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We believe that every step makes a significant impact

Published

4 years ago

May 13, 2022

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Shashikant Kumar, General Manager (HR & IR), Udaipur Cement Works (a subsidiary of JK Lakshmi Cement), speaks about initiates taken and challenges faced in implementing corporate social responsibility programmes.

What is the vision of your organisation in terms of CSR?
To strengthen community relationships and to bring sustainable change in the quality of life of neighbourhood communities through innovative solutions in education, health, livelihood and community development. We define Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as the way a company balances its economic, social and environmental objectives, while addressing stakeholder expectations and enhancing shareholder value.
In continuation of the philosophy followed by JK Lakshmi Cement of giving back to the society much before the term corporate social responsibility was coined, Udaipur Cement Works, too, is actively involved towards social causes since its inception by working towards enriching the community living around the plants and mines, especially where the weaker sections of rural and tribal population have limited access to even the basic amenities. The community sustainable development programmes aim at the integrated development of such villages.

How does your organisation zero down on the projects it decides to take up for CSR activities?
CSR action plan is based on the survey reports, consultations with stakeholders and need identification. Based on this mapping, UCWL works closely with the communities to help prioritise their needs in three categories i.e., immediate plan, short term plan and long-term plan, so that the initiatives have effective and positive outcomes for the benefit of the community at large.

Tell us about the budgets allocated for CSR in the current and next financial year.
The procedure for budget allocation is based on priorities and need based analysis of the community. We do ensure that the allotted budget is utilised for the purpose and in the manner for which it is approved and expected to spend within that financial year. Our main verticals for CSR fund are health, water facility, education, learning and skill development. These verticals are covered under different projects such as UCWL Aryogya, UCWL Vidya Project, UCWL Kaushal Prashikshan Project, UCWL Swajal and Swachata Project and UCWL Gramin Vikas Project.

What social responsibilities and community building programmes are your organisations currently working on?
The major focus areas of intervention are education, healthcare, livelihood and community development and commitment towards the social cause which is positively contributing towards human development index.

What significant changes have your CSR activities brought in communities you support?
We believe that every small step makes a significant impact under social responsibility and community development. We created a real life changing story by supporting the community. During the Covid-19 period, we helped them out by distribution of masks, sanitiser and food kits. We are trying to cover all relevant subjects for community support such as skill development, education on sanitation, literacy, eye care, oral hygiene
Few examples are:
For Livelihood:

Selection of 75 Micro/ Small farmers
Six Workshops on ‘Agriculture Input for Rabi Crop’ participated by 125 beneficiaries
Soil testing at State Government Laboratory of all 75 Micro- Small farmers beneficiaries
Developed 75 Individual Farmer Development Plan
Pesticides support to 16 farmers
Door-to-door Veterinary Programme wherein 1711 cattle treated for free, and which

benefited 454 cattle owners

Veterinary Camp treated over 50 cattle
25 girls were trained in the 6-month training programme and 14 placed in BPO sector
26 Women beneficiaries trained in stitching

Community Infra:

Electrification of six Aanganwadi around the mines’ periphery
Toilet facility at Government Senior Secondary School, Mandesar
Repair and maintenance of Government Primary School, Talai, Mandesar

Medical

Organised 15 Medical Camps,which benefited 602 patients
Organised 2 Eye Camps, wherein 249 patients underwent eye check-up and 53 patients were provided with spectacles
Cotton masks, oximeter and PPE kits were provided to four Gram Panchayats, three hospitals and one government school

Tell us about the steps taken by your organisation to achieve net zero. How far have you achieved your targets?
Serving the society towards improving the quality of life of the community at large has always been a priority of the company. The concept of socially responsible business is deeply ingrained into our corporate DNA right from the initial years and till date we have pioneered and delivered several CSR projects for needy and vulnerable communities and families. The company works towards overall development and welfare of the society by focusing on areas such as health, sanitation, water, education, skill development and livelihood interventions. As the beginning of the financial year saw the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the company responded to this unprecedented crisis by taking several initiatives in collaboration with local panchayats and district administration. Number of food kits, sanitisers, cotton masks and hand wash were distributed to the needy families as well as sessions and meetings were organised to create awareness on Covid-19. The company also undertook multiple CSR activities like medical camps, skills training for the women and girls and supporting them for income earning under its flagship project ‘Swavalamban’, among others. Projects like farmers’ training, exposure visits and veterinary camps were organised to improve agricultural and cattle rearing practices to strengthen livelihoods of the marginalised families. These CSR projects have positively impacted the lives of the beneficiaries around the plant.

