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April 30, 2025
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Sightsavers India and Authors of Scaling Small Businesses Unite for Social Impact

Sightsavers India and Authors of Scaling Small Businesses Unite for Social Impact
New Delhi, India: Sightsavers India is excited to announce a unique collaboration with authors Mr Aditya Gupta and Mrs Himani Chandorkar, aimed at enabling livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment for individuals with disabilities, especially women. Through this campaign, supporters will receive copies of their latest book, Scaling Small Businesses, as a token of appreciation for joining us in this transformative mission.

Two key objectives drive the campaign:

Empowering Small Enterprises: The book is an anthology of simple and actionable ideas designed to solve common business challenges that often hinder growth. Drawing on decades of experience, Mr Gupta and Mrs Chandorkar have crafted a guide that can help small enterprises thrive and expand, benefiting thousands of entrepreneurs across the country. The knowledge shared in this book has the potential to create a ripple effect, amplifying opportunities for small businesses far and wide.
Promoting Economic Empowerment: What makes this campaign truly special is its dual focus on knowledge-sharing and social responsibility. All net proceeds from the book will be used to support Sightsavers India’s Social Inclusion programme, which aims to enable persons with disabilities, particularly women, to achieve economic independence. By participating in this campaign, supporters are not only investing in their own personal and professional growth but also contributing to a larger movement that promotes inclusion and empowerment.
RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, “This collaboration is a perfect blend of knowledge and purpose, offering a unique opportunity to support economic empowerment for persons with disabilities, especially women. Through the book, Scaling Small Businesses, Mr Aditya Gupta and Mrs Himani Chandorkar share business insights from their decades of experience while creating livelihood opportunities and driving positive change. We are grateful for their partnership and for the collective impact we can make together in promoting inclusion and ensuring equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, to reach their full potential.”
Aditya Gupta, Founder—The Rug Republic and Author said, “This book shares management ideas that have been thoughtfully crafted and successfully implemented at Sharda Exports and The Rug Republic over the years. From our inception in 1991 to now, these real-life ideas have evolved internally and have proven to be effective in driving growth. By contributing to Sightsavers India’s initiative through this book, we aim to extend these benefits to others while also supporting a cause that is close to our hearts—empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve economic independence.”
Himani Chandorkar—Etude 360, Acumen 360 and Author said, “In my 17 years of HR consulting experience with over 200 clients, I’ve seen firsthand that the real challenge lies not in initiating ideas but in consistently implementing them. Simplicity, follow-up, incentives, leadership, and work-life balance are crucial to success. Through this book, we hope to inspire practical change in small businesses while also contributing to Sightsavers India’s mission of economic empowerment for persons with disabilities. The multiplier effect of this progress will be our most meaningful reward, knowing that it helps create livelihood opportunities.”

 

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

 

