Concrete

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

JSW Cement Begins Production At Nagaur Plant In North India

New greenfield integrated plant raises grinding capacity to 24.1 MTPA

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

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JSW Cement, part of the JSW Group, has begun production at a greenfield integrated cement plant in Nagaur, Rajasthan, marking its first such facility in north India. The company said this move raises its total cement grinding capacity to 24.1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and its clinker manufacturing capacity, including the joint venture, to nine point seven four MTPA. JSW Cement is described as one of India’s leading green cement producers and is positioned to expand its national presence.

The Nagaur integrated plant is equipped with a three point three zero MTPA clinkerisation unit and a two point five zero MTPA cement grinding unit, with an additional one point zero zero MTPA grinding unit under construction. The facility has been positioned to serve the high-growth markets of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region. The plant is intended to support construction and infrastructure demand across these nearby states.

The Nagaur unit was funded through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt, with 8,000 mn from the fresh issue proceeds of the initial public offering (IPO) allocated specifically towards part-financing of the unit. Company executives indicated that the project was completed within 21 months and that the expansion advances the company towards its mid-term capacity target of 41.85 MTPA and its long-term vision of 60 MTPA. The commissioning was cited as an example of the company’s project execution capabilities.

The plant has been designed as a model of sustainable manufacturing and includes provisions for the co-processing of alternative fuels in the kiln to reduce fossil fuel use. The site features a seven km long overland belt conveyor to transport limestone from the mines, reducing road transport, and will soon include a 16 megawatt (MW) Waste Heat Recovery System to capture and reuse process heat, significantly lowering its carbon footprint. These measures are intended to reduce the environmental impact of transport and to lower the carbon intensity of cement production.

Concrete

JSW Cement Starts Production At Nagaur Plant In North India

Greenfield integrated plant expands northern footprint

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

admin

JSW Cement, one of India’s green cement producers, has commenced production at a greenfield integrated plant in Nagaur, Rajasthan, marking the company’s first such facility in north India. The commissioning expands the company’s national footprint and takes total cement grinding capacity to 24.1 mn t per annum and total clinker manufacturing capacity, including a joint venture component, to nine point seven four mn t per annum. The move positions the firm to serve high-growth markets across the region. Management said the project is a strategic step towards a pan-India presence.

The Nagaur plant is equipped with a three point three mn t clinkerisation unit and a two point five mn t cement grinding unit, with an additional one mn t cement grinding unit under construction. The facility is strategically located to cater to demand in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region. An overland belt conveyor will move limestone and reduce reliance on road transport. Project execution was completed within 21 months, underlining the firm’s construction capabilities.

The investment for the Nagaur unit was financed through a mix of equity and long-term debt and the company allocated Rs eight bn from fresh issue proceeds of its IPO towards part financing of the project. The expansion advances progress towards a mid-term capacity target of 41.85 mn t and a long-term vision of reaching 60 mn t capacity. The commencement of operations in the north is expected to support infrastructure growth and provide customers with high-quality, eco-friendly cement while maintaining sustainability credentials.

The plant has sustainability features including provisions for co-processing of alternative fuels in the kiln and a seven km overland belt conveyor to cut the environmental impact of road transport. The facility will include a 16 MW Waste Heat Recovery System to capture and reuse heat from production and reduce carbon emissions. The operation supports the company’s ambition to be among the world’s most sustainable cement producers.

Concrete

JSW Cement Forays Into North India With Nagaur Plant

Nagaur plant raises grinding capacity to 24.1 million tonnes per annum

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

admin

JSW Cement has commenced production at a greenfield integrated cement plant in Nagaur, Rajasthan, marking its first integrated facility in north India and extending the JSW Group’s national presence. The Nagaur unit will serve high-growth markets in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region. The company presented the commissioning as a key step in its pan-India expansion.

The commencement increases the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 24.1 million tonnes per annum (mn tpa) and brings total clinker manufacturing capacity, including the capacity at its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, to nine point seven four million tonnes per annum (mn tpa). The firm described these additions as strengthening its supply chain and regional reach. The Nagaur site is positioned strategically to reduce logistics for northern markets.

The Nagaur integrated plant comprises a three point three mn tpa clinkerisation unit and a two point five mn tpa cement grinding unit, with an additional one mn tpa grinding unit under construction. The facility was completed within 21 months, demonstrating the company’s project execution capabilities. Management indicated the combined configuration will improve service levels and product availability across target states.

The plant was funded through a mix of equity and long-term debt and the company allocated eight billion (bn) Rs from the fresh issue proceeds of its initial public offering to part-finance the unit. The financing was presented as part of a broader capital plan to support capacity additions and operational enhancements. The firm said the investment aligns with its mid-term growth objectives.

The site is designed with sustainability measures including provision for co-processing alternative fuels, a seven kilometre overland belt conveyor to move limestone from nearby mines and a forthcoming 16 megawatt (MW) Waste Heat Recovery System to recycle process heat and lower emissions. The company reported the expansion brings it closer to its mid-term capacity target of 41.85 mn tpa and to a longer term ambition of 60 mn tpa.