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April 30, 2025
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CSR News: Plantation of 7,000+ saplings across 35 cities by 1,700 volunteers

By
The CSR Journal
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CSR News: Plantation of 7,000+ saplings across 35 cities by 1,700 volunteers
Axis Max Life Insurance Ltd. formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., announced planting 7000+ samplings across its 35 branches in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities, under its ‘InsureEarth’ program today. Over 1,700 volunteers, including employees, agency partners, and local community members, actively participated in a synchronized tree plantation drive in 35 Aarohan branches spread across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
The plantation initiative aims to promote green living by transforming local hotspots, such as parks, schools, and public spaces, into greener and cleaner environment. Additionally, local communities are being actively engaged to ensure shared ownership and long-term sustainability.
Sumit Madan, Chief Distribution Officer, Axis Max Life said, “At Axis Max Life, we believe in delivering on our promise of ‘Double Bharosa’—a promise to protect not only the financial future of our customers but also the future of the planet for future generations. As we expand beyond metro and tier 1 cities, we aim to foster deeper connection with communities in these cities by providing financial security as well by actively participating in their environmental well-being. By planting saplings in these regions, the campaign is set to create a ripple effect, bringing local communities together and raising awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.”
Anurag Chauhan, General Counsel, Company Secretary and Head of ESG, Axis Max Life said, “The “Insure Earth” campaign encourages active participation from local communities, reinforcing the idea that small steps toward sustainability can make a huge difference. By encouraging local communities to plant and nurture saplings, we aim to create green spaces that not only beautify our cities but also reduce carbon footprints. It allows us to contribute to the holistic development of these regions and ensure a sustainable future for all of us.”
Axis Max Life’s ‘Insure Earth’ campaign is an integral part of its CSR framework, aligning with its larger mission of building a sustainable future. With an initial rollout in key Tier 3 and 4 cities’, the campaign aspires to create lasting change while reinforcing the brand’s position as a socially responsible company.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

दिव्यांगों के लिए राजस्थान की बड़ी पहल, सीएसआर का करेगी इस्तेमाल

By
Rahuldeo Sharma
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दिव्यांगों के लिए राजस्थान की बड़ी पहल, सीएसआर का करेगी इस्तेमाल
राजस्थान की राज्य सरकार दिव्यांगजनों के कल्याण और उन्हें आत्मनिर्भर बनाने के लिए नई योजनाओं पर जोर दे रही है। सामाजिक न्याय एवं अधिकारिता मंत्री अविनाश गहलोत ने राज्य दिव्यांगता सलाहकार बोर्ड की बैठक में कई महत्वपूर्ण फैसले लेते हुए सीएसआर पर जोर दिया है। बड़े उद्योगों के सीएसआर फंड को दिव्यांगों के पुनर्वास और सुविधाओं में लगाने का निर्णय लिया गया है। साथ ही, सुगम्य भारत अभियान के तहत सार्वजनिक स्थलों और सरकारी भवनों को दिव्यांगजनों के अनुकूल बनाने के निर्देश दिए गए हैं।

सीएसआर फंड पाने के लिए राजस्थान सरकार भेजेगी कॉरपोरेट्स को प्रपोजल

Rajasthan Government ने बड़े उद्योगों के सीएसआर फंड (CSR In Rajasthan) को दिव्यांगजन कल्याण के लिए उपयोग करने की दिशा में बड़ा कदम उठाते हुए प्रदेश की Corporates को CSR Proposal भेजने की प्रक्रिया शुरू की है। सरकार ने दिव्यांगजनों को मुख्यधारा में लाने का संकल्प लिया है। ऐसे में यूडीआईडी कार्ड बनाने की प्रक्रिया में भी तेजी लाने के लिए विशेष कैंप आयोजित किए जाएंगे।

सुगम्य भारत अभियान में मिलेंगे नए आयाम

सुगम्य भारत अभियान के तहत सार्वजनिक भवनों, धार्मिक स्थलों और सरकारी परिसरों को दिव्यांगजनों के लिए बाधारहित बनाने की भी तैयारी की जा रही है। पूरे प्रदेश में अभियान को नया रूप देने पर जोर दिया जा रहा है। यूडीआईडी कार्ड की प्रक्रिया आसान होगी, इसके लिए कैंप भी लगाए जाएंगे। आधार कार्ड जैसी तेजी से अब दिव्यांगजनों के लिए यूनिक यूडीआईडी कार्ड बनाए जाएंगे। पंचायत स्तर से लेकर जिलों तक विशेष कैंप आयोजित होंगे। दिव्यांगता बाधा नहीं, बल्कि एक नई शुरुआत का अवसर है। सरकार उनके लिए हर संभव प्रयास कर रही है।

Top CSR initiatives boosting digital literacy in India

By
The CSR Journal
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Top CSR initiatives boosting digital literacy in India
National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) is a campaign that aims to digitally educate at least one member of every family in rural areas. From 2014 to 2016, two Schemes titled ‘National Digital Literacy Mission’ (NDLM) and ‘Digital Saksharta Abhiyan’ (DISHA) were implemented by the Government of India with a target to train 52.50 lakh candidates in digital literacy across the country.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology lanched the ‘Digital India’ programme in 2015 with the vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy by ensuring digital access, digital inclusion, digital empowerment and bridging the digital divide. To achieve these objectives, particularly in rural, tribal and remote areas, the Ministry of Education offers high quality educational programmes through DTH channels as well as web platforms under the aegis of PM e-Vidya.
In 2017, a scheme titled ‘Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)’ was approved by Union Cabinet to usher in digital literacy in rural India by covering 6 crore rural households (one person per household).
Despite all these, digital literacy is still inadequate among the rural and underprivileged sections in India, the ratio of girls, women and elderly people being even sadder. The digital education gap in urban and rural areas is far from being bridged. However, MNCs operating in India as well as Indian corporates are working to bridge this gap across the country through various CSR initiatives. The CSR Journal takes a look at the top CSR activities boosting digital literacy among the underprivileged in India.