What is the expertise you employ to implement your CSR plans?
Currently we have recruited CSR professionals having more than 10 years of experience in
the development sector and two project experts as consultants.

How has the pandemic impacted your community building activities?
We stood up strongly with our stakeholders and nearby community. Although activities were stuck for a small period during complete lock down when movement was restricted. However, it was momentary. That time was crucial for everyone from an individual to an industry, everyone. Overall, the pandemic was a lesson for all of us and an opportunity for awareness among people about the importance of hygiene and sanitisation. We met with the local panchayat and district administration. We conducted awareness sessions, distributed a number of food kits, sanitisers and cotton masks for safety towards Covid-19 pandemic.

Tell us about the awards and accolades won by your organisation for CSR.

UCWL recognised with ‘National Award for Excellence under CSR in Best Community Action Category’
UCWL was awarded ‘Winner for 8th CSR India Award 2021’
UCWL received an Appreciation Certificate for contribution in ‘Ghar Ghar Aushadhi Vitran

Yojna’ of the Department of Forest; Government of Rajasthan. This scheme was designed for distribution of medicinal plants to state citizens.

What are the future plans for building communities and giving back to society?
Currently we are working in 6 villages only and planning to increase the number of villages to 27, with an integrated approach of socio-economic development for the community. Some major proposed projects are as mentioned below:

Project 1

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Aarogya Project,

Purpose Statement: To deliver affordable/quality health care services & door stapes MMU MMU modal in partnership with H2H foundation 2 Camps per day (Monthly 25*2 camps) 600

Project 2

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Vidya Project,

Purpose Statement: To support around 300 needy students with a school kits simultaneously support Govt schools in primarily mines area with teachers support to bridge the shortfalls of teachers
Education School kit support – in 3 Govt primary Schools One time 300
Teacher support – 5 Govt Sr Secondary Schools Monthly 2
Repair & maintenance of Govt up-primary school, Bajajnagar – Plant area One time 1
PCC work @ Govt Primary school, Talai One time 1

Project 3

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Aajivika Project,

Purpose Statement: Promoting Farm & Allied livelihoods through institution building, capacity building, skill development training, support services & other related initiatives. Animal Husbandry Door to door vet service Monthly 2500
Artificial insemination for cattle Monthly 1428
Vet Camp (Daroli, Toos, Ghupadi & Majawada) Qtr 16

Project 4
Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Aajivika Project,

Purpose Statement: Promoting Farm & Allied livelihoods through institution building, capacity building, skill development training, support services & other related initiatives. Agriculture Development Agriculture Development Setting up Vermi Bed (Soil Improvement) One time 50
Capacity Building & Training of Farmers Monthly 24
Seed & pest support Twice in a Year 30
Exposure visit – Other district / State One time 50
Exposure visit – Inter district One time 50
Spray Pump with motor One time 4
Repair & maintenance cost of spray pumps One time 4
Spray Pump manual One time 4
Repair & maintenance cost of spray pumps One time 4
Plantation (SA) One time 1000
Access to Govt scheme One time 35
Training on Agri-allied activity to promote small business like Goatry/ Poultry/ Rabbit Keeping / Beekeeping / Mushroom Farming / Dairy Development – AI One time 60
Support to trained beneficiaries of agri-alied activity to promote small business – Goatry/ Poultry/ Rabbit Keeping / Beekeeping / Mushroom Farming / AI One time 30

Project 5

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Kaushal Parshikshan Project,

Purpose Statement: Provide Skill training & coaching support to 350 youths in various trades. Skill Development RSCIT – Rajasthan State Course In Information Technology Diploma to increase the IT education level for Job Readiness.
Three months training, Examination & certification Qtr 120
Skill training for women (Beautician & Tailoring) Qtr 120
Salary of teacher Competitive / coaching classes & other running exp Monthly 50
Projector One time 1
Computer for teacher One time 1
Training in Technical trades Qtr 10

-Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

Cement Makers’ Margins To Fall Rs 50-75 Per Tonne Amid West Asia Conflict

Crisil Sees Margins Easing Despite Steady Demand

Published

1 day ago

July 29, 2026

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Crisil said operating margins of Indian cement manufacturers are expected to decline by Rs 50-75 per tonne (t) this fiscal to Rs 925-950 per t due to higher input costs triggered by the West Asia conflict. The analysis covered 18 cement companies accounting for nearly 90 per cent of India’s domestic cement capacity and noted margins had improved sharply to around Rs 1,000 per t in fiscal 2026.