Not profit’s nutrition programme serves 10 million school-going children

Not profit’s nutrition programme serves 10 million school-going children
Mumbai, India: The Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, under the aegis of revered Global Humanitarian Sri Madhusudan Sai, has achieved an unprecedented feat by serving 10 million children across different parts of India, making it the world’s largest ‘Nutrition’ Programme.
A part of Sri Madhusudan Sai’s worldwide mission of combating hidden hunger and enhancing nutritional intake among children, the flagship initiative covers students of government and government-aided schools at a pan-India level across both rural as well as urban regions. The announcement was made at the coveted ‘Power of Poshan’ Award ceremony, in the esteemed presence of international cricketing legend Jonty Rhodes, IIMR Director – Ms Tara Satyavathi, senior Karnataka IAS officer – Mr YS Patil and over 250 members from the farmers community, among others.
During the event, while defining the next milestone set for the Trust’s flagship ‘Nutrition’ mission, Sri Madhusudan Sai shared, “As we navigated the pandemic challenges, we remained steadfast in our commitment to ensure no child goes hungry. Before the pandemic, our Trust served 500,000 children daily. After schools reopened, we are now expanding our reach to 10 million children covering the school in Karnataka and Telangana. This nutrition programme is now implemented across 25 States and 4 UTs.”
“Holistic nutrition as opposed to just filling the stomach ought to be the approach and this is what the Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Programme is doing. The power of team work is something that I am very familiar with, by being in the game of cricket. I see that the scale that this nutrition programme has reached is backed by the wonderful team of this institution who are sitting under this beautiful auditorium roof today. Many congratulations!” stated Mr Jonty Rhodes during his address.
The event, hosted at the Sathya Sai Grama near Chikkaballapur in Karnataka, recognised the invaluable contributions of corporate partners, farmers, and key stakeholders, whose support has been instrumental in scaling up the nutrition programme. One of the vital aspects of the Trust’s programme is its strong collaboration with local farming communities. Partnering with nearly 1,000 farmers in Tumkur, Karnataka, the Trust procures 500 to 600 tons of millet grains monthly, not at the minimum support price but at the livelihood price, thus paying the farmers a gracious amount that they deserve. This sustainable relationship supports both rural livelihoods and the nutrition programme, promoting economic growth of the farmers and taking care of the nourishment and health of their own children and others who study at the government schools.
Notably, there is a nutraceutical manufacturing unit – SaiSure Nutritions LLP, based at their HeadQuarters to produce the vital multi and micronutrient supplement. This micro nutrient health mix is delivered to the government schools, across 25 States and 4 Union Territories. The State of Karnataka is the thriving ground for the programme, wherein approximately 5.5 million children, which is all the Government school-going children, have been covered for morning nutrition.
Under the visionary guidance of Sri Madhusudan Sai, the initiative has grown to become the world’s largest morning nutrition programme, transforming the lives of millions of children. As the programme continues to expand, the Trust’s mission remains unwavering: no child should go to school hungry ever. By investing in children’s health today, the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust is building a foundation for reduced future healthcare costs and fostering a generation of healthy, responsible citizens.

 

 

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CSR collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to celebrate Driver’s Day

CSR collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to
New Delhi, India: In a collaborative effort to honour the invaluable contributions of drivers, Ritco Logistics and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Panipat Refinery organized a special event on the occasion of Driver’s Day on 17th September 2024 at the IOCL Polymer Terminal in Panipat. The event featured a comprehensive Driver’s Safety Training session led by senior safety trainer Mr. R.S. Malik.
The program provided essential training covering a wide range of topics, including defensive driving techniques, traffic regulations, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response strategies. Participants have gained valuable skills to help reduce accidents and improve overall road safety.
During the event, Rajesh M. Mudaliar, Chief Business Officer of Ritco Logistics, expressed heartfelt gratitude to drivers, who he described as the backbone of the economy. “Despite challenges such as rain and storms, drivers ensure the timely delivery of materials, supporting critical supply chains,” he stated. He also acknowledged their remarkable dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing their role in maintaining essential services.
Mr. Suresh Kumar, PC-MO, shared his appreciation for the drivers’ efforts and highlighted the importance of safety training in reducing road incidents. “Empowering our drivers with safety knowledge is crucial for their well-being and the safety of everyone on the road,” he remarked.
The event also featured insights from Mr. Tarun Saurabh, Chief Manager, and Mr. R.K.P. Sinha, who reinforced the importance of continuous learning and safety practices in the logistics industry.
This initiative underscores the commitment of both IOCL and Ritco to promoting road safety and recognizing the dedication of drivers who work tirelessly under challenging conditions.

 

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The Ultimate CSR Report of Bajaj Finance Limited FY 23-24

Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Limited, is a deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Company registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It is primarily involved in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits.
BFL has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs and commercial customers with a significant presence in urban and rural India. It is present in 3,504 locations across the country, including 2,136 locations in rural/smaller towns and villages and operates through more than 133,200 distribution points across India.
In alignment with Bajaj Group, BFL strives to embed ESG into the DNA of the company’s core operations. In FY 2023-24, the company spent Rs. 179.52 crore towards its CSR initiatives.

Environment Protection and Conservation

BFL Group is committed to contribute towards ensuring a clean and sustainable environment by continuously improving its environmental and sustainability performance. BFL Group’s Code of Ethics and Personal Conduct includes respecting the environment, eliminating waste and conserving resources as working norms. BFL also has an Environmental policy integrating sound environmental practices and governance systems in its day-to-day operations to minimize environmental impacts.
BFL has Embarked Upon Four Major Areas in its Environment Awareness and Conservation:

Environment protection and Sustainability Awareness Campaigns

BFL strongly believes that sustainable practices are a collective effort of the mankind and cannot be achieved by an individual or an organisation. Keeping this virtue in mind, the Company has initiated awareness campaigns on sustainable practices for its employees and for the world at large leveraging its social media presence.

