Home CATEGORIES Business Ethics & Philanthropy The Ultimate Report on CSR of Infosys Limited

The Ultimate Report on CSR of Infosys Limited

By
Hency Thacker
-
9369
0
SHARE
Infosys Foundation
 
The name Infosys resonates with Corporate Ethics in the Indian Corporate Arena. Infosys is the flagship company of India’s mighty ITES ( Information Technology Enabled Services) sector. Along with sustained financial performance, the company was an early adopter of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Infosys addresses some of India’s most pressing development challenges in the areas of Education, Rural Development, Gender Equality & Women Empowerment, Environment Sustainability, Preserving National Heritage & Culture, Hunger, Poverty, Malnutrition and Health. Infosys Foundation has been spending on development projects through its CSR initiatives before it became mandatory for companies in India to spend 2% of their net profits on Corporate Social Responsibility Activities.
Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of Infosys have touched over 3.8 million lives in India since its inception and continue to impact thousands every year. In FY 2022-23, the company spent a total of Rs. 517 Cr. on CSR across the globe, of which Rs. 391.51 Cr. was spent in India. The company was obligated to spend a total of Rs. 436.84 Cr. on CSR in FY 22, as per the Company’s Act. The unspent amount of Rs. 45.33 Cr. has been transferred to the unspent funds for the next year.

1. Infosys Foundation – The CSR arm of Infosys

Infosys carries out its CSR activities in India through the Infosys Foundation. Infosys Foundation was established in 1996 to bring about holistic development around the community where it operates through its CSR projects.

2. CSR Policy

Infosys CSR Policy intends to:
– Strive for economic development that positively impacts the society at large with a minimal resource footprint.
– Embrace responsibility for the Company’s actions and encourage a positive impact through its activities on hunger, poverty, malnutrition, environment, communities, stakeholders and society.

2.1. CSR Committee

According to the guidelines of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Company has constituted a Board-level CSR Committee to monitor the implementation of the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy of the Company from time to time. The Company’s CSR policy and initiatives highlight the vision and list o delineate the vision, mission, thrust areas, and critical requirements as per the Schedule VII of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, which lists out various areas in which corporate entities are expected to deploy their CSR funds and implement programs for social development. The Infosys Corporate Social Responsibility Committee comprises of:
1. Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Chairperson)
2. Govind Iyerv(Chairperson)
3. Chitra Nayak
4. Uri Levine
The CSR committee performs the following functions:
– Recommend the amount of expenditure for the CSR activities, and
– Monitor CSR activities from time to time.
The committee meets every quarter to create strategy and monitor actions as well as outcomes of Infosys’s social development projects.

3. Healthcare

The Infosys Foundation has consistently placed healthcare as a top priority. With the aim of providing affordable, equitable, and high-quality healthcare to individuals regardless of their urban or rural residence, the Foundation has actively strived to enhance infrastructure, deliver cutting-edge medical equipment, promote awareness, strengthen public health initiatives, and facilitate timely research across various medical domains.

3.1 AIIMS Partnership

In 2015-16, the collaboration between Infosys Foundation and AIIMS began with the establishment of a chair professorship in oncology aimed at supporting faculty scientists and students in pursuing research in this field. Subsequently, the Foundation expanded its chair professorships to include obstetrics and gynaecology. In 2019-20, the Foundation took the initiative to construct an 800-bed Dharamshala at the AIIMS Jhajjar campus, specifically within the premises of the National Cancer Institute.

Infosys Foundation Dharamshala

In 2021, AIIMS introduced a new MCH Block on the hospital premises in New Delhi. This block encompasses 455 beds dedicated to the inpatient care of obstetrics, gynaecology, and pediatric patients. It includes 72 Intensive Care Unit beds, 17 Operation Theatre beds, and two beds exclusively for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). AIIMS approached the Foundation for support in swiftly operationalizing the block by providing essential, high-end medical equipment across departments such as obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, pediatric surgery, anesthesiology, and radiology. The Foundation’s grant also facilitated the establishment of a specialized state-of-the-art genetic lab and computerized enterprise imaging data management system within the block.
Through the Foundation’s grant, a wide range of equipment, including ultrasound machines, incubators, ventilators, dialysis machines, monitors, OT tables, and laboratory equipment, was procured. The MCH block is expected to be fully operational by the end of June 2023, with most services already functioning. The outpatient services are fully operational, while inpatient and OT services are partially available.
In addition to the requirements for the MCH Block, AIIMS also approached the Foundation for support in implementing an integrated Enterprise RIS (Radiology Information System), VNA (Vendor Neutral Archive), and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System). Previously, the radiology imaging databases in the various hospitals and centres of AIIMS New Delhi were separate and independent systems. However, with the implementation of RIS VNA PACS, the entire radiology imaging system will be unified. This integration will replace departmental data silos with central healthcare enterprise databases, enabling the capture of data from any source and in any format. The simplified storage and access of imaging data will have a significant positive impact on patient care, as well as research and teaching efforts.
Each year, a substantial number of individuals seek care at the MCH block, with approximately 570,000 outpatients and around 27,000 inpatients expected to benefit annually from the Foundation’s grant. The full impact of the imaging data management system will become more evident once it is fully implemented later this year.
The Infosys Foundation takes pride in contributing to the establishment of public healthcare facilities at AIIMS, facilitating the delivery of critical and specialized care to patients. The lasting impact of this project will benefit generations to come as they witness and benefit from these advancements in healthcare.

