Discover how RPG Foundation tackles rural challenges, addresses gender bias, and advocates for progressive policies like equal paternity leave. Watch the full interview and see how change-makers are shaping better tomorrow and empowerment women’s.

Watch the full interview here

The post Exclusive: RPG Foundation Director Radha Goenka opens up about their CSR programmes appeared first on The CSR Journal.

मुंबई शहर की ऐतिहासिक धरोहर है बाणगंगा सरोवर, माता सीता की खोज में मुंबई के वालकेश्वर इलाके में यही प्रभु राम के चरण पड़े थे और अपने बाण से गंगा की धार निकालकर प्रभु राम ने अपनी प्यास बुझाई थी। इसी पैराणिक और ऐतिहासिक धरा की धरोहर बचाने के लिए RPG ग्रुप आगे आया लेकिन शायद RPG ग्रुप की मंशा ठीक नहीं थी। Revival and Restoration of Banganga प्रोजेक्ट के तहत RPG ग्रुप अपने सीएसआर से 2 सालों में 3 करोड़ 30 लाख खर्च किये लेकिन इन 3 करोड़ 30 लाख में बाणगंगा का कितना ब्यूटीफिकेशन और कितना हेरिटेज रीवाइवल हुआ आज इसी का पड़ताल The CSR Journal अपने ख़ास प्रोग्राम Deep Dive के जरिये करेगा।

RPG Group की दो कंपनियों CEAT और KEC International ने दिया CSR Fund

The CSR Journal के पास मौजूद दस्तावेजों के मुताबिक टायर मैन्युफैक्चरिंग कंपनी CEAT और Power Transmission कंपनी KEC International दोनों ने मिलकर बाणगंगा के रिवाइवल के लिए 3 करोड़ 30 लाख रुपये खर्च किया। 3 करोड़ 30 लाख खर्च करने के बाद आपको ऐसा लग रहा होगा कि Banganga का जीर्णोद्धार हो गया होगा लेकिन सच्चाई इससे परे है। दस्तावेजों में लिखे आकड़े और ग्राउंड रियलिटी चेक करने के लिए जब The CSR Journal की बाणगंगा पहुंची तो पाया कि Harsha Goenka की कंपनी RPG Enterprises ने पानी की तरह पैसा बहाया है लेकिन मौके पर काम मात्र दिखावा है।

3 करोड़ के सीएसआर फंड से लगाए बेंच, स्ट्रीट लाइट, Information Signage ख़राब हो रहे हैं

Revival and Restoration of Banganga प्रोजेक्ट के तहत RPG ग्रुप अपने सीएसआर से बैठने के लिए चंद बेंच, दीवारों पर पेंटिंग, हेरिटेज स्ट्रीट लाइट, बच्चों के लिए प्ले गार्डन, Information Signage ही लगाए है जिसके लिए RPG Group की टायर मैन्युफैक्चरिंग कंपनी CEAT ने अपने CSR फंड से साल 2021-2022 में 61.75 लाख रुपये खर्च किया तो वही साल 2020 2021 में Ceat Tyre ने 38.35 लाख खर्च किये। RPG की दूसरी कंपनी KEC International ने साल 2020 2021 में 83 लाख और साल 2021-2022 में 1.46 करोड़ खर्च किया है।

RPG ग्रुप के ही फाउंडेशन RPG Foundation ने किया है काम

The CSR Journal की Investigative Team ने बाकायदा RTI के अधिकार का इस्तेमाल करते हुए पूरे के पूरे डॉक्यूमेंटस निकाले और बाणगंगा में जाकर मौके पर पड़ताल की। बेंच देखें, Information Signage देखे, लाइटें देखी और पड़ताल में पाया कि बेंचेस खराब हो रहे है, लाइटें भी खराब हो रही है। इसी के लिए लगातार Harsha Goenka की कंपनी RPG Enterprises ने 2 वर्षों में पानी की तरह पैसा बहाते हुए 3 करोड़ 30 लाख रुपये खर्च किया है।

आरपीजी ग्रुप के सीएसआर का पैसा गया तो गया कहां – स्थानीय निवासी

स्थानीय निवासी आशीष तिवारी से जब The CSR Journal ने बात की तो उन्होंने बताया कि ” RPG ने इतका करोड़ कहां खर्च किया यहां पर तो कुछ दिख ही नहीं रहा है”। वहीं चिराग दवे ने कहा कि “आरपीजी फाउंडेशन द्वारा लगाए गए बिजली के खंबे की वायरिंग ऐसे ही खुली थी जो किसी दुर्घटना को निमंत्रण दे रही थी। पारंपरिक स्ट्रीट लाइट निकालकर हेरिटेज लाइट के खंबे लगाए गए जो आये दिन खराब रहता है जिसे ठीक कराने का कोई मैकेनिज्म नहीं है।”

