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 2021-22, Haryana witnessed an infusion of Rs. 654.88 Crores in CSR funds, a testament to the collaborative efforts of 1103 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. 278.33 Cr., Rs. 192.34 Cr., and Rs. 100.76 Cr. respectively. The leading contributors to this positive wave of change were Heromoto Corp Limited, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, and Powergrid Corporation of India 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.
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 Companies for CSR in Haryana
Nissan Motor India (NMIPL)
Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) in collaboration with the White Lotus Trust, introduced the ‘Blossom Bus’ initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The project provides safe and affordable transportation for girl students attending Government Senior Secondary School in Hathin, Haryana.
The initiative involves a dedicated bus service that caters to girls from eight villages, namely Swamika, Ghighraka, Ghirghraka Colony, Garhi Vinoda, and Ferozpur Rajput. The bus service addresses the safety and financial challenges that the girls faced while commuting to school.
The joint effort between Nissan and White Lotus aims to make transportation more accessible and convenient for these girls and bring positive change to their lives. Since its inception in FY2021, the ‘Blossom Bus’ initiative has ensured safe mobility for more students by making two daily rounds across the villages.
With the implementation of the initiative, the girls enrolment in the school has increased from 409 to 626, significantly reducing the dropout rate by overcoming the financial and safety barriers and fostering education continuity for girls in the local communities.
Deloitte
In collaboration with the Government of Haryana, Deloitte has taken significant strides towards fostering environmental sustainability through its innovative Climate Leadership Project on ‘Crop Residue Management’ (CRM). The successful completion of the pilot project in Karnal district’s red zone villages stands as a testament to Deloitte’s commitment to addressing critical issues such as stubble burning and air pollution in the region.
The pilot initiative, supported by Deloitte, resulted in an impressive 69 per cent reduction in stubble-burning incidents. A pivotal aspect of this success was the implementation of a multilingual mobile application, ‘Krishi Yantra Sathi.’ This application played a crucial role in connecting farmers, communities, and private sector partners, facilitating efficient communication and collaboration. The primary objective was to match farmers’ equipment demands for crop residue management with the right machinery owners, fostering an environmentally conscious approach while creating employment opportunities for local communities.
An integral part of this initiative was an extensive communication and awareness program, strategically designed to educate farmers across Karnal district on the adverse effects of stubble burning. Deloitte, in partnership with the government, implemented a series of awareness-building initiatives, including radio jingles, videos, door-to-door campaigns, WhatsApp messages, and distribution of informative materials like calendars and tote bags.
DLF Group
In a move towards animal welfare, the DLF Foundation, the CSR arm of the esteemed DLF Group, has forged a transformative partnership with the Haryana State CSR Trust (HSCSRT). The Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), symbolizing a collaborative effort to introduce an innovative Animal Ambulance Service in Gurugram.
This pioneering initiative, conducted in coordination with the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, Government of Haryana, signifies a significant stride in delivering timely medical aid and emergency evacuation for distressed stray animals to nearby hospitals. Representing the first-of-its-kind animal ambulance service in Haryana, this endeavour is generously supported by the DLF Foundation, aligning CSR efforts with a compassionate mission.
The animal ambulance service, stationed at the Office of the Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Dept., Rajiv Chowk Gurugram, will extend its services not only throughout the district of Gurugram but also to other parts of Haryana. Crucially, this service will be rendered entirely free of cost, providing a lifeline for stray animals grappling with injuries and accidents.
Stray animals, encompassing dogs, cows, and more, often fall victim to accidents and injuries in both urban and rural landscapes. Immediate medical attention not only alleviates their suffering but significantly enhances their chances of survival and recovery. The public can avail themselves of this essential service by dialling the emergency number 112, where the state government’s office will promptly respond to requests, reinforcing DLF Group’s commitment to creating positive impacts in the community and promoting a compassionate city for all residents, furry and otherwise.
Hyundai Motor India
Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) has announced the launch of its ‘Sports-Lab’ project that will scout, nurture, and counsel students from less privileged families and train them in various sports disciplines thus paving a way for these budding athletes to excel at the national level. Initially, the program will reach out to 2000 students from 20 government schools of Haryana, with this model planned to be emulated for more states in the near future, including the state of Punjab. The ‘Sports-Lab’ project will create enhanced awareness about the significance of sports & fitness in day-to-day lives and its consideration as a viable career option.
Hyundai Motor India Foundation is establishing a structure for scouting and training talent from lesser privileged families. The ‘Sports-Lab’ Project provides physical and theoretical sports training to students and their mentors, from classes 5th to 8th. Sports camps and counselling programs for students and their parents will be organized after school hours to provide insight into viable career opportunities that exist within the field of sports. The initiative will also provide employment opportunities to rural youth, Hyundai Motor India Foundation has collaborated with regional sports academies to provide advanced training to students who wish to follow a career in sports.