Digital Empowerment Program for the underserved in Faridabad, Haryana

NIIT Foundation, together with Ciena, a networking systems, services, and software company, has launched an initiative called the “Digital Empowerment Program through the Digital Transformation Vehicle (DTV)” initiative in Faridabad, Haryana. This mobile education and training program aims to provide digital literacy and skills to underserved and remote communities, with the goal of narrowing the digital divide.
The initiative features a mobile training facility equipped with 16 computers, internet connectivity, and comprehensive training materials. Certified trainers, including an IT trainer and a mobilizer, who encourages individuals to enrol in the program, travel with the vehicle to provide hands-on support. The program offers customizable courses tailored to community needs, covering digital literacy, financial literacy, and vocational skills.
The initiative has successfully installed 12 Hole in the Wall Learning Stations across various locations from August 2023 to March 2024, promoting digital literacy and self-directed learning, as per an announcement made by the foundation.

CSR collaboration for digital classrooms in government schools

Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Limited (Arcil) announced its collaboration with Studeasy Bharat Foundation (SBF), Navi Mumbai, to provide digital classrooms to 30 government schools across Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa this week. This initiative is one of the key component of Arcil’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of education for underprivileged students and equipping them with the skills necessary for a future in the digital economy.
Through this partnership, Arcil is supporting the implementation of a digital Classroom infrastructure, a powerful integration of low-cost, hyper-scalable technologies, designed to offer students in government schools a better learning experience. The project, which includes the installation of 55” Smart TVs in classrooms with an access to customised software that allows for the seamless delivery of educational content both in school and at home through SBF’s Blended-Class Program. This unique model enables students from Classes 5-10 to access state-syllabi-based lectures, assessments, and educational videos in vernacular languages, ensuring an inclusive approach to learning.

CSR Initiative to Boost Digital Literacy Among Nursing Students

PNB Housing Finance, a leading housing finance company in India, has inaugurated Pehel Computer Labs in collaboration with Niramay Charitable Trust through its CSR arm, Pehel Foundation. The state-of-the-art computer labs, established in the Government Nursing College Ahmedabad and Surat, aim to enhance digital literacy among nursing students and faculty. The facilities will help more than 1000 students and faculties across both the colleges with online study material, references, assignments, and projects to promote nursing education and research.
The labs are equipped with latest technology and devices like computers, printers and high-speed internet connections, along with modern infrastructure, to offer a conducive learning environment and significantly promote nursing education and research.

CSR Initiative to address the digital skills gap in India

FedEx Express has teamed-up with Magic Bus India Foundation, to address the digital skills gap and employability challenges in India. This collaboration aims to upskill nearly 400 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students, with a priority on enrolling female graduates from underserved communities in Hyderabad. This initiative supports the Indian government’s strategic emphasis on nurturing a thriving pool of tech talent.
An intensive 75-day curriculum has been created to upskill these youths in leading-edge Cloud Computing and allied technologies, along with transferable life and employability skills. Cloud Computing is a leading technology trend rapidly being adopted across businesses, making it an in-demand skill.
The curriculum will be delivered through in-person sessions conducted by expert technical and life skills trainers, facilitating a collaborative learning experience through group activities and teamwork. The digital skilling program includes periodic employer engagement sessions with industry and sector experts, providing youth with practical insights into various entry-level IT/ITeS jobs.

Digital Education initiative by Walplast Welfare Foundation

Walplast Welfare Foundation announced in February this year that it is collaborating with K.C. Mahindra Education Trust to support Project Nanhi Kali’s Digital Equaliser For Girls (DEFG) Program. This initiative aims to empower young girls across Maharashtra by providing essential resources and training in digital skills. Building on their commitment to championing gender equality, Walplast Welfare Foundation will support 750 girls from Standard IX to XII across Nashik, Wardha, and Nagpur districts for the programme.
The Foundation is currently supporting over 800 girls in primary and secondary schools in Palghar, Nasik, Varanasi, and Bharuch.
The DEFG Program addresses the digital gender gap prevalent in India, equipping participants with critical digital skills essential for academic success and future career opportunities. Through comprehensive modular training covering various aspects of digital literacy, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication, girls are prepared to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

L&T Finance Ltd’s Digital Sakhi programme

Leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) L&T Finance Ltd. is empowering communities through its ‘Digital Sakhi’ CSR programme. The aim of the programme is to create awareness on Digital and Financial Literacy amongst the rural population.
As per a recent announcement by L&T Finance Ltd., the  Corporate Social Responsibility initiative has empowered over 42 lakh community members so far. The programme which was initiated in 2017 has expanded its geographical footprint in 7 states namely, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala with a cadre of 1,370 trained Digital Sakhis over the years.
In FY 2023-24, under the programme, LTF has empanelled 400 Sakhis in Uttar Pradesh (Gorakhpur), Bihar (Supaul), Tamil Nadu (Madurai), and West Bengal (Murshidabad). In FY24, Digital Sakhis have helped empower over 11 lakh rural communities by promoting digital financial inclusion, providing impetus to 2,400 women entrepreneurs, as per a statement by the company. They further claim that across existing and new programme locations of Digital Sakhis, there has been a 12 percent increase in the adoption of digital payments among the community members, promoting a cashless economy and enhancing financial inclusion.

Mankind Pharma’s ‘Digital Smart Class’ initiative

Leading pharmaceutical company Mankind Pharma is working to enhance the quality of education in remote areas through its ‘Digital Smart Class’ initiative. Under their CSR arm, this comprehensive programme has established 220 smart classrooms across government schools in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
The Digital Smart Class initiative is a strategic effort to bridge the digital divide in education and provide underprivileged students with access to modern learning resources. The smart classrooms are equipped with integrated teaching devices, the Kyan system, which can convert any surface to an interactive board and multimedia playing surface, enabling a more engaging and immersive learning experience.
The initiative spans across 170 schools in 23 clusters, benefiting thousands of students in remote areas. Mankind Pharma has collaborated closely with local authorities and educational institutions to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the smart classrooms.

Key highlights of the Digital Smart Class initiative:

– Establishment of 220 smart classrooms across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
– Provision of integrated teaching devices and multimedia content for interactive learning.
– Comprehensive teacher training programmes to ensure effective utilisation of the smart classroom technology.
– Three-year project management and maintenance support to ensure sustainability.