Highlights

The company has installed solar panels of 626.8 kilowatt capacity
Planted 3.45 lakh saplings
Introduced 20 E-Vehicles for inter-office shuttle services
Financed over 54,000 E-Vehicles

Products that preserve and protect the environment

Another important way that the Company supports the environment is by providing financial offerings to customers that assist in preservation and protection of environment. For example:
– BFL provides financing to solar power generation facilities
– BFL has an Environmental Policy in place which sets outs commitments of the Company to bring in environmental and social friendly practices in its system. In its commercial lending business, the Company commits not to extend funding to polluting industries unless the units have a valid clearance from pollution control authorities and have installed effluent treatment plants.
– BFL offers financing for e-Scooters. This enables customers to access environmentally friendly modes of transport.

Reducing Paper Consumption

It has been an endeavor of BFL Group over last many years to keep reducing paper consumption across all its business operations. BFL Group has been increasingly focused on integrating digital applications across all aspects of its business operations which not only helps to improve efficiency, lower cost and enhance customer experience, but also aids in environmental protection by reducing paper consumption.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Some of the initiatives undertaken by BFL under this category include:
– Installation of Solar Panels: BFL has installed solar panels at two locations and same is operational having solar power generation capacity 69.6 kilowatt peak.
– E-waste policy: BFL group hands over its e-waste to registered vendors and has received certificate of e-waste disposal form the registered vendor.
– Efficiency in Light utilisation: The Company engages in the activity of selecting and designing offices to facilitate maximum natural light utilisation. Over 960 BFL Group branches are provided with LED light fittings as a standard feature.

Philanthropic Initiatives

Bajaj Group’s philanthropic philosophy was articulated by its founder late Shri Jamnalal Bajaj who had advised that all business activities should look for opportunities for philanthropy. In the same breath, he also said that business motive should not be considered during philanthropy.
While collaborating with other companies in the Bajaj Group, BFL has its own flagship projects that resonate closest to its social objectives of healthcare, education and livelihood.

Bajaj Finserv – BEYOND

The employability initiative viz. Bajaj Finserv BEYOND is the flagship CSR initiative of Bajaj Finance Limited, aimed to make graduates, especially first-generation graduates from small towns, employable for financial services industry. Under BEYOND a customised 100- hour certification programme is conducted viz. Certificate Programme in Banking, Finance and Insurance (CPBFI) for final-year under-graduate students.
CPBFI comprehensively covers all aspects of employability i.e. attitude, skills and knowledge and unlike conventional skilling programmes, prepares the students for more than 10 roles in financial services industry. The programme also produces a unique talent pool of “industry trained graduates” for the entire BFSI industry, which offers an excellent balance between cost and productivity compared to their traditional target segments.
Under Bajaj Beyond, the Group has committed Rs 5,000 crore to social impact initiatives over 5 years which will benefit over 2 crore youth. It will enable young aspiring students to take advantage of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities offered by India’s growing economy.
Bajaj Finance is an integral part of Bajaj Beyond which is trying to make a positive difference to people’s lives while also enhancing India’s young talent. Empowering Today’s Youth through Skilling at Bajaj Finance, the focus is on India’s next generation – its children and youth, in the areas of skilling, child education, child health, child protection, and inclusion for Persons with Disabilities. These are either self-implemented or carried out in collaboration with non-profit organisations.

Skill Development

Under skilling, the company’s self-implemented flagship skilling programme is named Certificate Programme in Banking, Finance, and Insurance (CPBFI). The programme equips young graduates, especially first generation graduates from tier-2 and tier-3 cities with the knowledge, skills and attitude required for securing employment in the banking, insurance and financial services industry.
The programme works to bridge the skilling gap, by linking industry with academia. CPBFI offers training modules co-designed by industry experts and spans 410 colleges with over 240 trainers across 22 states. The 100-hour programme combines experiential learning with insights from corporate trainers and finance experts, covering technical skills and 20+ workplace skills. CPBFI also emphasises the right attitude using psychology-based tools.

