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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Executive named to succeed current managing director in 2027

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17 hours ago

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UltraTech Cement has appointed Jayant Dua as managing director (MD) designate who will take charge in 2027, the company announced. The appointment signals a planned leadership transition at one of the country’s largest cement manufacturers. The board has set a clear timeline for the handover and has framed the move as part of a structured succession plan.

Jayant Dua will be referred to as MD after assuming the role and will be responsible for overseeing operations, strategy and growth initiatives across the company’s network. The company said the designation follows established governance norms and aims to ensure continuity in executive leadership. The appointment is expected to allow a phased transfer of responsibilities ahead of the formal changeover.

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Merlin Prime Spaces Acquires 13,185 Sq M Land Parcel In Pune

Rs 273 crore purchase broadens the developer’s Pune presence

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March 6, 2026

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Merlin Prime Spaces (MPS) has acquired a 13,185 sq m land parcel in Pune for Rs 273 crore, marking a notable expansion of its footprint in the city.

The transaction value converts to Rs 2,730 mn or Rs 2.73 bn.

The parcel is located in a strategic area of Pune and the firm described the acquisition as aligned with its growth objectives.

The deal follows recent activity in the region and will be watched by investors and developers.

MPS said the acquisition will support its planned development pipeline and enable delivery of commercial and residential space to meet local demand.

The company expects the site to provide flexibility in product design and phased development to respond to market conditions.

The move reflects an emphasis on land ownership in key suburban markets.

The emphasis on land acquisition reflects a strategy to secure inventory ahead of demand cycles.

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MPS will integrate the new holding into its existing portfolio and plans to engage with local authorities and stakeholders to progress approvals and infrastructure readiness.

No financial partners were disclosed in the announcement.

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MPS will now hold an enlarged land bank in the region as it pursues growth, and the acquisition underlines continued corporate appetite for measured expansion in second tier cities.

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March 6, 2026

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Adani Cement has entered a strategic partnership with the National Real Estate Development Council (Naredco) to support India’s construction needs with a focus on sustainability, workforce capability and modern building technologies. The collaboration brings together Adani Cement’s building materials portfolio, research and development strengths and technical expertise with Naredco’s nationwide network of more than 15,000 member organisations. The agreement aims to address evolving demand across housing, commercial and infrastructure sectors.

Under the partnership, the organisations will roll out skill development and certification programmes for masons, contractors and site supervisors, with training to emphasise contemporary construction techniques, safety practices and quality standards. The programmes are intended to improve project execution and on-site efficiency and to raise labour productivity through standardised competencies. Emphasis will be placed on practical training and certification pathways that can be scaled across regions.

The alliance will function as a platform for knowledge sharing and technology exchange, facilitating access to advanced concrete solutions, innovative construction practices and modern materials. The effort is intended to enhance structural durability, execution quality and environmental responsibility across developments while promoting adoption of low-carbon technologies and green cement alternatives. Companies expect these measures to contribute to longer term resilience of built assets.

Senior executives conveyed that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening quality and sustainability in construction and that closer engagement with developers will help integrate advanced materials and technical support throughout the project lifecycle. Leadership noted the need for responsible construction practices as urbanisation accelerates and indicated that the association should encourage wider adoption of green building norms and collaboration within the real estate and construction ecosystem.

The organisations said they will also explore integrated building solutions, including ready-mix concrete offerings, while supporting initiatives aligned with affordable and inclusive housing. The partnership will progress through engagements, conferences and joint training programmes targeting rapidly urbanising cities and growth centres where demand for efficient and environmentally responsible construction grows. Naredco, established under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, will leverage its policy and advocacy role to support implementation.