Large 10 Rural Development CSR Projects in India for the Year 2020-21

India is a country of villages where about 65 per cent of the population are living in rural areas. These villages are underdeveloped. There are poverty, unemployment, hunger, illiteracy, ill health, inadequate infrastructure and high mortality in rural areas. CSR is the commitment of companies to contribute to sustainable development and improve the lives of the society. It has been recognized by policy makers and development specialists as a feasible driver for rural development. Rural development is closely linked to public welfare and development of the society. Thus, the activities undertaken by corporate for the welfare of the rural society and rural development benefit business and ensure its rural up gradation. Hence, it is the responsibility of the companies in their own interest to contribute their profit towards welfare of the society. Mapping out the same for the FY 2020-21, below are the top 10 Rural Development oriented projects through CSR in India based on the CSR funds allocation of each company.

1. Name of the Company: UltraTech Cement Limited

Source: Ultratech Cement Limited

Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development

Relevant SDG:SDG 1. No Poverty

Name of the Initiative: Rural Development Program

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 11.88 Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21: INR 73.72 Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR 120.68 Cr.

At UltraTech Cement, it is recognised that the village economy is vital to the stability and growth of the Indian economy. Encouraging development of these areas ensures lower rates of migration, thus containing a growing problem of overpopulation in cities and exploitation resulting from it. The company helped create model villages in rural India. For such a transformative project, it has chosen 100 villages. Since, infrastructure is a key enabler for provision of essential services in any society, the company supports communities with housing facilities, safe drinking water, health and hygiene and renewable source energy. Across the country, it has helped build community halls, school blocks, playgrounds, approach roads, installed solar lights, water harvesting structures, hand pumps and facilitated village drainage. The company aims to help the villages become self-reliant in every aspect over a five-year timeframe and help them move out of the ‘below poverty line’ status. So far, more than 80 villages in India's hinterland have already achieved this milestone across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Implementing Partner: Direct Implementation, UltraTech Community Welfare Foundation

Brief about the Company: Ultra Tech Cement Limited are India's biggest cement company and India’s largest exporter of cement clinker based in Mumbai, India. The company is part of the Aditya Birla Group and division of Grasim Industries. It has an annual capacity of 64 million tonnes. Ultra Tech cement has been awarded the Super brand status. Ultra Tech's products include Ordinary Portland cement, Portland Pozzolana cement and Portland blast furnace slag cement. 

More about Ultratech Cement Limited's CSR Portfolio

2. Name of the Company: Rural Electrification Corporation Limited

Source: Rural Electrification Corporation Limited
Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development

Relevant SDG:SDG 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

Name of the Initiative: Rural Development Project

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 9.41 Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21: INR 144.32 Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR 147.75 Cr.

Rural Electrification Corporation, not only contributes to rural development through its unceasing endeavours to electrify every household, but also by creating infrastructure, community-based interventions. It undertook construction of admin offices & hospital below the Saraswathi plaza, infrastructural development in between Saraswathi Edge & temple street and restoration & developmental work of various kund in Kedarnath town and surrounding areas. 

Implementing Partner: Shri Kedarnath Utthan Charitable Trust

Brief about the Company: REC Limited (previously known as Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) is a Navratna company under the Ministry of Power. They fund their business with market borrowings of various maturities, including bonds and term loans apart from foreign borrowings, on their own. Domestically, they hold the highest credit ratings from CRISIL, ICRA, IRRPL and CARE and internationally they are rated at par with the sovereign ratings. 

More about Rural Electrification Corporation Limited's CSR Portfolio

3. Name of the Company: Oil India Limited

Source: Oil India Limited

Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development, Rural Livelihood

Relevant SDG:SDG 9. Industry Innovation and Infrastructure

Name of the Initiative: Construction of roads and bridges

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 7.36 Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21: INR 49.12 Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR 105.25 Cr.