Partnership with the NSDC and AICTE

FY 2024 was a milestone year as Bajaj Finserv partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, to provide joint certification to students completing the programme.
As part of the partnership, Bajaj Finserv, jointly with the Ministry of Education, launched Project Odiserv in Odisha, introducing the programme in 60 colleges, spanning 11 cities and 10 districts of the state. Subsequent job fairs at key locations in the state enabled students to secure employment opportunities.
Bajaj Finserv, the holding company for the Bajaj group’s financial services businesses also works with several non-profit organisations to provide skill development programmes and vocational training to enable youth to enhance their income through employment or enterprise. The focus is on sector-specific or need-based training, healthcare capacity-building, enhancement of teaching skills, women empowerment through skilling and skill development for persons with disabilities.

Holistic Development of Children and Youth

Enabling Holistic Development of Children and Youth Protecting and enhancing the wellbeing of children is central to the company’s social impact programmes. The focus is on child health, child education, child protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities, in collaboration with several grassroots-level organisations.

Baby with cleft lip

Cleft treatment

Under child health, financial assistance is given to children affected by mainly heart conditions, cancer, cleft lip/palate, Type 1 diabetes and epilepsy. The company’s strategic project ‘Maha Smiles — Cleft Care for Every Child’ creates awareness, identifies and offers timely treatment to underprivileged children affected by cleft conditions in Maharashtra. So far, 33,537 children have benefitted from these interventions, the company claims in its annual report for the FY 23-24.

Child education

In the child education space, the focus is on digital learning interventions, foundational learning, mental health programmes, early childhood education, vocational trainings, scholarships, after-school support etc.

Child protection

Considering that many children face the risks of trafficking, abuse, child labour, legal conflicts, or juvenile delinquency, the company has supported 14,582 children under interventions for child protection such as childcare, adoption and daycare, rescue and regeneration, learning centre, aftercare and awareness.

Support for Persons with Disabilities

Persons with Disabilities (PwD) often face multiple challenges and limited opportunities. The company has programmes which are directed towards rehabilitating individuals with physical, intellectual and learning disabilities to facilitate their inclusion into mainstream society. The interventions comprise early rehabilitation, educational, medical and community rehabilitation, provision of residential homes and accessible infrastructure support.

Conclusion

The CSR of Bajaj Finance Limited is as comprehensive as its parent Group. Through its healthcare interventions and educational initiatives, the company has touched lakhs of lives.  All of this is not including the millions of lives it touches by providing financial services in remote areas, thus improving the financial inclusion aspect in the country.

Larsen & Toubro Spent Rs. 154.83 Cr. for CSR in FY24

L&T is synonymous with large infrastructure projects in India. Be it Highways, Power Plants, Weapons, Nuclear Power Plants, Metros or for that matter World’s Tallest Statue – The Statue of Unity in Vadodara, Gujarat, Larsen and Toubro has made India proud for years.
L&T is a conglomerate with a major presence in engineering, construction, technology, manufacturing and financial services with operation across the globe. With over 8 decades of corporate existence, the company takes pride in its sustainable operations. Larsen and Toubro’s integrated approach towards sustainability in its operations has bestowed them with accolades at various sustainability awards.

1. CSR at Larsen & Toubro

Larsen and Toubro has always given importance to the impact they have on society through their operations. Considering that the company touches so many facets of lives in India, they have ensured inclusive growth of the community around which it operates.
Building on over eight decades of social responsibility activities, the Company contributes to inclusive growth by empowering communities and accelerating development through interventions in four core areas of water & sanitation, health, education and skill development.
It runs a special volunteering program called – L&T-eering, which encourages and empowers employees to contribute towards social issues and development of the community. The employees’ wives and female employees are also involved in the CSR works of Larsen and Toubro and run the Prayas Trust, driving CSR initiatives in their own capacity and reaching out to remote communities.
The Company’s Integrated Community Development Programmes (ICDP) which was initiated 10 years ago, helps in building resilience in rural communities, especially in remote water-scarce locations of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan covering an area of  about 43,091 hectares. The Company is scaling up and replicating these models in other locations. In all ICDP locations, the water table has risen by an average of 8 meters from the baseline benefitting nearly 25,000 households. Through these consistent efforts, the Company aims to improve quality of life, reduce social inequalities, promote self-sufficiency, and empower individuals in vulnerable and marginalised communities.
In the recent years, L&T consolidated its CSR programmes with a focus on certain development areas that align with the global and national development agenda which has led to improved focus and a profound impact in the thematic areas where the company operates.
In FY2023-24, the Company spent Rs. 154.83 Cr., impacting the lives of over 16 lakh beneficiaries. The Company aims to extend its reach to over 17 lakh beneficiaries by FY25.
The Company’s CSR programmes are based on the theme ‘Building India’s Social Infrastructure’. L & T CSR’s objective is to contribute positively to society, improve the quality of life, provide sustainable solutions and make a meaningful impact. The CSR interventions of Larsen and Toubro are based on the CSR Policy and are in line with the Companies Act 2013 and CSR Rules 2014.