Revival और Restoration का RPG Group का काम मात्र दिखावा है

हमेशा बाणगंगा को हाशिये पर देखा गया है। गंदगी, दुर्दशा की दंश हमेशा से ही बाणगंगा ने झेला है। बहरहाल बाणगंगा के नाम पर आरपीजी ग्रुप ने 3 करोड़ 30 लाख रुपये खर्च कर डाले फिर भी बाणगंगा का ना Revival और ना ही Restoration हुआ। ऐसे में जरूर ये सवाल उठते है कि क्या आरपीजी का सीएसआर महज दिखावा है। क्या आरपीजी का सीएसआर सिर्फ पैसे का बंटाधार है। क्या आरपीजी का सीएसआर सिर्फ Waste of Money है।

The post बाणगंगा के नाम पर RPG Group ने फूंका 3 करोड़ का CSR फंड, ना हुआ Revival और ना ही Restoration appeared first on The CSR Journal.

The conglomerate, through its subsidiary firms CEAT and KEC International, is believed to have allocated Rs 3.3 crore in two years towards the Revival and Restoration of Banganga project. However, as part of the #DeepDive series by The CSR Journal, the effectiveness of this CSR project has been brought into question.

Claims vs Reality

Documents obtained by The CSR Journal have revealed that CEAT Tyres donated Rs 61.75 lakh in 2021-22 and Rs 38.35 lakh in 2020-21 for Banganga Restoration project. And KEC International donated Rs 83 lakh in 2020-21 and Rs 1.46 crore in 2021-22 for the same. The funds were allegedly used for setting up of heritage street lights, benches, information boards, paintings on walls, and a children’s play area.

However, when The CSR Journal’s reporting team visited Banganga, it was discovered that the reality on the ground was quite different. As per the preliminary observations, some of the benches at Banganga were in poor condition. Furthermore, many streetlights at the venue were dysfunctional, and the wiring was exposed which posed a safety hazard. The locals were not impressed by this CSR project. In fact, the residents expressed their disappointment, stating that the project had not led to any meaningful revival or restoration of Banganga.

Local Residents’ Voice

One of the residents named Ashish Tiwari highlighted the safety concerns of the project, pointing out that exposed cables on newly installed lampposts could lead to accidents, which could be fatal. Another resident, Chirag Dave, voiced his frustration over the lack of significant improvement despite the large CSR expenditure. He noted that Banganga had long suffered from neglect, and despite RPG Group’s efforts, its condition had remained largely unchanged.

Following the RPG Group’s CSR initiative, the Maharashtra government has announced a Rs 5 crore budget for Banganga’s development. This raises questions about the impact of the corporate spending: Was the CSR effort merely symbolic? Was public money utilised effectively?

While CSR initiatives are meant to preserve heritage and support communities, Banganga’s case underscores the need for greater transparency, accountability, and tangible results.

The post Where Did Rs 3.3 Crore Go? RPG Group’s Banganga Project Shows Little Progress appeared first on The CSR Journal.

Kickstarting this initiative, we are transforming the parks of Shantivan in Malabar Hills and Captain Namdev Lotankar Garden in Mahalaxmi.

The redesigned parks will function as ecologically-driven urban oasis, incorporating native plantations, soil and water-conserving landscaping principles. The strategic selection of Rora will enhance habitat connectivity and promote local pollinator population, building a more robust ecosystem.

By sequestering carbon-dioxide through photosynthesis, the redesigned parks will function as vital urban carbon sinks. Additionally, the native plants will contribute to urban heat island mitigation, lowering ambient temperatures through evapotranspiration, a natural cooling process. The enriched biodiversity will not only enhance the ecological balance but also serve as a valuable resource for environmental education and scientific research in the city.

Before:

After:

60% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2030, causing intense pressure on urban green spaces. Green cover across cities is rapidly decreasing. India recorded thehighest temperature th is year – 52.3 degrees celsius in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 49.2 degrees celsius set in 2002.

These redesigned parks offer a much-needed respite for Mumbaikars. Educational trails, informative signage, and designated seating areas will allow visitors to connect withnature in a meaningful way, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Captain Namdev Lotankar Garden

– Botanical Treasure Trove: It boasts 49 recorded tree species, with 24 native varieties.