The company and its commitment towards welfare of the communities in and around its area of operation, has been taking various infrastructure projects be it educational infrastructure, community, infrastructure, and road and bridges. OIL has invested heavily in developing infrastructure by way of roads and bridges to improve basic surface communication for the benefit of the people and communities in its operational areas. Over the years, the company has constructed many public stages, auditoriums, libraries, lecture halls, computer centres, waiting sheds, playgrounds, schools and institutes of higher education as well as upgraded and developed rural hospitals for augmentation of rural infrastructure in its areas of operation in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.

Implementing Partner: Direct Implementation

Brief about the Company: The story of Oil India Limited (OIL) traces and symbolises the development and growth of the Indian petroleum industry. From the discovery of crude oil in the far east of India at Digboi, Assam in 1889 to its present status as a fully integrated upstream petroleum company, OIL has come far, crossing many milestones. Today, OIL is a premier Indian National Oil Company engaged in the business of exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, transportation of crude oil and production of LPG. OIL also provides various E&P related services and holds 26% equity in Numaligarh Refinery Limited.

More about Oil India Limited's CSR Portfolio

4. Name of the Company: Divi's Laboratories Limited

Source: Divi's Laboratories Limited

Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development, Rural Infrastructure

Relevant SDG: SDG 1. No Poverty

Name of the Initiative: Village Development

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 6.15 Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21: INR 31.88 Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR 34.35Cr.

The people living in villages are sometimes deprived of basic community infrastructure, due to lack of proximity to urban areas. Under-developed infrastructure, roads, educational centres and lack of medical facilities are a hindrance. Divi’s strives to bridge this imbalance by contributing towards the development of the rural areas. Its key initiatives include construction of Roads, Bus Shelter, Community Halls, drains, Dahana Vaticas; renovation of places of worship, digging Agricultural Bore wells, providing Street lights and their accessories, de-silting of Tanks, canals & community ponds and distribution of Street Lights. Some of the significant projects undertaken in FY2020-21were development of Children’s Park at P.M Palem, gym equipment distribution to Cherukupalli Panchayat, cricket kits distribution to two villages, hydraulic Auto to Gudiwada Panchayat, distribution of LED lights to Thudem and provision of kitchen shed and toilets at Maddipeta.

Implementing Partner: Direct Implementation

Brief about the Company: Divi’s has been established for more than 29 years in Hyderabad, India with two manufacturing units and is among the top pharmaceutical companies in India. Divi’s is recognized as a ‘Reliable Supplier of generic APIs (Active pharmaceuticals ingredients)’ and a trustworthy ‘Custom Manufacturer’ to Big Pharma and also is among the top API manufactures in the world. Divi’s is the leading manufacturer of APIs (Active pharmaceuticals ingredients), Intermediates and Registered starting materials offering high quality products with the highest level of compliance and integrity to over 95 countries.

More about Divi's Laboratories Limited's CSR Portfolio

5. Name of the Company: Hindustan Zinc Limited

Source: Hindustan Zinc Limited

Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development, Rural Infrastructure

Relevant SDG:SDG 4. Quality Education

Name of the Initiative: Community Assets Creation

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 5.92 Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21: INR 196.5 Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR 214.0305 Cr.

The company undertook several projects aimed at addressing the basic needs of the rural communities. Construction of community halls, school infrastructure, roads, cremation centres& drains etc., were some of its initiatives aimed towards the development of model villages. The interventions were in line with the requirement of the concerned rural community. The company is well-versed with the importance of safe and hygienic potable water as well as health to the sustenance and development of the rural communities and it has worked on creating robust infrastructure for the same. Some of the initiatives undertaken by the Company on this count included construction of water tanks and repair & maintenance in Primary Health Centres and veterinary hospital. HZL's community infrastructure development initiatives spanned 109 villages, developing government schools by providing basic amenities in 47 schools, benefiting more than 1,20,000 villagers.

Implementing Partner: Direct Implementation

Brief about the Company: Hindustan Zinc Limited was incorporated from the erstwhile Metal Corporation of India on 10 January 1966 as a Public Sector Undertaking. They are India's largest and the world's second-largest integrated zinc-lead producer; and also, one of the lowest cost zinc-lead producers in the world. They have mining, smelting, and power operations in multiple locations throughout India. Their principal products are refined zinc metal and refined lead metal. In addition, they also recover silver and cadmium as by-products.

