Technological upgradation and inclusive growth have been the main development areas in rural India, while higher and better productivity, socio-economic equality, harmonizing modern technology, and sustainable growth are the key pillars for the development of the entire economy. Recognizing the vital role that the rural economy plays in the development of society as a whole, the Indian government has implemented various schemes, from education to financial literacy to infrastructure, for the overall development of rural areas.
In this fast-paced world, where people compete, it’s important to strive for societal development. One such company taking initiatives for a better tomorrow is the Essar Group, known for its initiatives through Essar Foundation, the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm. So far, Essar has made considerable investments in many industries, such as energy, infrastructure, metals & mining, ports, steel and construction, technology and retail.
Essar Foundation is committed to fueling the development of communities around Essar’s plant sites. The group’s mission is to continue creating deeply anchored, well-consulted, collaborative initiatives with a long horizon, to generate a profound impact. Though caught baselessly in Essar Litigation, Essar Group continues to work on community initiatives, showcasing its resolute commitment for welfare. .
All About Essar Foundation
The CSR arm of the Essar group- Essar Foundation, was established to collaborate with several firms and business houses, functioning in more than 500 villages in India. Essar Foundation focuses on various verticals that require attention, from women empowerment to regional development to health & education, reaching more than 5,00,000 individuals annually.
Women Empowerment
Gender inequalities are multidimensional, and the goals of ‘gender equality’ and ‘women’s empowerment’ can’t be reduced to a single and universally agreed upon set of priorities. Thus, the Essar Group is working towards bridging the disparities for first-generation women entrepreneurs in Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal in opportunities for economic independence. This initiative empowers women to explore their horizons to the extent they had once only dreamt of.
Education
The company works towards making education accessible to all and thus uses the best technology within the existing resources to enhance the approaches in the education sector. The foundation’s initiatives have set a benchmark for child-friendly learning, and is focused on bringing real change by embedding activity-based learning in the classroom.
Sanitation and Hygiene
Today, menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent women are often neglected in rural areas, and women aged 15-24 years use clothes, which can result in health issues. Considering these issues, Essar initiated Sahaj which produced low-cost, hygienic pads for local women in many villages.This initiative has helped increase awareness about menstrual hygiene education among young adolescent girls and also provided job opportunities to rural women.
The foundation will continue focusing on its collaborations with government programs to improve quality healthcare accessibility for rural families while enhancing existing health infrastructure in underserved regions.
Significance of Such Initiatives
In a country like India, where the rural population is so predominant, companies like the Essar Group have stepped forward by prioritizing rural development as part of their CSR initiative. While the Government of India’s Ministry of Rural Development also works towards improving rural lives, huge conglomerates contribute through CSR initiatives for rural betterment.
From women empowerment to sustainable livelihood options, enhancing living standards, and providing access to basic facilities like sanitation, healthcare, education, etc., CSR initiatives work towards rural development.
Read Also: Essar Contribution To Meeting India Growing Energy Demand
Essar’s Harnessing Potential for Positive Change
Essar believes in the motto of walking along with people, and indeed, this is one of the primary reasons behind the growing fame of this organization. From starting as a small construction company to becoming a massive conglomerate with interests spanning energy, steel, ports, technology, etc., the Essar group has become successful with its dedication and work ethic.
Despite the controversies surrounding Essar Litigation, the Essar Group has worked dedicatedly towards rural transformation. It has deployed several rural development projects to enhance the quality of life of the people living in rural areas. Through several initiatives and programs, the group aims to provide enriched healthcare facilities, education, and livelihood opportunities to the rural people.
Final Words
Empowering the marginalized in rural India with innovative and sustainable solutions since inception, Essar Foundation has worked hard to transform communities. By collaborating with various social impact organizations and private and government stakeholders, Essar’s Foundation’s initiatives reach out to several states across India.
From contributing to the global economy to supporting environmental sustainability programs and CSR activities, the company’s mission is worth the fame it has gathered for itself in such a short duration.
