural resources into account, Bajaj Group is committing a significant portion of the 100 crore rupees towards an “economic aid programme” in rural areas. The programme includes a direct survival grant, followed by a livelihood intervention using a revolving fund model. Mr. Bajaj further explained that rural families would repay the loan amount from earnings of the livelihood intervention. In effect, 80% of funds provided to these families will be returned to a community fund in the village.
The rest of the sum will be invested in creating awareness on Covid-19 and strengthening health infrastructure in rural areas. Diagnostic centres and isolation facilities need as much support as they can get.
