Annual Report FY 2009-10 - Welspun

th15 Annual Report 2009-10Corporate Social ResponsibilityWelspun, a large diversified conglomerate, believes that any organization is an extension of society and it does not function in isolation.Contributing to the economic development of the country through ethical business practices is a focused area. Carrying out itsoperations in diverse business verticals, Welspun Group has multi-faceted responsibilities towards its customers, employees and thecommunities at large.Our vision is to light up the world by making a difference. Moving towards transformation, we have identified that sustainablecommunity development is the very basis of empowerment. The three guiding paths for this transformation are:1. Education 2. Empowerment 3. EnvironmentInitiatives in EducationAdult EducationEducation is not a bastion for children alone, but for each individual who wants to grab an opportunity to transform his/her life.The results of a survey conducted at Welspun Grams in Anjar indicated that approximately eighty percent of the worker's wiveswere illiterate. In response to this, an Adult Education program was launched in association with the Jan Shikshan Sansthan. Theteachers were trained by the faculty at Welspun Vidya Mandir. With our CSR personnel's continued efforts, the attendance hasrisen to twenty regular participants.AnganwadiKnowledge enables us to recognize new opportunities towards a better life. The women who have enrolled in the program aremore committed towards sending their children to the Welspun Anganwadi and then to regular schools for formal education.Welspun's Anganwadi, which was launched last year has seen a remarkable increase in the number of students. Anotherremarkable feature is that these children have enrolled themselves into school for formal education. Welspun Vidya Mandir is thefirst CBSE accredited school in the region.Employee EngagementEvery employee has a role in modeling CSR as a part of the culture within the Welspun Group. Employees are encouraged toparticipate in a mentor-mentee program involving children from slums through an NGO partnership with Akanksha.Initiatives in EmpowermentVocational TrainingEmpowering women is at the core of Welspun's CSR efforts. Nari Shakti was launched to achieve this objective. Under this banner,vocational training has been provided to the residents of the Weslpun Grams. Training has been imparted for candle-making,stitching & cutting. Women, although hesitant in enrolling for the program, are now more keen on attending classes and taking allthe necessary steps towards becoming economically independent. Vocational training through self help groups has also beenoffered to them.MonetizationExhibitions were organized for showcasing and selling the handicraft products made by the women attending the vocationaltraining sessions. The women have also received orders from Welspun India Ltd, supporting them in marketing and retailing theirproducts.Initiatives in EnvironmentMedical SupportMedical Centres in Welspun Grams, Anjar have been established to provide basic medical care to the residents. We have tied upwith medical institutes to provide health care and medical treatment in areas where such facilities are rare. Funding for treatmentof ailments is another avenue and numerous employees have benefited through this program. Free medical check-ups forworkers and family have also been organized in Bharuch. A blood donation camp in association with Red Cross Blood Bank wasorganized in Bharuch with one hundred and fifteen employees participating.48