CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
As a responsible corporate citizen, GUPTA REALTY has always been in the forefront of corporate social responsibility activities. Its active role for the encouragement of a green channel and suggestions for giving a boost to green buildings and providing incentives to them, so as to check pollution, has been lauded in several quarters. The authorities too have taken note of their suggestions.
This information can be incorporated into a draft about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and education for the poor. Examples of such initiatives typically fall into several categories, from infrastructure to digital access, and involve partnerships with experienced NGOs.
CSR and Education for Underprivileged Communities
1. Infrastructure development and facility upgrades
Many corporations invest directly in building or renovating schools, especially in rural and underserved areas, to create a better learning environment.
• Ultratech Cement: The company has run a School Education Program that includes repairing school buildings, particularly those for early education like anganwadis.
• Infosys Foundation: This foundation focuses on upgrading educational facilities by constructing classrooms, libraries, and laboratories in rural regions.
• Bajaj Auto: The company has provided financial support for upgrading and constructing educational infrastructure, including expanding
school buildings and constructing libraries.
2. Scholarship programs
Companies offer financial assistance to meritorious but economically disadvantaged students to help them continue their education, including at higher levels.
• Reliance Foundation: Through the Dhirubhai Ambani Scholarship Programme, Reliance supports academically gifted students from lowincome families to pursue higher studies.
• HDFC Bank: The HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS programme provides educational scholarships to students from underprivileged backgrounds.
• Intuit India: The flagship CSR project, Intuit RISE, sponsors the education of girl children, especially from single-parent or dysfunctional families.
3. Digital literacy and e-learning
Corporations help bridge the digital divide by providing technology and developing digital learning platforms for students who lack access.
• Tata Group and Infosys Foundation: These groups have provided digital learning tools, smart classroom apps, and online educational content to enhance student learning.
• Wipro: In partnership with the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, Wipro runs the Academy of Software Excellence (WASE), which helps science graduates earn a master’s degree.
• Akzo Nobel India: The company has supported non-formal education for underprivileged children by providing digital tablets to ensure continuity of education.
4. Skill development and vocational training
These initiatives focus on equipping marginalized youth and adults with practical, industry-relevant skills to improve their employability and livelihood.
• Larsen & Toubro (L&T): L&T offers hands-on training in trades such as carpentry and electrical work through its Construction Skills Training Institutes (CSTIs) to help underprivileged youth.
• Mahindra Group: The group has several initiatives, including Mahindra Pride Schools, which offer vocational training to boost employability.
• DCM Shriram: The company’s Khushali Rozgar program is specifically for the upliftment of rural youth and women through skill development.
5. Teacher training and capacity building
Investing in professional development for teachers in underserved areas helps to improve the overall quality of education.
• Bharti Foundation: The Satya Bharti Quality Support Program focuses on enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in government
schools.
• Wipro: The company funds programs that help teachers improve their competencies, particularly in science education.
6. Non-formal and community-based education
Some CSR efforts reach beyond the formal school system to cater to children who are out of school or need supplementary education.
• Humanana people-to-people India (HPPPI) in partnership with Citibank: The Kadam program focuses on providing basic education to
out-of-school children, particularly those of migrant workers.
• Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children, India): This NGO, supported by various partners, champions inclusive learning and provides supplementary educational support to children in urban slums and rural areas.
7. Collaborative initiatives
Many companies partner with experienced NGOs to ensure their CSR efforts are effective and have a long-term impact.
• Google: The Google.org grant program supports nonprofits that build digital learning platforms for underrepresented communities.
• TOMS: The company donates a portion of its profits to grassroots campaigns that focus on education and other social issues.
8. Support for specific groups
Some CSR initiatives are tailored to address the educational needs of particularly vulnerable groups, such as girl children or students with special needs.
• Project Nanhi Kali (Mahindra Group): One of India’s largest programs for educating underprivileged girls.
• Aurobindo Pharma Limited: This company has supported services for children with hearing impairments and other disabilities to ensure they receive an education.