CSR of Coal India for digital literacy in Jharkhand

In an announcement made earlier this month, world’s single largest coal producer Coal India Limited is taking its commitment towards quality education a step further by commissioning smart classrooms in 70 Government schools. This is in continuation of a similar initiative launched for 11 districts of Jharkhand in January this year.
The project worth Rs. 2.42 crore will be executed by EdCIL (India) Limited, a PSU. The initiative is expected to improve the learning outcomes among students as well as reduce the digital divide that exists between students of government and private schools.
BridgeIT initiative has been created with the aim to bridge the existing digital divide

BridgeIT programme – CSR of TCS

BridgeIT is a unique initiative created to bridge the digital divide that places socially and economically underprivileged communities at a disadvantage. The programme creates digital entrepreneurs who use IT to help local citizens avail essential digital services in education, adult literacy, unemployment and social discrimination. It attempts to address prevailing social inequities in India by proactively reaching out to women, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) communities.
Launched in 2014, BridgeIT has a footprint across 30 districts in 10 states. The programme offers budding entrepreneurs the skills, mentoring, technology, tools and resources required to set up a Digital Service Centre from where they can provide services such as generating and updating documents (such as Aadhar cards, Pan cards, and voters ID), enrolling for different government schemes, filling in online forms and cash withdrawals/deposits from the bank to fellow villagers.
In FY 2023, the programme had 347 active digital entrepreneurs with 146 of these being women.

VAHDAM’s Digital Learning Centre in Darjeeling

VAHDAM India inaugurated 3 digital learning centres in Darjeeling in June 2023 under its flagship CSR initiative, TEACH Me where the company directs a minimum of 1% of its revenue towards the education of its children across the country.
VAHDAM India partnered with BYJUs amid COVID in October 2020 to provide top-quality digital learning to children in remote tea gardens absolutely free of cost owing to the lockdown and schools remaining shut. This ensured that children could access and continue with digital learning at par with the best in the country.
The first digital learning center was inaugurated at Miriam School, Darjeeling. The second learning centre was inaugurated at the Badamtam High School where BYJU smart TVs and android boxes were installed to support the digital infrastructure and learning. The third learning centre was inaugurated at the Risheehat High School.

On International Women's Day 2024 Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages completes its multi-state initiative of empowering 25,000 women

CSR of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for financial and digital literacy of women

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages announced the successful completion of its multi-state women’s empowerment initiative to provide financial and digital literacy training to 25,000 women. This monumental achievement marks a significant leap forward in narrowing the gender divide in financial inclusion and digital adoption, resonating with HCCB’s pledge for women’s empowerment announced in August of last year.
The initiative was conducted in partnership with the Y4D foundation. Spanning across the diverse landscape of 12 Indian states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Odisha, the program adopted a dynamic classroom-based methodology. It was designed to cater to the varied needs, interests, and proficiency levels of women from different backgrounds, enabling them to harness the power of finance and technology.
The curriculum was designed to cover a broad spectrum of vital skills crucial for thriving in the new economy. From the fundamentals of banking and account setup to navigating the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), from savvy investment strategies to leveraging online banking, the program also spotlighted government initiatives aimed at supporting women such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Sam Riddhi Yojana, and Nari Shakti. The digital literacy component was equally comprehensive, encompassing Mobile Banking, Digital Market Linkage, and Cyber Security. Thus, paving the way for participants to secure a robust livelihood and contribute significantly to household economics.

CSR of Infosys in Manipur

The Education Department of Manipur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Infosys Ltd. in the presence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Education Minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh in November 2022. The MoU was signed for implementation of Infosys Springboard Platform across government schools in the state.
‘Infosys Springboard’ is a free online platform powered by Infosys Wingspan that democratises the fundamentals of these skills with modular learning that is focused on digital literacy, competency and proficiency. It is a flagship intervention which aims to empower people, communities, and society. Through this initiative, Infosys plans to empower over 10 million learners with digital and life skills by 2025. The reach will include students across India in the age group of 10-22 years as well as lifelong learners. The content hosted on this platform is aligned with New Education Policy 2020. It helps the learners get access to a variety of topics that also include professional and vocational skills.
MOU signing between Lotus Petal Foundation and DLF Foundation to implement Vidya Sahyog E Remedial Classes

MoU between DLF Foundation and Lotus Petal Foundation

Lotus Petal Foundation signed an MOU with DLF Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the DLF Group in April 2023, to implement Vidya Sahyog interactive E-Learning remedial classes in English & Maths and one on one counselling support to students and their parents under the DLF CARES Education Support Programme, a flagship initiative of DLF Foundation.
DLF Foundation’s flagship education programme ‘DLF CARES’ was established with the premise that every child has the right to quality education and the primary objective is to nurture and handhold them to realise their potential and become productive and responsible citizens of tomorrow.

Vi Foundation and Ericsson’s Robotic Lab in Pune

With the objective of building a future ready talent force from the school level onwards, Vi Foundation, the CSR arm of Vi, in partnership with Ericsson India set up a state-of-the-art Robotic Lab in Sayajinath Maharaj Vidyalaya and Jr. College, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune in January 2023.
This is the first among the ten labs to be set up by Vi Foundation in the six states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Gujarat.
At the event, Vi Foundation also inaugurated a library, and felicitated select students from its vocational training centre. Equipped with robotic kits, 3D printer, laptops and a projector, the Digital Lab is designed to assist students of standard 6th to 9th through their first experience of the world of programming and new technologies. It aims to improve the students’ education and employment prospects across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by providing an exciting learning experience and developing skills such as teamwork, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.

Walplast Welfare Foundation’s collaboration with K.C. Mahindra Education Trust

Walplast Welfare Foundation proudly announced its collaboration with K.C. Mahindra Education Trust in February 2024 to support Project Nanhi Kali’s Digital Equaliser For Girls (DEFG) Program. This initiative aims to empower young girls across Maharashtra by providing essential resources and training in digital skills. Building on their commitment to championing gender equality, Walplast Welfare Foundation will support 750 girls from Standard IX to XII across Nashik, Wardha, and Nagpur districts for the programme.
The DEFG Programme addresses the digital gender gap prevalent in India, equipping participants with critical digital skills essential for academic success and future career opportunities. Through comprehensive modular training covering various aspects of digital literacy, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication, girls are prepared to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Mirae Asset Foundation’s initiative for BMC schools in Mumbai

Mirae Asset Foundation (MAF), the CSR arm of Mirae Asset’s businesses in India under its Educational Infrastructure Support Program (MAF EISP) in collaboration with Extramarks Education Foundation, Noida, announced in January that it has installed seven new digital classrooms with smart interactive panels in four BMC schools in Mumbai’s Andheri and Vile Parle. This collaborative initiative, part of the Infrastructure Support Program of the Foundation is aimed to benefit more than 2000 students.
The seven new digital classrooms are equipped with LED-based Interactive flat panels. These seven smart interactive panels, with integrated Extramarks Educational Content are aligned with the New Education Policy (NEP) Guidelines 2020.

Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation’s Digi Green classrooms

With an aim to empower young students, Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation (SHIF), a non-profit collaboration between cricketing icon Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar and Schneider Electric India is on a mission to provide access to digital education in more than 150 Rural Indian schools by 2025 under the SMITA Programme. Through this association, they also aim to introduce the concept of Digi Green wherein they will provide access to digital education infrastructure powered by solar energy and create awareness among the children of the country about the conservation of energy and the environment.
The solar-powered “Digi Green” classrooms use the latest technologies to conduct virtual training for students. Through this seamless combination of solar energy and technology, the “Digi Green” classrooms are eco-forward and help save money for schools in terms of running costs, while also providing virtual training modes to optimize learning outcomes. Since these classrooms are run completely on solar power, it has a ‘net-zero’ carbon footprint, further enabling the schools to earn carbon credits.

CSR of Lenovo in Karnataka, Manipur, Sikkim, and Meghalaya

Lenovo, the global technology leader has collaborated with Meghshala Trust, a not-for-profit, to promote education technology and to support teacher training and value education systems across India. The company is supporting the Meghshala Trust in implementing e-learning classrooms in Karnataka, Manipur, Sikkim, and Meghalaya.
Through the collaboration, Meghshala has reached 3333 schools in Manipur and Karnataka and boasts of 10,175 users 18,000 downloads on their free Meghshala app. Meghshala’s digitized content with e-lessons empowers teachers to be instructional leaders in the classroom reaching out to the farthest communities in the Indian landscape. This partnership alone has impacted over 210,000 students and 7000 plus teachers across India.
In 2021 and 2022 Lenovo supported Meghshala by providing tablets and smartphones for teacher training and student use, helping reach more than 1,800 schools and 4,900 teachers in Karnataka and Manipur.

Top CSR Initiatives in Ayodhya

By
The CSR Journal
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Top CSR Initiatives in Ayodhya
Nestled along the banks of the sacred Sarayu River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya stands as a city steeped in history, mythology, and cultural significance. Recognised for its diverse heritage, Ayodhya has been a focal point for various communities. The recent inauguration of the Ram Mandir marks a significant chapter in Ayodhya’s evolution, turning the city into a potential global religious tourism hub.
Over the years, Ayodhya has been at the centre of social, political, and legal discussions, primarily due to the Ayodhya dispute. The resolution of this dispute has opened the door for the construction of the Ram Mandir, a development that carries immense cultural importance while also holding the potential to position Ayodhya on the global religious tourism map.
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir is expected to draw visitors not only from diverse religious backgrounds but also from those with a keen interest in history and architecture. The temple, as an architectural marvel, boasts intricate designs that speak to India’s rich artistic traditions. As Ayodhya steps into this new phase of its existence, the city is poised to attract a broad spectrum of tourists seeking to explore its cultural heritage beyond religious affiliations.
This makes it imperative to focus on its development, making it a deserving destination for CSR initiatives.
In FY2022-23, Ayodhya emerged as the ninth largest recipient of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds in Uttar Pradesh. The district successfully garnered Rs. 19.52 Cr. through various CSR initiatives from 31 companies in the last financial year. These funds were strategically allocated to address key societal concerns, with the top three areas of focus being education, gender equality, and health. Notably, Rs. 14.45 Cr, were dedicated to educational initiatives, Rs. 2.52 Cr. to initiatives promoting gender equality, and Rs. 1.04 Cr. to healthcare initiatives. The top three spenders in the district included APCO Infratech Private Limited (Rs. 11.76 Cr.), Sangam (India) Limited (Rs. 1.2 Cr.), and APCO Chetak Ultraway Private Limited (Rs. 85 Lakhs).
Let us look at the top companies conducting CSR initiatives in Ayodhya.

Tata Sons

Tata Sons is going to build a ‘museum of temples’ in Ayodhya, a project worth Rs 650 crore to be funded through Tata’s corporate social responsibility fund. The museum will be built in Manjha Jamthara village, located in Sadar tehsil of Ayodhya.
The Uttar Pradesh tourism department will provide a 25-acre land parcel for the project. The land will be leased to Tata Sons for 90 years at a token amount of ₹1.
The museum of temples will be an international-level museum showcasing the history and architecture of famous temples across India. The museum complex will have at least 12 different galleries, and it may also feature a light-and-sound show.

ITC

On the occasion of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, the ITC Mission Sunhera Kal, ITC’s social investment programme team, has strengthened its initiatives with the Ayodhya Nagar Nigam by initiating the Swachh ‘Teerth’ campaign, which involves multi-dimensional interventions.
Over 1,000 dustbins made of recycled plastic have been given to local vendors, who have taken a ‘shapath’ to ensure that the bins are used effectively. Over 200 Plastic Collection Boxes made of recycled plastic with a capacity of 290 litres have also been installed at different places. Over 200 volunteers have been trained who will be monitoring the collection of waste.
ITC has been associated with Ayodhya Nagar Nigam, and has been working with the Urban Local Body as a part of the MoU with the Government of Uttar Pradesh. In the coming months, installation of composters and bio-gas units are planned with the support of Ayodhya Nagar Nigam.

Bisleri

Bisleri Greener Promise, the sustainability initiative of Bisleri International Pvt Ltd, is excited to announce a significant step towards fostering sustainable living in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. In collaboration with the local authorities, Bisleri will be placing approximately 200+ bins for plastic recycling across a 5-kilometer stretch around the iconic Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
Commenting on the initiative from the pristine land of Ayodhya, Mr. K Ganesh, Senior General Manager, Corporate Affairs & CSR, Bisleri International Pvt Ltd said, “The aim of this collaboration is to create awareness around responsible plastic disposal and promote community engagement. We shall complement the efforts of Ayodhya Municipal Corporation in preserving the serene environment of this religious site. We will also be providing transport infrastructure to ensure plastic waste is sent directly for recycling”.
There will also be few large bins strategically placed closer to the Ram Mandir for efficient waste disposal from the devotees. This ensures that the area surrounding the sacred site also remains clear and aligns with the vision of a cleaner, sustainable Ayodhya.
A dedicated team of trained workers will be actively managing the waste at these locations, ensuring the proper segregation and disposal of plastic waste. Their presence will also help to reinforce awareness among the devotees and therefore increase the effectiveness of the initiative.
The brand will also deploy approximately 20 trucks at the location, tasked with transporting the collected waste to recycling units.
The plastic recycling initiative aligns with Bisleri Greener Promise’s commitment to fostering environmental sustainability. By actively engaging with local communities, the organization aims to create awareness about the importance of recycling and responsible waste disposal.