Crisil noted that the reduction would be driven mainly by higher power and fuel costs, which account for about 30 per cent of total costs, as petcoke and imported coal prices have surged amid geopolitical uncertainties. Freight costs, which account for about a quarter of total costs, are also expected to remain elevated because of higher diesel prices. The impact on profitability is likely to be more pronounced in the first half of the fiscal year before easing commodity prices moderate cost pressures later.

The rating agency said steady domestic demand and strong balance sheets should keep credit profiles stable despite the moderation in margins. Green energy currently accounts for 35-40 per cent of the sector’s total electricity consumption and is expected to partly cushion higher energy costs. Operating cash flows are likely to remain resilient, supported by projected 6-7 per cent growth in cement demand this fiscal.

Crisil highlighted that demand growth will be driven primarily by infrastructure spending, which meets about one-third of sector consumption, and by a nearly 18 per cent higher budgetary allocation for core ministries that should support project execution. Weaker rural housing demand amid pressure on agricultural incomes from a possible below-average monsoon may be offset by improved urban housing demand supported by favourable home-loan rates and a strong pipeline of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban projects. Ongoing capacity additions will keep capital expenditure elevated and may lift net debt to EBITDA to between 1.2 and 1.4 times from around 1.0 time last fiscal, though ratios are expected to remain healthy.

Concrete

UltraTech Board Approves Rs 50 bn Fundraise Via NCDs

Company to issue half a million debentures for expansion plan

Published

2 days ago

July 28, 2026

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UltraTech Cement’s board of directors has approved raising Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 bn) through non?convertible debentures issued in rupees.

The finance committee cleared a proposal to issue up to 500,000 fully paid, unsecured, listed, rated, redeemable, rupee?denominated, non?convertible, non?cumulative debentures of Rs 1 lakh each (Rs 0.1 mn each), aggregating to the Rs 5,000 crore programme.

As of June 2026 the firm reported net debt of Rs 15,875 crore (Rs 158.75 bn) and said its capacity expansion projects under execution are backed by capital expenditure of about Rs 17,000 crore (Rs 170 bn) over the next two to two?and?a?half years.

UltraTech spent Rs 9,500 crore (Rs 95 bn) on capital expenditure in financial year 2026 and in April the group crossed 200.1 mn tonnes per annum of domestic grey cement capacity and 205.5 mn tonnes per annum of global capacity.

The chief financial officer indicated the company would take consolidated capacity beyond 242 mn tonnes per annum, with grey cement capacity reaching 212.7 mn tonnes per annum by the end of financial year 2027. He noted the net debt?to?earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation ratio stood at 0.87 times as of June 2026 and the company was confident of ending financial year 2027 with the ratio below one time.

In the first quarter of financial year 2026?27 UltraTech’s net profit attributable to owners rose 16.8 per cent year?on?year to Rs 2,599.3 crore (Rs 25.993 bn) and revenue from operations increased 15.9 per cent to Rs 24,648.20 crore (Rs 246.482 bn). The board approval is expected to complement internal cash flows as the company advances its expansion programme.

Concrete

Lokesh Lays Stone For Rs 31 Billion Cement Unit In Kadapa

Line-2 expansion to make Kadapa a major cement hub

Published

1 week ago

July 20, 2026

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Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the Line-2 expansion of Dalmia Bharat Cement at Chinnakomerla village in Mylavaram Mandal in Kadapa district. The project carries an investment of Rs 31 billion (bn) and is slated for completion by the third quarter of the financial year 2028. The expansion is intended to boost industrial growth and employment generation across the Rayalaseema region.

Once commissioned, the Kadapa facility will become Dalmia Bharat’s largest integrated cement manufacturing ecosystem in southern India, creating over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and opening new business avenues for regional micro, small and medium enterprises and transport operators. Lokesh said the expansion signalled growing corporate confidence in the state and reflected the practical ease of doing business that secured repeat investment.

He placed the project within the government’s wider economic targets and recalled the Yuvagalam padayatra commitment to generate two million (mn) jobs within five years, noting that the state would cultivate talent while industry created opportunities. Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s competitive pursuit of major manufacturing accounts, mentioning past successes and a personal initiative to engage global investors when persuading them to anchor expansion in the state.

The plant will leverage Kadapa’s abundant limestone reserves to scale production and sustainability. Clinker capacity is planned to rise from two point five million tonnes per annum (mn tpa) to six point one mn tpa, while overall cement output will increase from three point six mn tpa to nine point six mn tpa. The unit is designed to operate on over eighty per cent renewable energy and deploy waste heat recovery, zero liquid discharge, water recycling and advanced AI systems to optimise efficiency. Industries Minister TG Bharat, BC Welfare Minister S. Savitha and Jammalamadugu MLA C. Adinarayana Reddy attended the ceremony.