More about Hindustan Zinc Limited's CSR Portfolio

6. Name of the Company: Bharat Forge Limited

Source: Bharat Forge Limited

Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development, Rural Livelihoods, Rural Infrastructure

Relevant SDG:SDG 1. No Poverty

Name of the Initiative: Village Development

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 5.91 Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21: INR 22.53 Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR 18.3800 Cr.

Bharat Forge is developing 100 villages from 5 districts from Maharashtra. Water for drinking and agriculture were taken as one of the prime indicators of development apart from development of internal roads, livelihood creation, health and education. The projects are conducted, managed and monitored by a dedicated team of experts with diverse and extensive experience. Cross functional teams are formed to work together to achieve the desired goals, ensuring better functionality and efficient resource allocation. The company has helped in conservation of more than 127 Cr. Liters of agriculture water and build 3 tanks with total water storage capacity of 1,45,000 liters per day.

Implementing Partner: Maharashtra Arogya Mandal (MAM) for Ambegaon, Karjat Jamkhed Integrated Development Foundation

Brief about the Company: Bharat Forge Limited is a preferred Technology & Engineering driven development partner and global leader in metal forming we serve several sectors including Automotive, Railways, Aerospace, Marine, Oil & Gas, Power, Construction and Mining. Being the world's largest forging company and amongst one of the best aerospace forging companies and automotive forging company; they have transcontinental presence across ten manufacturing locations spread across India, Germany, Sweden, France and North America. 

More about Bharat Forge Limited's CSR Portfolio

7. Name of the Company: Hindustan Unilever Limited

Source: Hindustan Unilever Limited

Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development

Relevant SDG: SDG 1. No Poverty

Name of the Initiative: Project Prabhat

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 5.33 Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21: INR 161.7 Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR 165.08 Cr.

Project Prabhat is a sustainable community development initiative of the Company, that is linked to the Unilever Compass. It builds on local community needs at a grassroot level, in line with India’s development agenda and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By doing so, it’s contributing to a fairer and more socially and environmentally inclusive world, while using HUL’s scale for good. It ultimately aims to create sustainable communities in and around the Company’s sites through focused interventions on Economic Empowerment (skilling, entrepreneurship and value chain), Environmental Sustainability (water conservation, waste management and climate adaptation), Health (nutrition, hygiene, sanitation and WASH) and Education (basic infrastructure). Project Prabhat has reached out to close to 6 million people across 19 states and two union territories since its inception in 2013. During Covid-19, more than 1.3 million people across the country benefitted from relief kits distribution in 2020, which included Lifebuoy soaps, grocery kits and food packets.

Implementing Partners: Labour Net Services India Private Limited, Mann Deshi Foundation, Yusuf Meherally Centre (YMC), Anudip Foundation, Institute of Livelihood Research and Training, Mooo Farm Pvt. Ltd. (Avteg Pvt. Ltd), Foundation for Rural Entrepreneurship Development, SWAYAMBHU Innovative Solutions Pvt Ltd (Sugam Jagriti)

Brief about the Company: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is India's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods Company with a heritage of over 80 years in India and touches the lives of two out of three Indians. With over 35 brands spanning 20 distinct categories such as soaps, detergents, shampoos, skin care, toothpastes, deodorants, cosmetics, tea, coffee, packaged foods, ice cream, and water purifiers, they are a part of the everyday life of millions of consumers across India. They are a subsidiary of Unilever, one of the world’s leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong local roots in more than 100 countries across the globe with annual sales of €53.3 billion in 2015. Unilever has 67.2% shareholding in HUL.

More about Hindustan Unilever Limited's CSR Portfolio

8. Name of the Company: Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited

Source: Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited

Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development, Rural Infrastructure, Education Infrastructure (Hostel, School Buildings, Benches, Desks)

Relevant SDG:SDG 9. Industry Innovation and Infrastructure

Name of the Initiative: Project Saakar

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 4.49 Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21: INR 19.58 Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR 19.65 Cr.