2. CSR Policy

Larsen & Toubro Limited fosters a culture of caring, trust and continuous learning while meeting the expectations of all stakeholders and society at large. As a responsible Corporate Citizen, the Company contributes to inclusive growth by empowering communities and accelerating development.
The Company’s CSR Policy framework details the mechanisms for undertaking various programmes in accordance with section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 for the benefit of the community.

2.1 CSR Committee

The CSR Governance structure comprises of the Board, CSR Committee, Apex Sustainability & CSR (SCSR) team, IC SCSR Teams and Unit SCSR Teams.
Responsibility of the CSR Committee:
– Formulate and recommend the CSR Policy to the Board for approval
– Monitor the Policy from time to time
– Recommend the amount of expenditure to be incurred on CSR programmes
– Constitute a transparent monitoring mechanism for ensuring implementation of the CSR programme
– Allocate the programmes to the Independent Companies (‘IC’s) / Corporate to implement the same.

3. Integrated Community Development Program

Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) has initiated its flagship initiative known as Integrated Community Development Programme (ICDP) with an aim to addressing water scarcity in certain water stressed areas. The program was launched in 2014-15 in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, with special focus on five locations. The major components of the program included need assessment, community mobilisation, infrastructure construction, sanitation, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.
LT water and sanitation interventions
LT CSR projects has provided water access to thousands of households
The idea behind ICDP is to empower local communities and to help them manage their resources sustainably, while ensuring long-term benefits even after the project’s completion. Since its inception, the program has made a major impact by benefiting over 26,687 households and treating over 43,091 hectares of land.
Under ICDP, the company extends its support to the community by constructing structures like check dams, anicuts, contour trenches, farm bunds, and farm ponds. This helps in promoting soil and water conservation, rainwater harvesting.
The company also ensures and facilitates community participation along every step of the initiative in order to prioritise long-term sustainability.

4. Education

Morgan Freeman said, ” Literacy could be the ladder out of poverty.” Larsen and Toubro Education CSR interventions work towards fulfilling this dream of eradicating poverty by providing education to each and every child.

4.1. STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) interventions by L&T

Larsen and Toubro’s CSR projects in the field of education are focused on ensuring sustainable development of communities and contribute to strengthening education and social infrastructure. These initiatives, which mostly cater to children from 3-18 years belonging to marginalized sections of society, provide support for better learning abilities of young minds and supplement learning in schools.
K2 education program launch by mr vb gadgil
K2 Education Program Launch by Mr V B Gadgil
The projects not only cover academics but also touch various other facets of education which includes nutrition at the pre-primary level, setting up of basic infrastructures such as smart classrooms and soft skills to supplement textbook education. They also help train teachers in STEM education and hence make a difference in the entire education cycle of the child.
In 2018-19, L&T supported more than 400 schools and reached out to over 2.4 lakh children with its education initiatives pan-India.

5. Health – Larsen and Toubro Health CSR interventions

L&T’s CSR programme in the health sector aims at making quality health care services accessible and affordable without anyone having to face financial hardship. LT CSR works in collaboration with the government in the fields of family welfare, Mother and Child Health, HIV-AIDS, Tuberculosis, Blindness Control, Diabetes detection and treatment and reproductive health services.
LT CSR Health Interventions
Health camp conducted by LT CSR
They run health centres in multiple parts of the country which have well-qualified doctors and rehabilitation consultants. These multi-speciality centres provide services in Physical health as well as psychological issues. They also provide family counselling services that help address mental health and stress-related issues.
They run a huge facility in the Andheri suburb of Mumbai which completed 50 years of service. It is a state of the art facility which was further refurbished for better organisation and crowd management. As this facility sees a large number of patients every day, the up-gradation of facilities has increased waiting for space as well as facilitated patient education. The already comprehensive services have been supplemented with advanced services such as 2D Echo, spacious pathology laboratories, an ophthalmology unit as well as various health-check-up packages.