3.2 Type 2 Diabetes Reversal

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent form of diabetes worldwide, necessitating medication and insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels. However, what if we could halt the progression of diabetes without relying on medication or bariatric surgery? Research suggests that T2D patients can restore healthy blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and healthy weight loss.
As part of its commitment to addressing the escalating burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in India, Infosys Foundation aims to support T2D patients in enhancing their quality of life and mitigating the complications associated with the condition. The Foundation has partnered with the Association for Diabetes and Obesity Reversal (ADORE) to empower T2D patients to adopt healthy lifestyles and make dietary modifications that enable them to achieve and sustain normal blood sugar levels without medication.
To realize this goal, Infosys Foundation has facilitated the establishment of two Diabetes Reversal Counseling Centers in Pune and Nagpur in November 2022 and December 2022, respectively. In August 2022, the Infosys Foundation Diabetes Care Program was launched in collaboration with ADORE. The project is scheduled to be completed by July 2025.
As part of the Infosys Foundation Diabetes Care Program, ADORE successfully organized free HbA1c testing camps in Pune and Nagpur. These camps identified over 100 individuals with diabetes and 350 individuals with pre-diabetes. As of March 4, 2023, a total of 568 registered Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) patients have enrolled in the lifestyle modification program.

3.3 Upgradation of Infrastructure

In fiscal year 2023, the Infosys Foundation extended its support to the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences in Bengaluru. The Foundation’s assistance involved the provision of diagnostic and medical care equipment, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to meet the growing demand for care, including COVID and long COVID-related treatments. Specifically, the Foundation supplied the hospital with a cardiac CT (Computed Tomography) unit and a flat-panel cardiac cath lab.
In 2021, the Foundation also undertook the construction of a 350-bed hospital block dedicated to the institute. With the addition of this block, the Jayadeva hospital’s total capacity for cardiac care expanded to 2,000 beds. In the year 2022 alone, the hospital successfully treated 68,902 inpatients. The medical team performed a total of 4,586 open heart surgeries, 28,555 coronary angiograms, and 54,371 cath lab procedures. These statistics highlight the crucial role played by the CT unit and cath lab, which are integral to the operations of the Jayadeva hospital. As patient numbers continue to rise, the acquisition of new equipment has become a necessity for the hospital.
The cardiac CT unit plays a crucial role in the early detection of heart diseases and congenital conditions, particularly in children. On the other hand, the flat-panel cardiac cath lab facilitates essential procedures such as coronary angiograms, angioplasty, stenting, device closure, and pacemaker implantation. The implementation of these new units is expected to benefit a minimum of 9,600 patients annually, enabling enhanced diagnostic capabilities and improved treatment outcomes at the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences.

4. Women Empowerment

The welfare of women in the country has been a consistent focus for Infosys Foundation, which has undertaken numerous projects dedicated to women empowerment. This year, the Foundation has embarked on ambitious initiatives in this domain that are poised to revolutionize the opportunities available to women, enabling them to showcase their talents and capabilities within their communities and the nation as a whole. These projects represent significant game-changers in the pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

4.1 Infosys-GoSports Foundation Girls for Gold program

The Girls for Gold program has a clear objective of creating an exclusive and high-performance excellence plan specifically tailored for junior and emerging female athletes. This will be achieved by facilitating access to world-class sporting expertise, establishing sports science centers, and providing support to academies across various sports. The program’s grant will cover a four-year period from November 2022 to October 2026.

Girls for Gold Programme Infosys CSR

The allocated funds will be utilized for the following purposes:
– Identifying top-notch academies and exceptional coaches in India, spanning at least six sports such as badminton, table tennis, weightlifting, boxing, athletics, and shooting.
– Identifying and supporting the next generation of talented female athletes aged between 13 and 19 years.
– Providing athlete scholarships, supporting coaches, and assisting academies to enhance athlete performance recognition.
– Establishing a comprehensive sports science center that encompasses essential facilities like a recovery center, high-performance labs, and bio-mechanic laboratories.
– Fostering education, research, advocacy, and outreach activities.
– Undertaking selections, renewals, and due diligence processes.
– Monitoring progress, implementing reporting mechanisms, and leveraging technology for effective program management.
– Ensuring smooth operation and implementation of the program.
The primary goal of this program is to develop a robust community of female athletes who consistently achieve international success, establish sustainable careers, and serve as role models for future generations of girls. Moreover, the program aims to cultivate a pipeline of capable leaders in the field of sports. It will also contribute to the establishment of professionally-run, world-class academies that prioritize systematic approaches and leverage technology to nurture a wide array of female sporting talents for the nation.

