Balasore: EMAMI shows the way in implementation of CSR activities

By Sudam Patra

Balasore, Dec. 12: Leading industrial house Emami Group which has got its paper mills in Balasore has been in the forefront in implementation of various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Balasore district. The company has formulated the policy for development and implementation of CSR as also required under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Emami Paper Mills Limited through its CSR activities takes up programs that benefit the communities in and around its place of work and ensure over a period of time, enhancement in the quality of life and economic wellbeing of the local people and thereby establishing its presence as a good corporate citizen.

Eradication of Hunger, Poverty and Mal Nutrition:

The company, as a part of its CSR activities promotes eradication of hunger and Malnutrition from the local community. Nearly 400 mouths are fed every day on this account. The Company monitors the Body Mass Index (BMI) of children of the locality and detects cases of mal-nutrition. Such children are supplemented with protein enriched food supplement three times a week. Nearly 250 children are benefited on this account. Clothes are also provided to poverty sicken orphan children of the locality.

Promotion of Preventive Health Care

A dedicated team of doctors and para-medical staff provide door to door preventive health service to the local community. Along with this mobile health service is available at 12 locations twice a week. During the year under reference 7269 patients have been provided elementary healthcare through the mobile health unit. Regular medical advice along with medicines under traditional system of medicine is also provided at ten locations. During 2015-16, 23,270 patients were benefited under this scheme. In addition to the regular clinics, 18 special combined homeopathic and ayurvedic camps were conducted during the year.

During the year, the company supported the local govt. PHCs (Public Health Centre) in upgrading their labor room, indoor patient wards and sitting arrangements for the out-patient department. Regular medicines are being provided to Mitrapur Swasthya Seva Kendra for free distribution. On the recommendation of doctors, company also supports poor and needy patients for seeking expert medical advice. 35 patients were benefited under this scheme during the year.

Sanitation and Provision for Safe Drinking Water Realizing the fact that safe drinking water is the key for preventive healthcare, the company provides running water supply to 120 households of Rasulpur village and has commissioned 22 new tube wells to the already 185 community water points in the area over the last five years.

Promoting Education and Vocational Skills:

Initiatives under promotion of education encompass five broad activities namely, Infrastructural support to local educational institutions, scholarship support to the poor and meritorious, free distribution of exercise notebooks, community teacher program and capacity building of the tribal children.  Based on the survey of local schools, the company supports educational institutions in developing their infrastructure by making provisions for classroom furniture, fans, lights and toilet. During the year 530 pairs of desk cum bench has been provided to 16 institutions to accommodate the growing student enrollment.

During 2015-16, 330 top scorers from 71 institutions have been provided with a scholarship ranging between Rs.500 to Rs.5000. Free distribution of exercise notebooks to students took a quantum jump in comparison to the previous year. In 2015-16, 71,433 exercise books were distributed to 89 institutions.

Ensuring Environmental Sustainability and Animal welfare:

The company has undertaken bulk plantation on 2.5 acres of land at Baniagaon where 2500 seedlings were planted. Along with this, 5,690 peripheral plantations were undertaken around the factory site on 6.3 acres of land.

Protection of Art and Culture and restoration of sites of Historical Importance:

The Company during the year had taken initiative to restore place of cultural importance at Nuapadhi village under Remuna block.

Rural Infrastructure:

During the year under reference, the company has invested its resources in creation of lasting rural infrastructure. Community centers were erected at Rasalpur. The company took initiative in installing 17 street lights in Rasalpur and Patripal gram Panchayats. A creche by the company was constructed at Balasore during the year.