Lodha Group

Lodha Ventures Foundation (LVF), the charity arm of the Abhinandan Lodha Group, has launched a special educational programme for school students in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Crafted with an aim to augment early developmental learning skills among school-going children, the pilot programme has been launched for the students of Composite School in Ayodhya’s Tihura Majha.
The programme titled ‘Smart Class’ will benefit more than 400 students from Grades 1 to 9.
The inauguration of the ‘Smart Class’ took place on March 03, 2023 (Friday) and was attended by several dignitaries including the Joint Commissioner, the District Magistrate and the District Education Officer apart from officials from the CSR foundation.
“At LVF, we believe in enriching communities. Imparting good education to young children is the best way to uplift society and ensure a brighter future. The objective of this initiative is to increase the learning levels of students studying in rural government schools. This ‘Smart Class’ is the first of many more such projects the Lodha Ventures Foundation aims to undertake in Uttar Pradesh,” said Ramnandanam Pandey on behalf of the Lodha Ventures Foundation.

CSR News: ‘Illness to Wellness’ Handwashing Awareness event highlights it as the most cost-effective way to boost personal and public health

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CSR News: ‘Illness to Wellness’ Handwashing Awareness event highlights it as the most cost-effective way to boost personal and public health
In a dedicated effort to promote hygiene and healthier practices among children, the ASSOCHAM Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR), the social arm of ASSOCHAM organised an “Illness to Wellness” Handwashing Awareness event at the Navy Children School, New Delhi. Supported by hygiene brand Savlon, the initiative focused on fostering cleaner habits and raising awareness about the crucial role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of illness.
Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to prevent illness and curb the spread of infections. This key message was delivered to students in an engaging and fun way through a video, which highlighted the correct handwashing techniques. The video aimed to instill these essential hygiene habits from an early age, encouraging children to embrace healthier practices and reduce the risk of infections and serious diseases.
The event saw over 600 students from grades III to V, along with teachers and staff, actively participating in interactive quizzes and live demonstrations. Experts guided students on the correct techniques of handwashing and explained its importance in reducing the spread of illnesses such as colds, flu, and other infections. The event culminated with a pledge, where students committed to consistently practicing proper hand hygiene and spreading awareness about the importance of washing hands thoroughly.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National Council on CSR said, “I am happy to note that under the Illness to Wellness campaign, sustained activities are being undertaken to generate awareness about the importance of handwashing to the school children. I would also like to complement the Navy Children School for encouraging this activity, and I’m sure it will hold them in good stead in the times to come. The adoption of this crucial daily routine can go a long way in reducing the prevalence of a large number of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, and in the creation of an increasingly healthy and productive society.”
This event highlights the commitment to societal well-being, emphasising that good hygiene is the foundation of good health and a vital component of the “Illness to Wellness” journey for any community. In this process, handwashing plays a crucial role as one of the simplest yet most cost-effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases. And by engaging children in such an initiative, AFCSR aims to spark a ripple effect of awareness and healthier habits that will extend to families and communities at large.
Mrs. Oshima Mathur, Principal, Navy Children School, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi said “Handwashing is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of infections. Teaching young children, the correct handwashing techniques not only protects their health but also helps shape positive habits that they carry into adulthood. This awareness creates a ripple effect, fostering healthier families and communities. By conducting this handwashing workshop in partnership with ASSOCHAM, we are promoting hygiene and building a foundation for a healthier society.
The ‘Illness to Wellness’ campaign was launched in 2014 and remains committed to promoting health and well-being through empowering, educating, collaborating, and adopting of sustainable health practices. Over the years, it has aimed to maximise outreach and impact, from organising camps and awareness campaigns to holding regular webinars on key health topics and developments – with the clear purpose.
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CSR News: Reaching Out to 348,000 Farmers Nationwide Through the 7th Edition of the ‘Baroda Kisan Pakhwada’

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CSR News: Reaching Out to 348,000 Farmers Nationwide Through the 7th Edition of the ‘Baroda Kisan Pakhwada’
Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, concluded the 7th edition of its flagship rural outreach programme, ‘Baroda Kisan Pakhwada’ on a high note. Through the fortnight-long initiative, the Bank connected with over 348,000 farmers across the country and cumulatively sanctioned agri loans of over Rs 3,300 crore. Through a combination of mega kisan melas, choupals, health camps and other drives, the Bank showcased its strong ties with the agricultural community.
As a part of the Baroda Kisan Pakhwada programme, Bank of Baroda organised outreach events across its 22 zones and 119 regions pan-India, with the ‘Baroda Kisan Rath’ travelling across the country to raise awareness and to share information on the Bank’s agriculture lending products & services as well as Government initiatives, such as lending schemes under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package, micro insurance, social security schemes etc. The Bank also felicitated progressive farmers, entrepreneurs and customers for their contributions to the sector.
This year’s theme focused on leveraging technology to empower Indian farmers and the Bank introduced two digital initiatives – the Digital Baroda Kisan Credit Card (BKCC) and Digital Gold Loan to facilitate seamless access of credit to farmers.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Lal Singh, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “The success of Baroda Kisan Pakhwada underlines our unwavering commitment to India’s agriculture community. Through our digital initiatives like Digital BKCC and Digital Gold Loan, our aim is to simplify access to credit, making banking services more accessible and convenient for farmers. Through the Baroda Kisan Pakhwada, we have helped create a strong awareness on the range of offerings available with the Bank, thus empowering farmers to take advantage of financial schemes that will fuel their growth.”
Bank of Baroda’s lending to the agriculture sector stands at Rs 144,508 crore as on September 30, 2024, recording a 10.6% year-on-year growth.
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CSR News: Partnership Announced to Support Livelihoods and Education in Two Villages of Rajasthan