4.2 Infosys Foundation-Avanti Fellows Girls STEM Education Program

With the backing of Infosys Foundation, Avanti Fellows launched the Girls STEM Education Program, aiming to offer free engineering and medical test preparation assistance to female students. In fiscal year 2023, the organization placed its focus on educating girls in various regions, including Delhi, Kerala, Telangana, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Nagaland.
To equip the students with the necessary skills, the program provided them with 6-12 hours of intensive test preparation classes on a weekly basis, conducted outside regular school hours. The Avanti team diligently conducted weekly assessments, spanning 1-3 hours, to gauge the students’ learning levels and track their progress. These evaluations were comprehensive and diagnostic in nature, generating valuable data points that were utilized to customize the guidance and support needed for each student.
Alongside the test preparation classes, the students were provided with JEE/NEET online learning resources, class recordings, mock tests, and orientation sessions. These resources aimed to maximize the utilization of Avanti’s technology platform, enabling students to access online sessions and weekly assessment tests effectively. Through these sessions and tests, students were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to manifest their academic aspirations and pursue their desired careers.

4.3 Gender Equity Through Education

Infosys Foundation is deeply committed to the empowerment of women and girls through educational initiatives and skill development programs. The collaborative effort between Infosys Foundation and CITTA Education Foundation India aims to provide quality education to students hailing from villages and hamlets in Sam, Salkha, and Kanoi regions of Rajasthan. Specifically, this program targets the students of Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The overarching goal is to educate and empower these girls, enabling them to become well-informed, courageous, competent, and empathetic global citizens. CITTA Education Foundation India, a non-profit organization, focuses on supporting underprivileged, economically-challenged, and marginalized communities residing in geographically remote areas of Rajasthan. Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School is duly registered with the Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan (RBSC).
This one-year program, commencing in March 2023, adopts an innovative and engaging approach to learning by integrating digital and activity-based methodologies. The program aims to foster conceptual clarity in foundational subjects, ensuring that the learning process is not only effective but also enjoyable for the students. By creating a vibrant and interactive learning environment, the program endeavors to instill a love for learning and engage the students actively in their educational journey.
The joint venture between Infosys and CITTA Education Foundation India aims to enhance educational opportunities for girls in the region, with a strong focus on promoting gender equality, bridging the gender gap in education, and empowering girls to become self-reliant. The project endeavors to create a safe, supportive, positive, and inclusive learning environment for the girls, while equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to develop social and emotional skills. In addition to academic pursuits, the project emphasizes the importance of extracurricular activities, such as sports and handicrafts, to foster holistic development and enable the exploration of talents and interests.
An essential aspect of the initiative involves promoting community involvement and engaging parents and community members in supporting girls’ education. To ensure the project’s effectiveness, a comprehensive survey conducted in collaboration with the district administration of Jaisalmer assessed the wealth index of over 400 families residing within a 20-kilometer radius. The survey findings informed the selection process, enabling the project to reach students from vulnerable and financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The program encompasses both academic and 21st-century skills training, enabling the girls to discover their inner strengths and focus on holistic development beyond mere academic success. The initiative will benefit 140 students across various grade levels, from classes 1 to 5. In addition to providing quality education, the girls will receive essential learning materials, uniforms, midday meals, and a convenient pick-up and drop-off facility. The classes are designed to be highly encouraging and interactive, with the aim of improving enrollment rates and promoting student retention.
To leverage the benefits of technology in education, the project team will establish a digital library within the school premises. This initiative will introduce technology-enhanced learning, making the classroom environment more engaging for the students and familiarizing them with digital tools. The digital library will offer a range of resources, including e-books, educational videos, and digital games, to supplement traditional learning methods. By integrating digital literacy into the curriculum, the students will develop the essential skills needed for success in the 21st century.

5. Environmental Sustainability

In recent times, the Infosys Foundation has intensified its efforts towards environmental initiatives, aiming to restore equilibrium that has been disrupted by pollution, mismanagement and depletion of natural resources, exacerbated climate change, and human-induced damage.

