The city of Hyderabad is known for its food, culture and development. The prosperity in the city has led many corporates to invest there, thus bringing the city under the purview of the CSR spending of the corporates.
In the FY 2021-22, the district of Hyderabad received the highest share of total CSR funds spent in the state of Telangana. The district’s share of CSR expenditure amounted to Rs. 386.21 crore from a total of 705 companies. The top three areas of focus of CSR projects in the districts were Education, Healthcare and Environment & Animal Welfare with Rs. 170.75 Cr., Rs. 154.53 Cr., and Rs. 30.05 Cr. spent respectively for them.
Top Companies for CSR in Hyderabad
The top three companies for CSR in Hyderabad in FY 2021-22 have been Tech Mahindra Limited, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
CSR of Tech Mahindra Limited
Tech Mahindra is the part of the Mahindra Group, founded in 1945. The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders. Tech Mahindra offers innovative and customer-centric digital experiences.
Founded in the year 2006, Tech Mahindra Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Tech Mahindra Limited. Their vision is ‘Empowerment through Education’ with three key focus areas – Education, Employability, and Disability.
All Round Improvement in School Education (ARISE)
ARISE or All-Round Improvement in School Education is our one-of-a-kind CSR education programme that aims to enable children from marginalised socio-economic strata with quality primary education and optimize their best potential. Focusing towards improving the quality of education in government and aided schools, the programme works in collaboration with various municipal corporations and state government bodies to develop primary schools into model schools of excellence.
At present, Tech Mahindra Foundation is working with schools affiliated to Greater Chennai Corporation, Pune Zilla Parishad Education Department, Telangana Education Department, and Anekal Education Department (in Bengaluru, Karnataka) to enhance quality education in government-run primary schools.
Shikshaantar
‘Shikshaantar’ aims to create a difference in education. Shikshaantar is the Foundation’s flagship training programme for school stakeholders including teachers, educators, school administrators and leaders to unleash their best potential for creating safer and happier classrooms. It also emphasises on the integration of physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of the students and teachers alike.
The Foundation runs the Shikshaantar program in two modes- in collaboration with partner organisations and through direct implementation. Established in 2017, one of the partner-implemented programs- ‘Science Academy’ in Hyderabad with Sahayata Trust that has trained a total of 1000 science teachers till date. Also, the Foundation runs various short-term modules for training on specific skills like ‘English-Winglish’ that aims to enhance English communication skills amongst teachers. Similarly, a teacher capacity building initiative in collaboration with Rotary India Literacy Mission was started during the pandemic to enhance their digital skills.
CSR of Aurobindo Pharma Ltd
A fully integrated pharma company, Aurobindo Pharma features among the top pharma companies in India. Aurobindo exports to over 150 countries across the globe with more than 90% of its revenues derived from international operations. Aurobindo Pharma Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Aurobindo Pharma Limited and strives for the social and economic growth of the nation through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
Eradicating malnutrition
The company has been working to combat widespread malnutrition, particularly among children and women, through several nutrition projects. Its newly established kitchen in Mahabubnagar district Telangana, as well as kitchens in Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh and Narsingi (Hyderabad) Telangana, have provided approximately 9.50 crore meals through various avenues and programmes that feed government school students, farmers, daily wage labourers, and others.
A new programme called Swasthya Ahara has been launched through the Mahabubnagar kitchen, for serving hot healthy breakfast to 150 government schools near the kitchen.
Women empowerment
In the adopted model villages of Peyyalapalem in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh state, and Borapatla in Sangareddy district as well as in Hyderabad district, Telangana state, the company has taken up various women empowerment programmes. The purpose is to positively impact the rural women and improving their livelihood opportunities. This aims to provide tailoring training programmes for women in order to assist them in boosting their income.
Cancer care
Cancer patients in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and neighbouring states will be able to obtain quality cancer treatment and healthcare at no cost with opening of the new oncology block at MNJ Institute of Oncology & Regional Cancer centre, Hyderabad, Telangana (capacity of 1,000 out-patients per day).
CSR of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is a state-owned aerospace and defence company. Headquartered in Bengaluru, HAL is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the world.
In FY2021-22, the company spent Rs. 78.27 crores on its CSR activities and deposited Rs. 3 crores in the unspent CSR account against its mandatory CSR budget of Rs. 81 crores.
HAL has been undertaking CSR Projects in the local areas of its operations with a view to improving the quality of life of the socially & economically backward groups and marginalised & weaker sections of society. The main areas of focus of the company’s community development initiatives are infrastructure development, education, drinking water, river rejuvenation, environmental conservation, healthcare, sanitation, renewable energy, skill development, and sports.
The Company was accorded third prize in “National Water Awards” – 2020-21 under the “Best Industry for CSR activities” category instituted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
Education and Skill Training
The company has established an Industrial training institute (ITI) for girls at Ghatkesar Mandal in Medchal – Malkajgiri District adjacent to Hyderabad. HAL also constructed Telangana Social Welfare Residential School & Degree College for girls in Medchal – Malkajgiri District.
Healthcare
HAL provided for supply of equipments and accessories for liver transplantation, plastic surgery & neuro surgery departments of Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad.
Environment Sustainability
Upon request from Greater Hyderabad Municipality Corporation, the company spent for Conversion of Bio Waste to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Drinking Water
Projects have been undertaken by HAL to provide Safe Drinking Water through Open Wells and Tube Wells. Depending upon the quality of water, Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems are also provided in schools and villages. Sumps and Overhead Tanks have been constructed and pipelines are laid up to a common point in the streets at select villages. Murali Nagar (Village) in Ranga Reddy District, Telangana was adopted by HAL, Hyderabad Division on the recommendations of the District Administration, Ranga Reddy District, Government of Telangana. The water available in the village is contaminated with fluorine which is causing bone related diseases. Hence, a community based RO Plant was provided and 20 liter water per day per family is being supplied to the families through Automatic Machine through card swiping. Similarly, Water ATMs have been provided at various villages of Niphad Taluka at Nasik, Maharashtra.