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CSR News: Partnership Announced to Support Livelihoods and Education in Two Villages of Rajasthan
Jaipur, India: Devoted towards creating a more inclusive and equitable India, The Sandeep Aggarwal Foundation has announced a collaboration with the Vanvasi Raksha Parivar Foundation. The collaboration is set to enhance educational opportunities and support sustainable livelihoods in two underserved villages in Rajasthan, empowering local communities by providing essential resources and fostering self-reliance.
The partnership will primarily have two major focus points: education and livelihoods.
Education: Under this the team will be implementing programs to improve access to quality education for children, aiming to increase school retention rates and academic performance by educating them.
Livelihoods: Under this team has plan to introduce skill development workshops and providing resources to promote economic independence among villagers
The Vanvasi Raksha Parivar Foundation, known for its grassroots efforts in rural development, will collaborate closely with the Sandeep Aggarwal Foundation to ensure the effective implementation of these programs.
Upasana Bora, Chairperson of the Sandeep Aggarwal Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to holistic development, stating, “Our mission is to build an inclusive India by addressing our nation’s multifaceted development challenges and contributing to its collective aspirations. In the past, Sandeep Aggarwal Foundation has undertaken initiatives for supporting women education, health and hygiene, furthermore uplifting the underserved sections of our society. We continue to strive to create a more equitable India by ensuring easy access to basic human needs of education, health, vocational training and more.”
On the collaboration with Sandeep Aggarwal Foundation Mr. Virendra Sharma,National Head, Vanvasi Raksha Parivar Foundation affirmed,At Vanvasi Raksha Foundation, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of tribal communities and their families through initiatives that promote livelihood development. This mission aligns closely with the core values and objectives of the Sandeep Aggarwal Foundation. We are excited to collaborate with SA Foundation to launch programs aimed at improving livelihoods in two villages. This effort will serve as a pilot project, and we aspire to create lasting change in many lives through our ongoing partnership.
This is one of the initiative from Sandeep Aggarwal Foundation’s broader focus areas, which include conservation of natural resources, empowering underprivileged women, and promoting entrepreneurship.By joining forces, both foundations aim to create a sustainable impact, fostering growth and development in these communities and contributing to the nation’s progress.

 

 

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CSR News: Celebrating Ninth Edition of Project Nanhi Kali’s Proud Fathers for Daughters

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CSR News: Celebrating Ninth Edition of Project Nanhi Kali’s Proud Fathers for Daughters
New Delhi, India: The ninth edition of Proud Fathers For Daughters, an annual fundraising event by Project Nanhi Kali, took place on January 11 and 12, 2025 at the National Sports Club of India, Worli, Mumbai. The event witnessed an extraordinary turnout of 265 father-daughter duos from across the country, with 527 portraits captured during the two-day event. The proceeds from the event will go towards the education of 527 underserved girls, empowering them with opportunities for a brighter future.
Proud Fathers For Daughters was founded by Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group and K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, and renowned photographer Atul Kasbekar to shift societal mindsets towards the girl child and reinforce the importance of gender equality. The event challenges entrenched stereotypes, showcasing fathers not just as caregivers, but as active champions of their daughters’ dreams, ambitions, and independence. It’s a powerful reminder that when fathers support their daughters wholeheartedly, they unlock limitless potential, breaking down barriers for future generations.
Since its inception, Proud Fathers For Daughters has become a symbol of hope and empowerment, creating 2,397 stunning portraits that celebrate a father’s unwavering support for his daughter’s dreams. Each portrait tells a powerful story of love, encouragement, and the belief in a brighter future for all girls. Through the funds raised at the event through the years, Project Nanhi Kali has been able to support the education of over 5,597 underserved girls, giving them the tools to break barriers of inequality, pursue their ambitions, and rewrite their stories.
This year’s theme, “Her First Coach,” drew inspiration from Project Nanhi Kali’s new curriculum, which focuses on 21st-century skills and sports leadership to foster holistic development in girls. The event highlighted the pivotal role fathers play as their daughters’ first guides, mentors, and cheerleaders and encourage fathers to championing their daughters dreams and ambitions.
Renowned photographers Atul Kasbekar, Colston Julian, Jaideep Oberoi, Prasad Naik, Rafique Sayed, Tarun Vishwa, and Tejal Patni generously dedicated their time, talent, and creative expertise to make Proud Fathers For Daughters a truly unforgettable event. These celebrated photographers came together not only to capture tender moments of pride and joy between fathers and daughters but also to champion a transformative cause. By lending their skills to this initiative, they turned every portrait into a cherished memory, while underscoring the power of storytelling through photography to inspire change and drive impact. Their commitment to using their art for social good added a profound depth to the event, amplifying its message of empowerment and hope.
Participants contributed INR 10,000 for a professional father-daughter photoshoot, with each contribution funding the education of one underserved girl for an entire year at Project Nanhi Kali. Beyond providing education and skilling, Project Nanhi Kali’s updated curriculum emphasises leadership through sports, teamwork, and critical thinking, preparing girls to thrive in the 21st-century.
Sheetal Mehta, Executive Director at Project Nanhi Kali and Senior Vice President, CSR, Mahindra, remarked: “At Project Nanhi Kali, we are committed to creating an ecosystem where girls are empowered to dream big. Through our new curriculum, we equip girls with 21st-century skills and sports leadership skills, enabling them to lead and succeed. The theme of this year’s Proud Fathers For Daughters—‘Her First Coach’—beautifully underscores the important role fathers play in shaping their daughters into future leaders. We are deeply touched by the overwhelming response and thank the participants for their unwavering support towards our cause through the years. Not to forget, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the photographers for their creativity and unwavering support. This edition’s success reaffirms the belief that when families and communities champion a girl’s dreams, the impact is transformative—not just for her, but for society at large.”
Over the years, Proud Fathers For Daughters has seen enthusiastic participation from celebrity father-daughter duos such as Vidya Balan and P.R. Balan, Shatrughan Sinha and Sonakshi Sinha, Sachin Tendulkar and Sara Tendulkar, and Leander Paes and Aiyana Paes, among others.

