In the heart of northern India lies Haryana, a state brimming with historical significance and cultural richness. Amidst its urban landscapes and agricultural expanses, Haryana is a key player in India’s economic growth trajectory. As we delve into the realm of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the state emerges as a focal point for transformative initiatives, propelled by a need that mirrors its evolving socio-economic landscape.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, Haryana witnessed an infusion of Rs. 700.95 crore in CSR funds, a testament to the collaborative efforts of 1364 companies committed to social welfare. These funds were strategically channelled into sectors crucial for holistic development, with education, health, and the environment receiving substantial investments of Rs. 312.36 Cr., Rs. 148.68 Cr., and Rs. 128.67 Cr. respectively.
The leading contributors to this positive wave of change were Sammaan Capital (Formerly Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd), Heromoto Corp Limited, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, and Powergrid Corporation of India Limited and DLF Limited, each contributing significantly to the state’s progress.
The Directorate of Information, Public Relations, and Languages in Haryana, as of December 7, 2023, reported that the state has judiciously utilized Rs. 1,457.13 Crores in CSR funds over the last three years. Within this substantial allocation, a noteworthy Rs. 538.85 Crores has been earmarked for education, underlining the state’s commitment to fostering knowledge and skill development.
In this pursuit, Haryana has tactically categorized CSR initiatives into two distinct realms. Category 1 projects are designed for swift implementation within the current financial year, ending on March 31, 2024. Meanwhile, Category 2 projects span a one to two-year timeline, unfolding in phases to ensure sustained impact.
Haryana State CSR Trust
A key player in orchestrating this harmonious synergy between corporate and social sectors is the Haryana State CSR Trust (HSCSRT). Through its dedicated web portal, this trust acts as a conduit for government departments and districts to submit potential CSR projects. This collaborative platform extends visibility to HSCSRT, government entities, and corporate partners, facilitating a seamless exchange of ideas and proposals.
The identified CSR areas in Haryana span a spectrum of urgent needs, including eradicating hunger, poverty, and malnutrition, promoting healthcare and preventive health practices, ensuring sanitation and safe drinking water, and empowering individuals through education, vocational skills, and livelihood initiatives. This strategic alignment of CSR efforts with identified priorities reinforces the state’s commitment to sustainable development and societal well-being.
As we navigate through the unfolding landscape of CSR initiatives in Haryana, it becomes evident that the state is not just a recipient of funds but an active participant in shaping its destiny. With a vision that transcends immediate gains and focuses on enduring impact, Haryana is setting a commendable example for other regions to follow in the pursuit of inclusive growth and societal advancement.
Top CSR projects in Haryana
CSR addresses pressing issue of stubble burning in Haryana
With an aim to ensure sustainable growth for communities, PNB MetLife, in partnership with the Foundation for Development Initiative (FDI), has launched an innovative Crop Residue Management (CRM) program in Jind district, Haryana. This initiative addresses the one of India’s most pressing environmental issues of stubble burning, while empowering local farmers with eco-friendly alternatives to stubble burning that create long-term economic value.
This partnership builds on PNB MetLife’s mission to support big dreams; in this instance, by fostering environmental responsibility and economic empowerment. The project aims to benefit 2,000 farmers, cover 3,500 acres of farmland, and prevent the burning of stubble worth Rs 1 crore, while significantly reducing air pollution, by preventing more than 5,000 tonnes of stubble from burning and averting the release of 8 million kilograms of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The initiative seeks to raise environmental awareness, promote greener farming practices, and enable rural women by converting crop residue into marketable products.
Digital classrooms for government schools through CSR
Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Limited (Arcil) has collaborated with Studeasy Bharat Foundation (SBF), Navi Mumbai, to provide digital classrooms to 30 government schools across Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa.
This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative is aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of education for underprivileged students and equipping them with the skills necessary for a future in the digital economy.
The digital Classroom infrastructure involves low-cost, hyper-scalable technologies, designed to offer students in government schools a better learning experience. The project, which includes the installation of 55” Smart TVs in classrooms with an access to customised software that allows for the seamless delivery of educational content both in school and at home through SBF’s Blended-Class Program. This unique model enables students from Classes 5-10 to access state-syllabi-based lectures, assessments, and educational videos in vernacular languages, ensuring an inclusive approach to learning.
In the initial three phases during 2024, digital classrooms were set up in 10 schools each across Jhajjar and Bhiwani districts in Haryana, Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh, and schools in Goa. The program is designed to engage both students and teachers.
CSR bridging the digital gap
NIIT Foundation, together with Ciena, a networking systems, services, and software company, has launched an initiative called the “Digital Empowerment Program through the Digital Transformation Vehicle (DTV)” initiative in Faridabad, Haryana .This is a mobile education and training program that aims to provide digital literacy and skills to underserved and remote communities, with the goal of narrowing the digital divide.
