Gurugram, formerly known as Gurgaon is the country’s second-largest Information Technology hub, and third-largest financial and banking hub. Located in the northern part of Haryana, Gurugram is a major city in the NCR. The city is popularly known as ‘Cyber City’ and ‘Millennium City’ as a number of IT companies are located there. The city is also home to India’s largest medical tourism industry. In the financial year 2023, Gurugram solidified its position as a beacon of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, emerging as the highest recipient of CSR funds in Haryana. A staggering total of Rs 280.09 crore poured into the city from 666 companies, emphasising the city’s appeal as a CSR destination.

Gurugram’s unique blend of economic significance and cosmopolitan charm has drawn the attention of numerous corporations seeking to make a meaningful impact through CSR efforts. This city’s key strength lies in its ability to provide a vast platform for businesses to engage in philanthropic activities, community development, and sustainability projects. However, it is essential to delve into the factors that have made Gurugram an attractive choice for corporate CSR initiatives.

In FY23, the top three areas of focus for the CSR programs in Gurugram were: education, environment and health with an expenditure of Rs 150.07 crore, Rs 57.37 crore, and Rs 45.65 crore respectively in them. The top three spenders in the state include Maruti Suzuki India Limited (Rs 22.88 crore), Hero Motocorp Limited (Rs 22.76 crore), and Powergrid Corporation of India Limited (Rs 19.16 crore).

Let’s take a look some of the top CSR projects in Gurugram:

CSR of Flipkart Foundation for Digital Literacy in Gurugram

Flipkart Foundation, the charitable arm of the Flipkart Group, has expanded its collaboration with Pratham InfoTech Foundation to launch the second phase of the ‘Digital Literacy and 21st Century Skills for Employability’ programme in Mumbai and Gurugram. This initiative aims to equip economically disadvantaged youth, aged 18 to 35, with essential digital and soft skills to enhance their job readiness. The programme follows a hybrid learning model that provides digital training, access to technology, and direct employment linkages.

Building upon the success of the first phase, which facilitated employment for approximately 2,400 individuals across various sectors while training 3,900 youth, the second phase aims to equip an additional 2,500 youth annually across ten community-based centres. Participants will be given laptops and other digital learning resources and will undergo comprehensive training in digital literacy, soft skills, and professional grooming, positively impacting 10,000 individuals, including indirect beneficiaries.

The initiative also offers mentorship, pre-placement training and job fairs to facilitate employment opportunities, targeting a minimum 60% job placement rate. With a strong focus on gender inclusivity, the programme further ensures that at least 50% of the participants are women, promoting equitable access to job opportunities​.

Sewing machines provided to underprivileged women under Tailoring programme

Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Kamdhenu Group has provided sewing machines to underprivileged women last month after completed the tailoring programme to start their own entrepreneurial journey. The foundation organises training programmes and offers material support to deserving trainees.

Kamdhenu Jeevandhara has been organising tailoring programs for the last 6 years with the intent of empowering underprivileged women to stand on their own feet’s to earn livelihood and support their families.

CSR of Signature Global for community development in Gurugram and NCR

Signature Global Foundation, the CSR arm of Signature Global (India) Limited recently announced that it has positively impacted the lives of over 48,000 individuals across Gurugram and the NCR region. With a focus on education, healthcare, and women empowerment, the Foundation continues to build pathways for sustainable community development.

One of its flagship initiatives, Project Paathshala is currently reaching 37,632 students across 78 government schools. By providing essentials like uniforms, stationery, school bags, winter kits, and improving school infrastructure, the initiative is helping bridge the education gap for children from underserved backgrounds. The long-term vision is to reach one lakh students, ensuring that every child gets a fair chance to thrive.

Under the Jagruk Beti, Swastha Beti initiative, the foundation’s focus is on adolescent health and empowerment. This has touched the lives of 6,488 girls by distributing hygiene kits, offering healthcare awareness, and conducting regular check-ups, the program equips young girls with the tools to lead healthier, more confident lives.

Through Aarogyarise initiative, mobile medical units in collaboration with Artemis Hospital have brought medical care directly to the doorstep of those in need. So far, 4,113 patients have received timely consultations and basic treatment services, including dental, eye care, and women’s health support.

CSR Initiative Feeding Students in Gurugram

Gurugram-based startup HonorTech has collaborated with Akshaya Patra Foundation for serving 2,50,000 meals to school children through Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal programme and beyond meal initiatives. The collaboration aims to address the battle against classroom hunger and critical issues that hinder education and overall development in India. This initiative will help in keeping students healthy and nourished and play crucial role in combating the malnutrition issue. This collaboration signifies a joint effort to make education accessible, eradicate malnutrition, and empower students in India to achieve their full potential by sponsoring meals and actively engaging with the community.

CSR for Environment

EcoGram, a green initiative in the form of a Biogas plant and material recovery facility, setup by Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) in Gurugram, has helped in saving 1.4 million kg of CO2 emissions, the foundation claims in a recent announcement.

Operational since October 2022, the facility has contributed to the environment by processing 4,04,000 kg waste collected from over 2000 households, as well as the Hyundai Motor India Headquarters in Gurugram, as per a press statement issued by the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited.

EcoGram is setup at a cost of Rs. 2.13 crore. The facility has an annual electricity generation capacity of 76 megawatt, and is currently self-sustaining with plans of supplying electricity to the grid in the near future.  Situated in the heart of Gurugram, Haryana, EcoGram is HMIF’s sustainable answer for waste management concerns in metropolitan cities. The unit processes wet waste to produce Biogas which is then used to produce electricity. The plant also processes dry waste for recycling, which is then given to aggregators for recycling. The facility has a daily capacity of processing 2,000 kg wet waste and 5,000 kg dry waste.

CSR for Cyber Security in Gurugram

Smartphone brand vivo has collaborated with Gurugram Cyber Police to spread cybersecurity awareness through the #GiveBackToGurugram campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about cybersecurity issues and empower residents of Gurugram to protect themselves against cyber threats.

With cybercrime on the rise, it is crucial for individuals and companies to adopt safe online practices and protect themselves from potential scams and frauds. The campaign includes a range of outreach activities like cybersecurity training, awareness campaigns, youth outreach program, community engagement activities etc. with a focus on equipping residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to stay safe online. Moreover, it advocates for the use of the national helpline number – 1930 for reporting cybercrime, offering resources, and support for victims.

Encouraging caution in sharing personal information and interacting with unfamiliar individuals, both online and offline, the program emphasises the importance of safeguarding privacy to prevent falling victim to cyber scams. Banners and hoardings are being prominently displayed at Millennium/Huda and Sikanderpur Metro stations, within the yellow line metro rail, on social media platforms, and in IT parks across Gurugram to raise awareness.

In recent years, cybercrimes have surged at an alarming rate, posing a significant threat to individuals and organisations alike. In 2023, Gurugram residents suffered losses exceeding Rs 300 crores due to cyber frauds. It is concerning that only 1 out of 50 cases were reported to authorities, highlighting the urgent need for cybersecurity awareness and preparedness.