Other companies making an impact through CSR Projects in Hyderabad
Code Unnati CSR programme for skilling students
SAP Labs India’s CSR initiative, Code Unnati, which promotes skill development and employability among the youth in Industry, recently announced expansion into Telangana. Implemented by Edunet Foundation and supported by Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK), this expansion marks the establishment of centres of excellence dedicated to emerging technologies in 17 locations across the state.
The Code Unnati programme underscores the importance of industry-relevant skills in preparing individuals for the future of work, eventually creating pathways towards employability and future readiness for both faculty and students. The inaugural event was held on March 14, 2024, at Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge’s Regional Centre in Hyderabad.
SAP started this programme for students from economically weaker sections of the society, studying in Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges. The 300+ hours’ Code Unnati program equips the colleges with SAP centres of excellence to enable experiential learning of deep tech. With elements such as capstone projects, mentoring, and capacity building of faculty, the program uses a sustainable hands-on approach towards levelling up the skills of underserved students and establishing a pathway to industry.
CSR support to Telangana Police to curb drunk driving
Alco-bev company Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.) extended its support to Telangana Police in curbing drink driving by providing 50 advanced Alcohol Breath Analysers in February this year, the company said in an announcement. Diageo India drives focused programs to advocate for anti-drink driving through its flagship programme, ‘Wrong Side Of The Road’ which uses a series of real-life scenarios to create awareness among adults. The programme has been developed together with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to sensitize participants on the effects of drink driving. Diageo India has also partnered with over 25 Regional Transport Offices and set up tab labs to create awareness through the ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ programme. Last year over 2.3 lac adults participated in this anti-drink driving learning experience, the company said in a statement.
More than 16,000 plates of breakfast is served everyday to government school students and mothers at Anganwadi centres across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana by Gland Pharma
CSR of Gland Pharma Limited
The Company conducts its CSR initiatives through Gland Fosun Foundation. The main areas of focus of CSR initiatives of the company include Education, Good Health, Safety, Conservation of the Environment, Eco-Systems and Natural Resources.
Healthcare – In February 2021, in association with a healthcare provider, Gland Pharma conducted a ‘Comprehensive Health Plan’ for about 2000 socio-economically children from 26 government schools and orphanages in Hyderabad, to help them grow and develop to their full potential. After being screened through diagnostic tests, the children were counselled by health professionals on nutritional aspects and treated with suitable supplements. The company has also contributed to LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) for the setting up of a dedicated ‘Centre for Elderly Eye Care’ at Hyderabad. Inaugurated on 1st June 2021, the Centre will provide diagnostic and treatment services to all those in need on a sustainable basis. Over the next three years, it will also provide surgical services for at least 3,500 people, as well as house-to-house screening services for 5,000 aged people. In December 2020, the company made a contribution to Lions Eye Hospital (Moula Ali, Hyderabad), to help them set up a ‘Modular Operation Theatre’ in their new Surgical Wing, thereby expanding their outreach to those in need of surgical procedures.
Education – In November 2019, Gland Pharma launched a first-of-its-kind ‘Free Breakfast Scheme’ for nearly 9100 children of 66 government-run schools around our manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. These children begin their day with a nutritious breakfast prepared hygienically and supplied by Akshaya Patra Foundation. Hyderabad-based ‘Sannihita Homes’ is an NGO that runs four orphanages (three for girls and one for boys), looking after nearly 400 destitute orphans from vulnerable communities (badly abused backgrounds with no care / homeless / beggars / rag-pickers / migrant families). These destitute children are given shelter, food, education, healthcare and protection.
The company has undertaken to renovate these orphanages, in order to improve the living conditions of the orphans. It is also providing funding support to the NGO to help meet some of the NGO’s regular personnel and administrative expenses.
Wildlife Conservation – The Company contributed Rs 20 Lakhs to Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad) for the upkeep of its numerous wild birds and animals. It was warmly welcomed by the zoo authorities as well as several wildlife conservationists/animal lovers, who acclaimed it as a much-needed CSR gesture during this lockdown period when gate collections are badly depleted. Further in October 2021, it further donated Rs 20 lakh for the construction and maintenance of the kangaroo fence in Nehru Zoological Park.
Livelihood Development – Swayamkrushi is a Hyderabad-based NGO that shelters mentally challenged women and address their special needs through therapeutic services, music, yoga, speech and physiotherapy. It also 1) sensitises the community to the special needs of the mentally challenged, 2) works with families, the community, and voluntary and government agencies, and 3) run courses in Special Education and Caregivers’ Training. The company has extended its support to this NGO for:
– The construction of a ‘Vocational Training Centre-cum-Residential Block’ for the inmates
– The procurement and installation of a few jute bag-making machines.
Beautification of Charminar by NTPC
NTPC Ltd adopted the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad under the Swachh Iconic Places Projects of India. The company in collaboration with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation initiated the Charminar Pedestrianization Project, under which it committed to provide battery-operated vehicles for visitors, bollards to prevent traffic, Swachh Auto Tippers (SAT) for carting garbage, mechanical sweeping vehicles and litter picking machines, decorative and halogen lighting of four arches, construction of public utilities, toilets and drinking water ATM kiosks. The company committed to spending 8.19 Crores on this project.