– Heritage Trees: It houses 11 grand old trees, including 10 Raintrees and a Banyan, all classi1ed as heritage trees.

– Diverse Flora: The park showcases a variety of native and non-native trees like Kuchala, Java Olive, Mahogany, Rose Apple, and Ankol.

– Rich Fauna: A survey identi1ed 40 fauna species, including 14 butterRy species, birds like the Alexandrine Parakeet, and mammals like the Five-striped PalmSquirrel.

Shantivan Park

– Hidden Oasis: Features enchanting moss-covered paths and repurposed steps transformed into arti1cial streams and mini waterfalls, creating a charming escape.

– Biodiversity Hotspot: Boasts over 8G plant species and 50+ fauna species, showcasing a vibrant ecosystem within the city.

Reimagined Parks for a Sustainable Future

Starting with Mumbai, the project establishes a network of interconnected public parks and open spaces, stretching from the city’s northern tip to its southern end. Thisnetwork will provide suitable habitats, ensuring the seamless movement of Rora and fauna, ultimately promoting a resilient ecosystem with the long-term survival of diversenative species.

2021-2030 is the UN decade for preventing, halting, and reversing the loss of nature.

The post CSR initiative redesigns city’s parks for increasing biodiversity appeared first on The CSR Journal.

1t.org is a vital part of the World Economic Forum’s work to accelerate nature-based solutions in support of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).

RPG Group aims to reforest these trees across regions where they operate, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. RPG employees across group’s various companies will be actively involved in nurturing and growing these trees. The restoration drive will be spearheaded by RPG Foundation, the CSR arm of the conglomerate. The goal is to increase the number of trees in the area and explore ways to bring more advantages to both the community and the environment.

Anant Goenka, Vice Chairman of RPG Group shared, “We are committed to sustainable growth. This tree conservation, restoration and growth drive is a testament to our dedication to environmental conservation and our contribution to the reforestation efforts of the World Economic Forum. It’s not merely a pledge to grow a million trees; it’s a promise to contribute to a cleaner and greener tomorrow for all.”

Radha Goenka, CEO RPG Foundation said, “In keeping with RPG Foundation’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy, particularly in addressing authentic community needs, we are proud to announce a strategic alignment of our philanthropic initiatives with RPG’s sustainability efforts. Our initiatives have historically been geared towards addressing genuine needs and fostering happier communities.”

The choice of conserving and growing trees is a symbolic representation of the group’s focus on a green and clean environment. As trees represent life, growth, and interconnectedness, each tree grown becomes a tangible commitment to a brighter, happier, and greener world.

The post CSR: Mega plantation drive to conserve, restore and grow one million trees by 2030 appeared first on The CSR Journal.

Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Group, said, “Embracing diversity is not just a choice, it’s a responsibility. As we celebrate #PrideMonth, let us remember that true progress lies in respecting and uplifting every individual’s journey. Together, let’s create a world where love, acceptance, and equality reign.”

Pioneering LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and Partner Benefits

In its unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive society, RPG Group has introduced a ground-breaking LGBTQIA+ and Partners Benefits Policy. This policy redefines equality and extends comprehensive benefits to employees and their partners, irrespective of sexual orientation or marital status.

Under this progressive policy, RPG Group recognizes partners of its employees, regardless of sexual orientation, as equivalent to ‘Spouse’ or ‘spousal equivalent.’ Partners, both same-sex and heterosexual, now have access to the same benefits as spouses, including insurance coverage, leaves, social security, and retirement benefits, as per statutory laws. Furthermore, the policy ensures that the legally adopted children of employees’ partners are recognized as ‘Dependents,’ extending the benefits to the entire family unit.

RPG Group’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion goes beyond policies. In 2022, the Group proudly began hiring transgender individuals across its factories and offices in CEAT and KEC, contributing to equal employment opportunities and creating a more diverse workforce.

S ‘Venky’ Venkatesh, President, Group HR, said, “We are proud to lead the way in creating inclusive, safe, and happy work environments for our employees. Our LGBTQIA+ and Partners Benefits Policy reflects our belief in equality and recognizes the importance of extending benefits to all partners, regardless of sexual orientation. We lay equal emphasis on mental health as we do on physical health, which is why we have tied up with a mental health care clinic to provide free services to our employees. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. R-Shield, our dedicated helpline against harassment, reinforces our commitment to providing a voice and support system for all, ensuring that such behavior has no place within RPG Group. These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to creating a happier and more inclusive environment for all RPG Group members.

