Mumbai, Oct 30 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said Tata Capital’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives have benefited more than 5.5 lakh people in the state over the past five years, contributing to education, healthcare, skill development, water conservation, renewable energy and environmental protection.
About 30 per cent of the company’s total CSR expenditure across the country was incurred in Maharashtra, Fadnavis said in a statement, adding its initiatives have reached more than 37 lakh people nationwide.
He said active participation by industry alongside the government was important for the state’s inclusive and sustainable development.
“The company’s programmes had helped improve the lives of economically weaker sections, disadvantaged communities, tribals, women and youth,” the CM said.
Under its ‘Pankh Scholarship’ initiative, more than 6,400 students in Maharashtra have received scholarships. Special efforts are also being made to support higher education for tribal girls in Palghar district.
Financial literacy programmes have reached more than 85,000 students in government schools, educating them about financial transactions and responsible borrowing. More than 50,000 students in the Mumbai and Thane municipal corporation areas are getting training in artificial intelligence, robotics and STEM subjects.
Under the ‘ProAspire’ initiative, more than 26,000 youth, women, tribal people and persons with disabilities have received skill training, with a focus on banking, financial services, insurance, entrepreneurship and vocational skills to improve employment and self-employment opportunities.
The ‘Aarogyatara’ programme has focused on providing eye-care services to more than two lakh people in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar districts. Services include screening and treatment for cataracts, glaucoma and other vision problems, as well as surgeries in collaboration with hospitals.
Cancer prevention, awareness, screening and treatment initiatives have benefited more than 30,000 people. These include screening for breast and lung cancer, awareness about cervical cancer, and assistance with medical equipment and treatment.
Under the ‘Jaladhar’ initiative, efforts to strengthen water security have benefited more than 1.3 lakh people in over 60 villages in Palghar, Ahilyanagar and Satara districts. More than 600 water sources have been revived, creating an estimated water storage capacity of over 8.5 billion litres annually.
An integrated watershed development programme is also being implemented across 10,000 hectares in 10 villages in Satara district to promote water conservation and sustainable agriculture.
The ‘The Green Switch’ initiative has provided solar-powered electricity to more than 580 households without electricity across 19 remote hamlets in Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts. The facilities also cover streetlights and public buildings, with local village electricity committees involved in maintenance.
Under the ‘Vanaropan for Neutrality’ initiative, more than 30,000 saplings of over 40 native species have been planted using the Miyawaki method in the Parsik Hill area of Thane to promote biodiversity and expand urban green cover.
“Coordinated efforts by the government, industry and local communities are important to building a sustainable Maharashtra through education, healthcare, skill development and water conservation,” Fadnavis asserted.
(PTI News)