6. Larsen and Toubro Health Skill Development CSR Projects

L&T is a large conglomerate which has a presence in construction as well as technology services. It employees close to 50,000 people which gives them an idea about the skills needed to make people employable. Hence, Skill Development has emerged as a key strategy for their CSR projects. L&T’s Skill-Building initiative aims to create human resources for improving the country’s competitiveness and growth, especially in the field of Construction skills by training the youth.
L&T has established and operates 9 Construction Skills Training Institutes (CSTIs) in 8 states across the country. These institutes provide free formal and vocational training in construction skills for the large unorganised workforce in the sector. The skills imparted include bar-bending, formwork carpentry, masonry, scaffolding, welding, etc. and aim to train the large unorganised workforce in the sector employable.
It also provides vocational training to women in the fields of Tailoring, Embroidery, Beautician Course, Food processing, Home Management, Computer skills and Basic Education.
Their Skill Development projects have trained close to 20,000 people in employable vocational skills last year. Almost 9,000 youth completed various courses at the CSTs run by LT CSR in 2018-19.

Conclusion

Larsen and Toubro’s Integrated Community Development Program which guides their CSR projects has led to the sustainable development of the community in which it operates. Its focus on training the youth in employable skills also helps in building the nation’s economy and contributes towards a long-term positive effect on India’s development.

CSR Initiative to spearhead sustainable agriculture practices with mechanisation

CSR Initiative to spearhead sustainable agriculture practices with mechanisation
ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is spearheading sustainable agricultural practices by facilitating mechanisation of farming activities. Along with the Adani Foundation, the Company has established a Custom Hiring Centre in Jamuwani Kalan, near ACC Kymore. This initiative showcases how collective farming efforts can transform agriculture into a profitable venture.
Jamuwani Kalan in Katni district is home to 450 families, which primarily depend on agriculture for their livelihood. However, challenges such as stubble burning and high input costs for land preparation have made farming difficult, especially for small and marginal farmers. In February 2024, the Adani Foundation established a Custom Hiring Centre in the village.
Managed by a five-member committee from Jay Shri Ram Kisan Samuh committee, the Centre was initially supported with a capital investment of Rs. 2.5 lakh from the Foundation. This amount was matched by the farmers’ group, mobilised through the Foundation’s efforts to secure registration in the Agriculture Department’s Subsidy portal.
The Centre offers rental services of farming machinery, including Super Seeder, Straw Reaper, two tractors, customised trolleys, and cultivators. The total capital cost of the Custom Hiring Centre is Rs. 24.63 lakh, with Rs. 1.10 lakh received as government subsidy for the Straw Reaper as well as Rs. 2.5 lakh from the Adani Foundation. During the last Rabi crop harvesting season, the Centre served 55 farmers and generated Rs. 1.18 lakhs in revenue from the Straw Reaper alone.
This initiative has saved approximately 100 tonnes of dry straw as cattle feed for the lean season and preserved soil microbes by preventing stubble burning, thus enhancing soil health. In addition, with the support of the Adani Foundation, the Centre promotes the use of Super Seeder for zero-tillage seed sowing, reducing input costs by 35-45% without affecting crop yield. This year, the Centre aims to extend its services to four neighbouring villages, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
ACC and the Adani Foundation are committed to community welfare and sustainable livelihooods, through promotion of modern farming techniques.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