The initiative features a mobile training facility equipped with 16 computers, internet connectivity, and comprehensive training materials. Certified trainers, including an IT trainer and a mobilizer, who encourages individuals to enrol in the program, travel with the vehicle to provide hands-on support. The program offers customizable courses tailored to community needs, covering digital literacy, financial literacy, and vocational skills.
Since its inception, the program has made significant strides in impacting lives. The DTV has reached 8,667 beneficiaries, while the Hole in the Wall Learning Stations, which are installed in the villages after the DTV departs, have engaged 2,190 individuals. The initiative has successfully installed 12 Hole in the Wall Learning Stations across various locations from August 2023 to March 2024, promoting digital literacy and self-directed learning, as per an announcement by the Foundation.
CSR supporting electrician training in Faridabad, Haryana
ABB India has established a smart centre for electrician training in Faridabad, Haryana. This initiative was launched in partnership with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI). The program aims to equip the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the competitive job market and create ample employment opportunities in line with the National Education Policy, 2020.
The electrician training initiative will involve an end-to-end program management solution to screen and select the right candidates, train them, and provide job opportunities locally. The chosen candidates will receive 540+ hours of training, equivalent to 90 days at the center. ESSCI will collaborate with industry partners to facilitate job placements for trained individuals, bridging the gap between skill acquisition and employment.
The Company runs other up-skilling programs and engages with the youth to make them employable. In Faridabad, ABB India collaborated with Udayan Care to run a Community Information Technology and Skill Centre. The centre aims to support girls from economically disadvantaged families in becoming self-reliant by undertaking IT and vocational training.
Homes for the underprivileged through CSR
Non-profit organisation Habitat for Humanity India and Max Estates, Real Estate developer in the NCR region, have come together to build 50 homes for the underprivileged in Haryana. This collaboration represents a collective commitment to instil strength, stability, and self-reliance among families in dire need of decent shelter.
Over the course of two years, the project will be carried out in two phases. Phase I will concentrate on the completion of 25 homes in Aakera village, while the subsequent Phase II will entail the construction of additional 25 houses in Bhudla village located in Rewari district of Haryana. Through the construction of adequate and decent shelter, this partnership aims to enable 50 future homeowners in Haryana build a foundation for their better future.
The Animal Care Organization (TACO) commits Rs 100 crores for animal welfare in Haryana
The Animal Care Organization (TACO), a flagship animal welfare initiative under the Anil Agarwal Foundation, dedicated a corpus of Rs 100 crores in July, 2024 towards bolstering animal welfare in Haryana through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Nayab Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Haryana. As part of the MoU, TACO will undertake the upgradation of the Government Veterinary Hospital in Gurugram into a 24×7 multi-speciality animal hospital and commence the construction of an animal birth control (ABC) unit, laboratory, pharmacy, training centre and shelter for extremely critical animals in Haryana. The facility is spread over 2 acres in Kadipur, Gurugram.
Notably, TACO’s initiatives encompass a holistic approach to ‘One Health’, recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. The organization’s shelter in Faridabad, Haryana, is home to 160+ animals, including cows, bulls, and dogs, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, advanced veterinary care and overall well-being. Since its inception in 2022, it has treated more than 60,000 animals through its health camps, rescued almost 5,000 animals during the Delhi and Haryana floods, and supported over 460 members of farmer community through animal OPD services. Furthermore, TACO’s dedication extends to education and training through the TACO Academy, which conducts sessions for veterinarians and paraprofessionals. TACO also supports and strengthens veterinary healthcare services through OPD and ambulance services.
CSR support for govt schools students in rural areas
Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), has inaugurated the second phase of ‘Vidya Vahini Program’ to help enhance the knowledge and exposure of government school students in remote rural areas across Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in the field of science.
Aligned with Government of India’s National Education Policy, Vidya Vahini is an initiative of HMIF which focuses on improving the quality of education imparted to government school students in remote areas to equip youth with vital skills and knowledge to enable them to thrive in a technology-driven society. Additionally, the program helps teachers upskill themselves on latest scientific experiments through workshops and conducts various exhibitions for students to showcase their innovative ideas.
Based on the success of the Vidya Vahini program, an expansion phase has been inaugurated which includes 5 Mobile science libraries and 15 Lab on Bike. HMIF has invested Rs 2.38 crores till now for this program with the aim of benefiting 30,000 students and aims to further invest in the same. These vehicles will be deployed across 14 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and will cover various government schools in remote rural areas creating an outreach to students for helping them enhance their knowledge bank in the field of science.
The program will also take up additional activities such as organizing science fairs across government district schools to give students a platform to showcase their innovative skills and impart training on latest materials and scientific models to teachers which will help them impart the latest education modules to students.