 

 

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CSR News: UN Development Programme (UNDP) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) partner to scale up management of plastic waste in Asia

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CSR News: UN Development Programme (UNDP) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) partner to scale up management of plastic waste in Asia
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) have partnered to help address the growing challenge of plastic waste management in Asia, a region that is home to significant environmental opportunities and challenges. Rapid urbanization, increasing demand for single-use plastics, and gaps in waste management infrastructure have contributed to a rising volume of plastic waste, making effective solutions more urgent than ever.
A significant portion of the world’s plastic waste enters the ocean through waterways in the region, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems, human health, and livelihoods. Sixteen of the top twenty polluting rivers in the world are in Asia, and account for more than two thirds -of the global annual volume of plastics flowing into the world’s oceans.
In response to this urgent issue, UNDP and TCCF are scaling up efforts in nine Asian countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam—supported by a $15 million grant from TCCF to support UNDP’s initiatives across the region.
The three-year multi-country programme launched in India today, will help improve plastic waste management, promote recycling, reduce plastic leakage into the environment, foster country-based solutions, and facilitate regional collaboration. By adopting and disseminating best practices across the region, the programme aims to inspire policy changes and community-level actions to reduce and help to eliminate disposable plastic and improve the livelihoods of waste workers.
While expanding successful initiatives, the programme will focus on developing innovative business models for waste collection and recycling, offering technical advice on environmental best practices and tapping into the latest technology to improve collection and recycling, to reduce plastic leakage.
“Tackling plastic waste isn’t just about cleaning up – it’s also about building a smarter development model. Across Asia, countries are combating the problem by embracing the circular economy. Through our Zero Waste and Plastics initiatives, we are helping them craft policies, attract investments, and reduce the consumption of single-use plastics,” said Christophe Bahuet, UNDP Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. “With this initiative, we are also empowering communities to scale up solutions that will effectively reduce plastic pollution and safeguard our planet.”
“Collaboration is key to help improve waste management systems and strengthen recycling infrastructure. Through our collaboration with UNDP, the Foundation aims to advance solutions that minimize packaging waste, support better collection methods, and enhance processing capabilities. This approach not only helps address plastic waste more effectively but also contributes to long-term improvements in local communities and the broader environment.” said Carlos Pagoaga, President, The Coca Cola Foundation.
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Top CSR Projects in Pune

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Top CSR Projects in Pune
Pune is close to the nation’s financial capital and an emerging hub for business and information technology. This flourishing, culturally rich city belongs to Maharashtra, which is the highest spender for corporate social responsibility in India. Naturally, Pune has a thriving CSR culture.
In FY2022-23, Pune received the second-largest share of the amount of the total CSR funds spent in Maharashtra. The district received a total of Rs. 1053.09 Cr. from 1384 companies in the last financial year. The top three sectors of focus for CSR initiatives in the district were Health, Education and Environment, which received Rs. 439.3 Cr., Rs. 413.1 Cr., and Rs. 119.3 Cr. respectively. The top three spenders in the district were Serum Institute of India Private Limited (Rs. 125.13 Cr.), Serum Institute Life Sciences Private Limited (Rs. 103 Cr.), and Wipro Limited (Rs. 68.28 Cr.).

Top CSR Projects in Pune

The development sector is taking notice of the impact that long-term interventions are having. We show you the Best Practices of the most successful CSR projects in Pune:

CSR initiative empowering marginalized women entrepreneurs across Pune

Spherule Foundation, a pan-India non-profit organization, and SBI Payment Services Private Limited (SBI Payments), a subsidiary of State Bank of India, have joined hands to launch a CSR initiative aimed at empowering 100 women entrepreneurs from marginalized communities across Pune District. This initiative is designed to provide women with the tools, training, and support needed to establish and grow scalable and sustainable small and micro businesses. Ground-level mobilization and participant registration for this project are already in progress.
The program is designed to offer practical learning through comprehensive training on financial management, digital tools, entrepreneurship fundamentals, and business planning. Participants will also benefit from tailored financial assistance and business support to confidently launch or expand their ventures. Ongoing mentorship will be provided by field executives who will monitor progress and offer customized advice to ensure long-term stability and success.
Also, This initiative will connect women to relevant markets and facilitate access to government schemes, enabling them to explore broader opportunities. To simplify essential processes, the program offers assistance in securing business licenses, e-Shram cards, ABHA cards, and banking tools such as Aadhaar and PAN cards.

Inauguration of Digital Smartboard at Zilla Parishad Primary School

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has announced the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Digital Classroom at Zilla Parishad Primary School (ZPPS), Nirgudsar, Ambegaon, Pune. The initiative was inaugurated by Amol Ramsing Kolhe, Member of Parliament, Shirur.
This initiative is part of HCCB’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, which is focused on enhancing the educational experience for students in Maharashtra. The newly installed smart boards aim to foster an interactive, engaging, and dynamic learning environment by integrating technology into the classroom. The digital smart boards will be an essential tool in modernising the classroom experience, enabling teachers to offer more interactive lessons and enhancing students’ ability to grasp complex concepts through visual and digital aids.
Moreover, HCCB is initiating a digital smartboard installation at Ane village in Junnar block, Pune district. A digital smartboard and RO filter are also being installed at Jambhori village, Ambegaon block, Pune district. Additionally, an RO filter installation is planned at Gunjalwadi village, Junnar block, Pune district.

CSR for road safety in Pune

As part of its road safety initiative, Dana India has installed 30 high-mast solar streetlights at Alandi Phata Chowk in Chakan. This new lighting infrastructure enhances visibility, significantly reducing the risk of accidents for approximately 3,600 villagers and travelers. The company has also implemented road safety signage and installed metal barricades in Chakan’s industrial area, aiming to regulate traffic and protect pedestrians. These measures are expected to benefit approximately 2.5 lakh commuters daily and contribute to Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Additionally, road divider railings were installed at critical points, such as Endurance Chowk, improving road visibility and safety for over 3 lakh people. This initiative supports Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 15: Life on Land, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Dana India also upgraded street lighting in key locations across the Chakan Industrial Area and Endurance Chowk, further improving nighttime safety for an estimated 3 lakh individuals. These efforts align with Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 15: Life on Land.

 

JJWEP by Sterlite Technologies Limited

JJWEP, or Jeewan Jyoti Women Empowerment Programme, was set up in 2014 at Ambavane, Taluka Velhe. Although just 50 km from Pune, this region was largely underdeveloped and had a patriarchal society. Women thus had no freedom to voice their concerns, and the literacy rate among them was extremely low. The programme aimed at addressing these issues by not just empowering rural women with equal learning opportunities and professional training courses in areas such as nursing, tailoring, beauty culture and computers, among others; but also ensuring their holistic development by making them self-sufficient, feel respected in their families and have a part in the decision making process.
Jeewan Jyoti by STL also endeavours to reach out to women of all age groups through various off-campus programmes on soft skills, health and financial literacy. To date, women from more than 100 villages across Bhor, Velhe and Haveli talukas in Pune have been vocationally trained. Women who have passed out from the institute now earn an additional income of Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month. Some of the women have even started their own businesses using the skills learned at the institute, becoming entrepreneurs in the true sense.