SheCreates CSR Initiative Empowers Women Artisans in Kolkata

SheCreates CSR Initiative Empowers Women Artisans in Kolkata
IIFL Home Finance Ltd., India’s leading provider of affordable home loans, is proud to announce a substantial new initiative under their CSR program, “SheCreates.” This support, in collaboration with renowned master terracotta artisan Dolon Kundu from Bardhaman, West Bengal, aims to empower women artisans through enhanced infrastructure, capacity building, and financial literacy programs.
SheCreates, IIFL HFL’s flagship CSR project, focuses on uplifting local artisans and promotes financial independence for women artisans while emphasizing cultural heritage preservation and socio-economic empowerment. The project aims to support more than 250 women artisans under Dolon Kundu’s supervision, with the potential to increase production capacity from 10,000 to 50,000 products per month. For this, IIFL Home Finance has extended a grant of Rs. 10 Lacs towards the artisans under Kundu’s NGO to gradually invest and support livelihood of thriving artisans.
Madhvi Gupta, Head – Marketing, ESG and CSR, IIFL Home Finance said, “At the core of SheCreates lies our conviction that art has the power to transform lives. This initiative not only stresses on relevance of women in the housing and society at large but also celebrates local artisans and our heritage. By supporting exceptional artisans such as Dolon Kundu, whose terracotta art is a testament to incredible craftsmanship, we are dedicated to advancing financial literacy, capacity building, and sustainable growth for women artisans across India. Dolon’s artistry embodies the soul of our mission, and we are honored to support such inspiring talent. It’s a testament to our commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and inclusive development.”
In addition to providing infrastructure support, IIFL HFL offers extensive financial literacy and capacity-building training for the artisans. The program will include lessons on basic financial management, digital literacy, entrepreneurship skills, investment planning, and access to credit. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs for workspace and equipment but also empowers these women with the skills to manage their financial futures, ensuring a lasting socio-economic impact.
The initiative not only addresses immediate needs for workspace and equipment but also equips these women with the skills to manage their financial futures, creating a lasting socio-economic impact.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Himachal Road Transport Corporation to get Digital Transit Solutions for passengers’ convenience 

Himachal Road Transport Corporation to get Digital Transit Solutions for passengers’ convenience
Himachal Pradesh, India: In a significant move to enhance public transportation services, Hitachi Payment Services, an end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider, teamed up with AbhiBus, one of India’s leading bus booking platforms to implement an Integrated Ticketing Management System (IMTS) and provide cashless ticketing solutions for state-run buses in Himachal Pradesh. This collaboration marks the first such initiative in the state, aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and promoting cashless travel amongst the 1.5 crore+ passengers that use the state transport services each month.
The new digital transit solution will enable passengers to access real-time seat availability, make advance bookings, book tickets online via HRTC mobile app or website, get tickets in real time at HRTC bus counters and make payments enroute, via state-of-the-art GPRS enabled Electronic Bus Ticketing Machine (EBTM). Passengers can also choose their preferred digital payment mode from a range of options, including debit/credit card, UPI, QR code, prepaid wallet, and NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) card. Passengers in the free or concessional category can present their smart card pass to the conductor to issue the appropriate travel tickets via EBTM. The EBTM records both the full fare and the concession fare while ensuring a seamless and efficient ticketing service. Additionally, passengers can conveniently check the current timetable for every bus departing from a specific bus stop to any desired location.
Anuj Khosla, CEO – Digital Business, Hitachi Payment Services, said, “We are happy to be awarded the prestigious HRTC project. At Hitachi Payment Services, we have been pioneering advanced transit solutions that drive greater convenience for passengers and at the same time improve efficiency for transport operators. Our collaboration with AbhiBus for the Integrated Ticketing Management System will create a new ticketing experience for state public transport users in Himachal. Through our innovative offerings, we continue to transform the transit sector and empower citizens with secure and convenient digital payments.”
Rohit Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, AbhiBus, stated, “We are delighted to partner with HRTC and Hitachi Payment Services for this prestigious project. This partnership enhances travel with instant ticketing, digital ease, and a superior booking experience for over 3,100+ buses. Himachal Pradesh is now at the forefront of digital bus travel.”
Shri. Rohan Chand Thakur, IAS, Managing Director, Himachal Road Transport Corporation, also expressed, “The implementation of an Integrated Ticketing Management System is a significant milestone for us. It allows us to access real- time bus schedules, not only alleviating traffic congestion but also enhancing safety measures. Furthermore, the introduction of digital payments holds great importance, not just for passengers, but also for the hardworking conductors who meticulously account for every penny at the end of each trip, ultimately saving valuable time.”
Himachal has always been an early adopter of technology and now stands tall among a select group of states with the digitalisation of ticketing services for HRTC. For HRTC, it marks a significant step towards digitalization and integration of its ticketing systems, revolutionizing the overall travel experience for passengers.