Employee Happiness, Wellness & Safety

 Happiness continues to be at the forefront of all initiatives at the RPG Group. The Group has a proprietary framework to determine the Happiness Quotient of its employees, which not only makes its Happiness philosophy tangible but also helps design initiatives, policies, and practices that are relevant and important for its people. Moreover, each Group company is guided by a Happiness Council, which is chaired by members of the senior leadership, who drive the implementation of organization-wide initiatives through multiple touch points.

RPG Group places the highest priority on creating physically and psychologically safe spaces for its employees, ensuring workplaces free from all forms of harassment. Building upon compliance with the POSH Act 2013, the Group has taken a significant leap forward by introducing R-Shield, a dedicated 24×7 helpline that empowers employees to raise their voices against any form of harassment. R-Shield goes beyond addressing sexual harassment of a female employee by a male and extends its support to combat all types of harassment, including sexual harassment of a male employee, non-binary gender harassment, bullying, body shaming, ageism, racism, ethnicity, and various disabilities. Managed by an external team of legal experts and psychologists that takes off the stigma of familiarity, embarrassment, and bias, R-Shield provides RPG Group employees and associates with a voice to express themselves freely and fearlessly. This comprehensive initiative covers all members of the RPG Group family, including both the permanent and contractual workforce.

Placing great significance on the mental well-being of its employees, the Group has tied up with Juno Clinic to offer free access to mental health practitioners to every RPG employee and their family members.

Placing great significance on mental well-being for its employees, the Group has tied up with Juno Clinic to offer mental health assistance free of cost to every RPGians and their family members.

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

The post CSR: RPG Group Champions LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and Employee Wellness through Innovative Initiatives appeared first on The CSR Journal.

Magic Classroom aims to improve English language skills of students from class I to VIII across English and vernacular mediums. As we continue to combat the pandemic, the TV classroom offers children an opportunity to continue learning. 418 episodes of 30 minutes each will be aired over the next 27 weeks, starting 4th January 2021 on DD Sahyadri, DD Free Dish 525, Dish TV 1229, Hathway 513, and Tata Sky 1274, across Maharashtra.

Created in partnership with the State Council of Educational Research and Training of Maharashtra, the episodes are based on the Maharashtra State Board syllabus for classes I to VIII. The content is delivered using Pehlay Akshar’s unique pedagogy that incorporates diverse learning philosophies, promotes creative thinking, and develops socio-emotional skills, aligned with the National Education Policy.

Radha Goenka, Director, RPG Foundation; Founder of Pehlay Akshar said, “Pehlay Akshar’s vision is to help children think, be curious and develop a good command over the English language. Equipping kids with the right mindset and basic English skills would enable them to eventually progress in their career path. We are confident that despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, through this partnership with the Maharashtra State Education Department and Doordarshan, we can reach out to a large number of children, across Maharashtra, who can continue to learn from home.” For those who miss the Magic Classroom episode on television, the videos can be accessed on the Pehlay Akshar app.

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

The post Doordarshan Marathi joins up with Pehlay Akshar for RPG’s Magic Classroom CSR Initiative appeared first on The CSR Journal.

This time around, Magic Bus India Foundation has further strengthened its endeavour and partnered with both private and government organisations to ensure that the ongoing city-wide food and hygiene relief distribution efforts remains data-led, aligned and focused. Magic Bus is one of the several NGOs who have joined hands with government agencies to provide relief to vulnerable families across Mumbai amid the coronavirus outbreak and the nationwide curfew. The initiative will enable concerned Mumbaikars to support food and hygiene relief efforts. Their individual donations will be matched 5X by Milkar’s corporate partners Godrej & Boyce, RPG Foundation and ATE Chandra Foundation.

Speaking at the launch of this important initiative, the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said, “In these uncertain times, food security is very important for those left most vulnerable by the Covid-19 pandemic. I would like to congratulate all the stakeholders — large corporates, NGOs, BMC and Mumbaikars — on the occasion of launching Milkar for Mumbai, an online platform that will help provide food safety to those vulnerable over the long-term in Mumbai. I hope every Mumbaikar will donate to this noble cause where every rupee raised will be matched five times by corporates.”

Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus shared, “By receiving real-time data on the city’s urgent food & grain needs and receiving individuals’ donations, multiplied 5X by corporate partners will ensure many affected families would be well taken care of. With our efforts right from sourcing to packaging and distributing food and grain to a list of pre-determined beneficiaries, we can ensure that our goal of helping families get back on their feet, is well met.”

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

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