The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has always been at the centre of conflict because of its proximity to the border. This has caused the state of development in the region to lag behind the rest of the country. After the Abrogation of Article 370, the Government of India has appealed to India Inc. to invest in the newly formed Union Territory and generate new business and employment opportunities. This has also led to an increase in CSR spending in the region.
Top Companies for CSR in Jammu and Kashmir
Tata Consultancy Services
Tata Consultancy Services in partnership with the University of Kashmir has launched a program to improve the employability skills of students in Kashmir, under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
Over the next three years, TCS will carry out its Youth Employment Program (YEP), BridgeIT, goIT, Ignite My Future (IMF) and Adult Literacy Program (ALP) which have already seen success in other parts of the country. Under the YEP, school and college students will be trained in 21st-century skills that are required to be successful in the digital economy. The training program covers English communication, corporate etiquette, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, basic computer and technical skills, and self-confidence.
The University of Kashmir will play the role of a facilitator to create linkages for TCS to drive its goIT and IMF initiatives. goIT is a program for school students that increases interest in technology through design thinking, mobile app development, and mentorship from TCS employees. TCS Ignite My Future Program is a pioneering, transdisciplinary educator training and resource program which aims to transform the way students learn.
The ALP will augment the Government of India’s efforts to address the challenge of educating adults. The ALP will be implemented through the university’s Directorate of Lifelong Learning.
The Power Grid Corporation of India
The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with J&K Projects Construction Corporation Limited for the construction of 16 toilets at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Nud in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of POWERGRID, MoU was by senior officers from POWERGRID and JKPCC limited. These toilets will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 46.89 lakhs within 9 months, said an official. He said that Somnath, Principal, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, thanked POWERGRID for taking up this CSR initiative for providing hygienic infrastructure in the school premises which will benefit around 450 students and 70 staff members.
As a responsible Corporate Citizen, POWERGRID has been extending support for the development of various infrastructure activities in the Jammu province through its CSR initiatives amounting to more than Rs 2 crore during the last three years. POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LIMITED is a Maharatna Enterprise under the Ministry of Power having its regional headquarters of Northern Region-II at Jammu. POWERGRID, Northern Region -II with headquarters in Jammu is having its Transmission System spread over in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, parts of Haryana and UT of Chandigarh, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian Army
In a philanthropic move, the Indian Army is providing free preparation for medical competitive exams through the ‘Army HPCL Kashmir Super 50’ initiative in the northern districts of Kashmir. The Army is also offering financial assistance to students who are accepted into prestigious medical schools by funding their expenses.
‘Project Kashmir Super 50’ is a programme aimed at improving the scholastic status of children from economically disadvantaged families in Kashmir. It was first released on March 22, 2013. The Indian Army, the Center for Social Responsibility and Leadership (CSRL), and PETRONET LNG Limited (PLL) have collaborated to execute the project in the region.
Wahid Farooq, a teacher at the Army-sponsored institute, stated that as part of the Army’s initiative, 30 boys and 20 females are studying in the coaching without paying any fees.
“We started this project in 2018 and visited every school. Written examinations were also held to shortlist students for the coaching programme. In 2018, a total of 30 students were selected, out of which 25 passed the entrance examination for the medical colleges. In 2021, the project was converted from Super 30 to Super 50, after which girls were also included. We have 30 boys and 20 girls studying here, and all the facilities are provided free so that they can pursue their dreams. Once the students get admissions to institutions like AIIMS, the Army will sponsor that fee also,” Farooq said.