 

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

AB InBev India joins the ONDC Network to empower micro-entrepreneurs

AB InBev India joins the ONDC Network to empower micro-entrepreneurs
Bengaluru, India: AB InBev India, a leading beer and beverage company, is empowering micro-entrepreneurs across India through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This initiative is a part of AB InBev India’s ‘Swadhaar’ program, which aims to help businesses run by micro-entrepreneurs across the communities the company serves.
The ‘Swadhaar’ program addresses challenges faced by micro-enterprises, particularly those in the food processing, retail distribution, and allied sectors. These businesses often lack access to national markets and digital skills, limiting their income and growth potential. The program is specifically aimed at digitally empowering micro-entrepreneurs in the rural, semi-rural, and peri-urban areas, focusing on farmers, micro-businesses, MSMEs, and Kirana stores with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 3 crores.
“Swadhaar will create an equitable and thriving ecosystem for micro-enterprises,” said Anasuya Ray, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, AB InBev India. “By leveraging the ONDC Network, we aim to bridge the digital divide and unlock multiple opportunities for small businesses. This initiative will not only empower micro-entrepreneurs to expand their e-commerce prospects in the communities we serve but also strengthen our value chain, ensuring that we support and grow alongside our partners at every level.”
Through Swadhaar, AB InBev India plans to onboard over 5,000 new sellers on ONDC Network by 2030. This will contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth and empower rural communities across India.
In its first year, the Swadhaar program aims to empower 500 small-scale sellers across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal through the ONDC Network. The initiative places a special emphasis on onboarding small-scale, women-led enterprises, farmers, nano-businesses, MSMEs, and Kirana stores from diverse sectors like retail, FMCG, agro-food and allied sectors.
The ONDC Network, a key driver of digital commerce growth, is a Government of India initiative designed to foster an inclusive and expansive digital future for Indian businesses. AB InBev India through Swadhaar leverages ONDC Network’s power to unlock exponential growth in the e-commerce space across all sectors.
T. Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, said, “ONDC Network’s mission is to democratize digital commerce, enabling businesses of every size to flourish in the online marketplace. AB InBev India’s Swadhaar program, harnessing the power of the vast Open Network, perfectly illustrates how we can empower micro-entrepreneurs to overcome geographical barriers and showcase their products to customers nationwide. By prioritising underserved segments such as women-led enterprises and rural businesses, we’re not merely expanding e-commerce accessibility; we’re fundamentally reshaping how small businesses engage in the digital economy, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous India.”

 

 

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CSR: Maithon Power Limited Celebrates Triumph of Future Football Stars from Jharkhand

CSR: Maithon Power Limited Celebrates Triumph of Future Football Stars from Jharkhand
Ranchi, India: Maithon Power Limited (MPL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Jharkhand’s Under-14 football team, which has secured the runner-up position in the National Football Championship. Gauri Singh, Moutushi Mandal, and SunenaTudu who were part of the under 14 Jharkhand football team made it to the team through MPL’s ‘Essential Enablers ‘ Program.
Gauri, Moutushi, and Sunena have demonstrated extraordinary skill and commitment throughout the tournament, contributing significantly to their team’s success. Their impressive performance is a testament to MPL’s dedication to nurturing athletic talent and advancing sports development in rural communities through its ‘Essential Enablers’ sports project, an initiative launched in 2018 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
The ‘Essential Enablers’ project aims to provide sports training and infrastructure to over 1500 community youth, with a special focus on empowering girls and marginalized groups. This initiative has proven to be a powerful catalyst for positive change, offering meaningful alternatives and engaging youth from affirmative action groups in constructive activities.
The project has produced impressive results, with over 1200 athletes trained and 265 medals won in various competitions across Maithon, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, and India. Beyond their athletic achievements, the initiative has significantly enhanced the overall well-being of the community. By providing a safe and supportive environment, it has promoted healthy lifestyles, social cohesion, improved academic performance, enhanced self-esteem, and strengthened interpersonal skills among participants.
MPL’s support continues to play a crucial role in fostering sports development in the region. Through investments in sports infrastructure, training, and competitions, MPL has helped create a dynamic sports ecosystem that benefits countless young people and paves the way for future champions

 

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