Life Skills Programme by Forbes-Marshall

This women empowerment programme aims to provide life skills to teenage girls and improve mother-child wellbeing among women. Baseline data of the area showed that 45% of women got married before 18 years of age, 67% reported antenatal morbidity and only 14% of young married women used family-planning methods. Among adolescent girls, only 4% of girls displayed decision-making skills and 16% unmarried girls dropped out of formal schooling.
The CSR programme is implemented in three parts with a different target population. The first part is directed towards the empowerment of unmarried adolescent girls through life skill education, improve their cognitive and practical skills and increase their self-esteem and self-efficacy. The programme is conducted through ASHA workers and community peer educators under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, where counselling sessions are also provided.
The second part of the CSR programme is focused on the protection of young married women from adverse consequences of early marriage through increased information and access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), utilisation of maternity services during pregnancy, and an increase in institutional deliveries and family-planning methods for spacing between children. ASHA workers facilitate SRH services for married girls. They provide inter-personal communication (IPC) and counselling for married adolescent girls, their spouses and parents at the household level and implement the behaviour change communication (BCC) component of the project.
The third part focuses on attitudinal change among young men to reduce domestic violence and gender inequality. The project is being implemented by the staff of the Institute of Health Management Pachod (IHMP) by providing boys and young men with education on life skills and engaging in group and individual counselling sessions.
The programme has led to an increase in years of formal schooling of unmarried adolescent girls, with improved adaptive skills and self-esteem. There has also been a decrease in the instances of early marriages. Amongst young married women, there is an increase in the number of people accessing antenatal, post-natal and family planning services. The rate of maternal morbidity has reduced, and a 10% increase in the treatment of maternal complications compared to the baseline was recorded in just one year of programme implementation.

Biodiversity Project by Mercedes-Benz

The CSR project by luxury car marker Mercedes-Benz aims to address habitat degradation at the fringes of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a part of the Western Ghats of India. Large scale human interventions such as slash and burn farming practice, developmental activities such as roads, flat-land agriculture and illegal tree felling for the commercial purpose have resulted in a loss of tree cover at a substantial level. Due to the loss of tree cover, there has been a large-scale loosening of soil rendering, and the area is prone to landslides and natural disasters.
In collaboration with Shashwat Trust, a Pune-based NGO, the project’s interventions address the issue in a phase-wise and sustainable manner through community participation covering eight villages. It aims at strengthening the conservation of the natural resources in the area by involving local villagers and providing alternative livelihood to the community and ensuring the sustainability of plantations through developing a sense of ownership in the communities. Village-level meetings were conducted to sensitise the community and create awareness.
With the help of SHGs in villages, village-level nurseries of local and native plants were also developed. These nurseries were maintained by the communities along with the village youth, who were then provided with training on nursery techniques. The plantation process was initiated by involving villagers and giving them additional income opportunity. The project includes four families who are growing native plant nurseries near their houses and are involved full-time in their maintenance.

Model Village by Scitech Park

Scitech Park - Panavadi village
Business incubator Scitech Park in Pune has adopted Panavadi village to transform it into a truly sustainable model smart village, and is minutely planning the overall upliftment of the entire ecosystem including wildlife-soil-water-forest, health-hygiene-sanitation, as well as nutrition.
Scitech Park CSR aims to make the whole of Panavadi an organic village. Agro and adventure tourism (hydro tourism, trekking, mountaineering, rappelling, bird watching, mountain biking and providing home stays are part of the CSR strategy. Cooking gas and electricity are among the first steps in making Panavadi a grid-independent and energy sufficient village.

Empowering Divyang Women by Gits Food

The CSR programme aims to empower and improve the quality of life of differently abled women in Pune. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) face a lot of discrimination and marginalisation. The situation is worse for women PWDs, who are seen as liabilities and hence are not treated with respect as their needs are addressed based on the convenience of their family members. Gits Food partnered with the NGO Helplife to help provide assistance to divyang women.
The CSR project provides accommodation, food and clothing to differently-abled women and girls from low-economic communities. The recipients can continue their education and also undergo skill training in addition to computer and spoken English classes. The women and girls stay for a duration of two-three years, during which they are also provided with counselling sessions along with their parents, and a regular support system throughout the training. After completion of skill training, the beneficiaries are also offered placement support or help to start their own enterprise to make a living. Community-based support was provided to finance livelihood generation activities.
About 70% of the divyang women are successfully employed with an average income of Rs. 12,000 per month, and around 60% of the beneficiaries who received community-based support are successfully running their micro-enterprises. It is also pertinent to mention that almost 70% of the total recipients are financially independent and 50% of them are supporting their parents and family. This has led to an immense change in the women and girls’ self-confidence.

Fiserv’s Hostel Facility for Girls with Visual Disabilities

Fiserv has partnered with the National Federation of the Blind Maharashtra (NFBM) to inaugurate a new hostel facility at the NFBM Jagriti School for Blind Girls in Pune. This facility will provide girls with visual disabilities across a wide age bracket with free lodging, boarding, and educational support, fostering an environment designed for their holistic development.
With an investment of nearly ₹2 crores, Fiserv’s support is aimed at empowering more than 120 underserved girls who have varying degrees of visual disabilities. The initiative goes beyond just providing residential assistance and includes scholarships, educational resources, and infrastructure development. A key aspect of the partnership is the establishment of a Braille Publishing Centre, which is set to benefit approximately 7,000 visually impaired students across Maharashtra. This center will enhance access to learning materials for students, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.
During the inauguration ceremony, Vishal Pratapwant, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Global Services, Fiserv, said, “At Fiserv, we are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and equity both in our workplace and the broader community. Through our global Corporate Social Responsibility program, we partner with communities to unlock their full potential. Our initiative with the NFBM Jagriti School is a unique one, operating at the intersection of education and social inclusion. We are committed to providing girls with visual disabilities an equitable opportunity for holistic development and self-reliance.”
The new hostel facility is part of a larger commitment by Fiserv to create lasting social impact through initiatives that focus on education. Programs such as STEM Laboratories, Fiserv Scholarships and Residential Support to homeless girls compliment the overall investment towards education. Fiserv Corporate Social Responsibility programming proactively empowers people, advances communities, champions responsible business practices, and invests in sustainable systems to generate positive outcomes.
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