Realizing the need of improvement in rural infrastructure facilities, the Company has undertaken rural development projects to cater to the basic needs of the community members residing in nearby villages. During the Financial Year 2020-21, the Company had focused on development of the basic facilities in nearby villages such as rural roads, electrification of public places, storm water drainage system, community hall and community sheds. The Company had also undertaken construction of 3 new integrated Aanganwadi centres in school premises and renovation of 11 Government schools during the Financial Year 2020-21.

Implementing Partner: KK Birla Memorial Society

Brief about the Company: Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd. accounts for nearly 15% of the total Urea produced in the country. Since more than two decades company has contributed to the food security of the country with responsibility. Its three hi-tech nitrogenous fertiliser (urea) plants are located at Gadepan in Kota district of Rajasthan.

More about Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited's CSR Portfolio

9. Name of the Company: Cummins India Limited

Source: Cummins India Limited

Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development, Agriculture

Relevant SDG: SDG 1. No Poverty

Name of the Initiative: Rural Development Projects

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 3.8955Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21: INR 16.0848Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR16.0848Cr.

This program benefits more than 50,000 lives in rural areas. With the support of the village community, partnerships with the expert NGOs and government agencies we have now successfully replicated model village work at all plant locations in India. In Year 2020, Cummins continued support for holistic development of villages with focus in increasing income of families. With help from subject matter experts and scientific approach, Organic Farming and Community Farming program was scaled up. So far 559 Model farmers are developed and have adopted 100% organic farming practice. Organic farming complemented with the use of new equipment has resulted into increased agricultural yield to which doubled income of many families. For increasing income from dairy farming ~ 60 farmers were given training by a Subject matter expert agency. This resulted in significant increase in milk production.

Implementing Partner: Cummins India Foundation

Brief about the Company: A Power Leader Cummins in India designs, manufactures, distributes and services diesel and alternative fuel engines from 2.8 to 95 litres, diesel and alternative-fuelled power generator sets of up to 3000 kW (3750 kVA), as well as related components and technology. Part of the US $23.8 billion Cummins Inc., Cummins in India serves customers through our network of 3 Generator Original Equipment Manufacturers (GOEMs), 22 dealerships and more than 120 dealership branch offices in India.

More about Cummins India Limited's CSR Portfolio

10. Name of the Company: Grasim Industries Limited

Source: Grasim Industries Limited

Sub Thematic Area: Rural Development/Community Development, Rural Infrastructure, Education Infrastructure (Hostel, School Buildings, Benches, Desks)

Relevant SDG:SDG 9. Industry Innovation and Infrastructure

Name of the Initiative: Rural Development Projects

Total Expenditure on the Project: INR 3.57Cr.

Total Prescribed CSR in 2020-21:INR 45.06 Cr.

Actual CSR spent in 2020-21: INR 84.67 Cr.

The company engage with the communities to create socially relevant spaces such as schools, community centres, anganwadis etc. for the benefit of the communities in and around our operational areas. 19 Schools in 19 villages upgraded. A total of 21 Anganwadi centres have been created under this project. 23,305 Community assets such as Panchayat building, community halls and dais constructed. And 9 Internal village roads constructed giving enhanced access to about 13,000 people.

Implementing Partner: Grasim Jana Seva Trust, BCCL Jan Seva Trust, Jan Seva Trust, Indo Gulf Jan Seva Trust

Brief about the Company: Grasim Industries Limited is the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. It started as a textiles manufacturer in India in 1947. Today, it is a leading global player in VSF and the largest chemicals (Chlor-Alkali-s) player in India. It is also the largest cement producer and diversified financial services (NBFC, Asset Management, and Life Insurance) player in India through its subsidiaries UltraTech Cement and Aditya Birla Capital. The Aditya Birla Group is a leading global player in VSF, accounting for approx. 17 percent of global production.

More about Grasim Industries Limited's CSR Portfolio