Tata Power ramps up CSR Programs

Tata Power, India's largest integrated power company, has always undertaken various initiatives with an aim to improve the quality of life, and ensure holistic development of its surrounding communities. The strategic approach ensured focus on sustainable long term programs across all locations while also looking into location specific needs as well. The company brought in further robustness to systems and processes to align to the intended outcomes, thus benefitting more than 250 villages across 7 states in FY15 through community development initiatives.

The Tata Power Community Development Trust acts as development vehicle for driving these initiatives. At present, the CSR outreach covers half a million people through various initiatives in education, health, livelihood, social capital, and nurturing sustainability. The total CSR spend of the Company in FY15 stood at Rs. 31.1 crore as against the required 2 per cent (Rs. 29.8 crore) as per the Companies Act. In addition to the above, the CSR spend of subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company was Rs. 18.2 crore, as against the required Rs. 17.2 crore as per the Act.

 Responding to the need of the hour, Tata Power distributed more than 3500 relief kits as part of the flood relief efforts in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), and 2000 solar lamps and helped restore power network to those impacted by Cyclone Hud-Hud in Vishakhapatnam district. Various educational initiatives undertaken by the company had a positive impact on more than 1 lakh students across 350 schools. The company also extended Vocational Training and Employability programme to 1000 youth from over 96 villages.

 Speaking on these initiatives, Mr. Anil Sardana, MD & CEO, Tata Power, said, “We at Tata Power have always believed that companies must give back to the society on a sustainable basis. Led by its motto of inclusive growth, these initiatives have augmented the potential of the target communities, thereby strengthening our belief of being a Neighbour of Choice. As a part of collective responsibility towards nation building, Tata Power will continue to engage with key stakeholders including community to sustain the desired outcomes in the long run.” In FY 15, Tata Power launched its flagship initiative, the Model Village program which aims at transforming 53 villages on development with a sustainable approach to work closely with stakeholders at large.

These villages would be taken up in phased manner spreading over a decade through a participatory approach based on key priorities of community. As a part of the ‘Invisible Goodness’ initiative for the centenary year, Tata Power has launched various new initiatives including empowering individuals to become sustainable through the ‘Be Green’ initiative. In line with nation’s vision of Skill Development, Tata Power has set up Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) wherein the company plans to train 2 lakh skilled workers over the next decade. Under the ‘Be Green’ initiative, the company aims to motivate consumers to opt for e-bills to donate the collected savings for a noble cause.

 The company has also launched ‘Act for Mahseer’ – the largest and the most comprehensive campaign on Mahseer conservation, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the cause of saving the endangered species. Multiple similar initiatives are being worked upon and positive impact is anticipated from all.