Concrete

We believe that every step makes a significant impact

Published

4 years ago

May 13, 2022

admin

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

Up Next

Creating Value through CSR

Don't Miss

Our mission is to positively impact as many lives possible

Concrete

Andhra Offers Discom Licences To Private Firms Outside Power Sector

Policy allows firms over 300 MW to seek distribution licences

Published

23 minutes ago

April 27, 2026

admin

The Andhra Pradesh government will allow private firms that require more than 300 megawatt (MW) of power to apply for distribution licences, making the state the first to extend such licences beyond the power sector. The policy targets information technology, pharmaceuticals, steel and data centres and aims to reduce reliance on state utilities as demand rises for artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Approved applicants will be able to procure electricity directly from generators through power purchase agreements, a change officials said will create more competitive tariffs and reduce supply risk. Licence holders will use the Andhra Pradesh Transmission Company (APTRANSCO) network on payment of charges and will not need a separate distribution network initially.

Licences will be granted under the Electricity Act, 2003 framework, with the Central and State electricity regulators retaining authority over terms and approvals. The recent Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 sought to lower entry barriers, enable network sharing and encourage competition, while the state commission will set floor and ceiling tariffs where multiple discoms operate.

Industry players and original equipment manufacturers welcomed the policy, saying competitive supply is vital for large data centre investments. Major projects and partnerships such as those involving Adani and Google, Brookfield and Reliance, and Meta and Sify Technologies are expected to benefit as capacity expands in the state.

Analysts noted India’s data centre capacity is forecast to reach 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and cited International Energy Agency estimates that global data centre electricity consumption could approach 945 terawatt hours by the same year. A one GW data centre needs an equivalent power allocation and one point five times the water, which authorities equated to 150 billion litres (150 bn litres).

Advisers warned that distribution licences will require close regulation and monitoring to prevent misuse and to ensure tariffs and supply obligations are met. Officials said the policy aims to balance investor requirements with regulatory oversight and could serve as a model for other states.

Concrete

President Murmu Inaugurates Projects In Rourkela

Inaugurates Planetarium, Tribal Museum and civic projects

Published

23 minutes ago

April 27, 2026

admin

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a series of infrastructure projects in Rourkela including a Planetarium and Science Centre, the Nirmal Munda Parivesh Path, a Tribal Museum and an Integrated Command and Control Centre. The initiatives are intended to boost scientific awareness, preserve tribal heritage and strengthen urban governance in the region. The range of facilities reflects a deliberate effort to combine cultural conservation with technological and civic improvements.

Speaking to a public gathering, the President highlighted the rich natural beauty, cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of Sundargarh and described the area as a land of forests, rivers and sporting spirit. She noted that Rourkela has evolved as a cosmopolitan city that has promoted the state’s art, literature, tribal traditions and sports while attracting people from across the country in search of livelihood opportunities. The remarks underlined the role of urban centres in sustaining regional identity and economic mobility.

Emphasising inclusive development, she said national progress depends on the upliftment of all sections of society, particularly tribal communities, and that both central and state governments are implementing welfare schemes to accelerate development in tribal dominated districts such as Sundargarh with an emphasis on economic empowerment. The President called for collective participation in nation building and encouraged citizens to support those who have been left behind in the development process. The appeal framed development as a shared responsibility spanning government programmes and community engagement.

She expressed confidence that India is on course to become a developed nation by 2047 and observed that Odisha will mark 100 years of its formation in 2036. She stressed that realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Odisha will require the combined efforts of farmers, labourers, youth and tribal communities. The newly inaugurated projects are expected to enhance scientific outreach, strengthen preservation of tribal culture and improve civic services for residents.

Concrete

Cement Firms May Face 19 Per Cent Profit Hit Under Carbon Scheme

ICRA says scheme could raise costs for cement and aluminium

Published

23 minutes ago

April 27, 2026

admin

India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is operational and an analysis by ICRA ESG Ratings covering 14 companies in cement and aluminium finds a limited near-term financial impact but rising costs over time. The report indicates initial compliance costs remain absorbable while continued reliance on credit purchases may escalate production costs as emission targets tighten. The assessment suggests the effect becomes more pronounced by FY27 if current trends persist.

At an assumed carbon price of $10 per t of CO2, ICRA ESG estimates profitability for some cement companies could decline by up to 19 per cent, while aluminium players could face a hit of around three per cent. The analysis highlights widening emission gaps, with the cement sector deficit rising from about 0.5 mn t of CO2 equivalent in FY26 to 1.3 mn t in FY27. Aluminium sector gaps are projected to increase from 0.5 mn t to 1.4 mn t over the same period.

Companies that undertake timely emission reductions through measures such as blended cement, alternative fuels and renewable energy could generate surplus credits and limit compliance costs, according to the report. In contrast, firms maintaining current emission intensity levels are likely to incur recurring credit requirements, especially under higher production growth scenarios. ICRA ESG characterises the scheme primarily as a transition signalling mechanism designed to nudge companies towards lowering emission intensity rather than create an immediate financial burden.

The report sets breakeven thresholds for emission reductions, noting cement firms would need to reduce emission intensity by around 0.7 per cent in FY26 and 2.7 per cent in FY27 from FY24 levels to avoid additional credit costs. For aluminium, the required reductions are about 1.6 per cent and 5.2 per cent respectively. ICRA ESG warns that early action will be critical as delayed adjustments could compound compliance costs as the carbon market evolves.