5.1 Restoring an Architectural and Green Heritage

Infosys Foundation recognizes its responsibility towards future generations and believes in the restoration of heritage sites and water bodies. In the past, the Foundation has partnered with various organizations to restore significant heritage sites. This time, in collaboration with the Society for Advancement of Human Endeavor (SAHE) based in Telangana, the Foundation has undertaken a monumental task.
One such site in focus is the Lingampet stepwell, known as Naganna Baavi. Historically, stepwells were constructed across India by royalty to provide water to the people and serve as shelters for travelers. However, with the advent of piped water and drilled wells, many of these magnificent structures were abandoned and fell into disrepair, becoming neglected and even serving as dumping grounds.
Over the years, Naganna Baavi had suffered from neglect, leading to the growth of vegetation and trees within its premises. This deterioration weakened the structure of the five-level stepwell, each level being at least 20 feet high. The accumulation of silt and waste obstructed the aquifers, making it challenging to access the stepwell. Additionally, the intrusion of 30-year-old trees into the masonry and the lack of demarcation posed further challenges.
Recognizing the value of the structure and its potential to enhance the lives of the local community, SAHE was invited by the Kamareddy Collectorate to restore Naganna Baavi. SAHE undertook the documentation of the project and appointed architects for the restoration, while Infosys Foundation provided vital support and funding. Dedicated volunteers from Infosys monitored the progress and supplied the necessary tools for this enormous undertaking.
The restoration of Naganna Baavi holds numerous benefits. It will reactivate the aquifers and improve groundwater resources, directly benefiting approximately 20,000 locals in the area and revitalizing an entire ecosystem. With a capacity to hold over 18 lakh litres of water, the revival of the stepwell will also support the agricultural needs of farmers in the region. Furthermore, it aims to raise awareness among residents about the significance of water resources and promote their sustainable utilization.

5.2 Sustainable Transport

Namma Metro, the metro rail transport system of Bengaluru, has become an integral and indispensable part of the city’s daily life. With its extensive 70-kilometer network, it serves a remarkable daily ridership of 380,000 people. Each day, these individuals contribute to reducing air pollution and carbon emissions, making a positive impact on the environment. It is a source of great pride for Infosys Foundation to be a significant partner of Namma Metro, actively involved in the construction of the Infosys Foundation Electronic City Station, an essential element of Phase 2 of the metro rail project.
The decision of Infosys Foundation to support this metro rail project is rooted in its steadfast commitment to promoting environmental sustainability. By providing a seamless and time-efficient commute, the metro project has liberated countless travellers who were previously trapped in perpetual traffic congestion. The Infosys Foundation Electronic City Station serves as a vital transportation hub for thousands of professionals commuting to the bustling IT centre of Bengaluru. While the project faced delays due to the unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Foundation and BMRCL in 2018-19, work has now resumed and is nearing completion, showcasing the dedication and resilience of all involved parties.

6. Art and Culture

The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru, established by the Art & Photography Foundation, is at the forefront of leveraging technology to bring arts and culture to the heart of society. Infosys Foundation, a firm believer in promoting art and preserving it for future generations, stands as a proud partner of MAP in this endeavor.
The collaboration between Infosys Foundation and MAP began in 2020 when the Foundation became one of the founding patrons, providing crucial support and becoming a valued donor. This support primarily focused on the construction of the museum building in Bengaluru and the technological development of the digital museum, an encyclopedia, interactive website experiences, software visualizations, and exhibitions. On February 18, 2023, the museum opened its doors to the public.
The Infosys Foundation Gallery hosts art exhibitions showcasing the finest works of renowned and emerging artists. Each exhibition spans three months and offers free access to unique and exquisite artworks. This art gallery serves as a platform to support artists and ensure that art enthusiasts can revel in the beauty of exceptional creations.
Taking art beyond the confines of museums and galleries, the ongoing partnership project, initiated in September 2022 and scheduled for completion in August 2025, focuses on innovative museum experiences. With the Foundation’s support, MAP is creating wall-based three-dimensional (3D) holographic projectors, a digital platform to catalog the MAP collection, and state-of-the-art IT infrastructure for the new museum. Additionally, a user-friendly and captivating website is being developed, providing visitors with a virtual museum experience complete with comprehensive details of the collection, digital exhibitions, ongoing and upcoming events, blogs, articles, video series, and educational initiatives.
Another significant aspect of the project is the creation of the MAP Academy Encyclopedia of Art (MAEA), an extensive and inclusive online resource featuring historical research on art from South Asia. This encyclopedia is freely accessible to all, promoting knowledge and understanding of the region’s artistic heritage.
Furthermore, the project emphasizes comprehensive content creation, particularly for digital platforms. From exploring artificial intelligence and holographic technology to utilizing 3D representations, photogrammetry, virtual reality, and touch screens, the team continually seeks ways to enhance public engagement and enrich art experiences.

Conclusion

Infosys Foundation through its CSR projects has worked towards helping society and achieving sustainable development. It leverages its high tech background and implements projects which are tracked on a real-time basis and hence create lasting impact in the community.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR