Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Business Ethics at ONGC

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a Maharatna company as declared by the Government of India in 2010, was founded in the year 1956 with a powerful vision. The vision was “to be global leader in integrated energy business through sustainable growth, knowledge excellence and exemplary governance practices.” Over the years, ONGC has embraced unparalleled standards of business values and sound organisational principles along with a well-structured role of corporate social responsibility in business ethics.

It is the deep commitment towards the energy sector that has enabled the corporation to find a place among Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies”. Further adding to its laurels, ONGC was ranked 11^th and number one in the E&P industry globally on the coveted S&P Global Platts Top 250 Rankings 2017.

In order to be recognised as a global frontrunner in the oil and gas industry, a firm needs to shoulder some responsibilities. Major sensitive concerns are present in this sector and it is important to weigh the risks involved with respect to the society and the environment enveloping it. ONGC deserves appreciation for passionately observing commitment to safety, good health, and environment. The corporation has taken significant initiatives through its CSR framework to elevate the quality of community life.

The vision of ONGC’s CSR and Sustainability Policy is “to support responsible and sustainable initiatives while taking care of the concern for People, Planet and Profit”. In the year 2016-17, ONGC invested Rs.525.90 crore for its CSR activities. Let’s take an aerial perspective of the major CSR projects undertaken by the corporation:

1. Varisthajana Swasthya Sewa Abhiyan: In collaboration with HelpAge India, ONGC makes consistent efforts to take heightened healthcare to the doorsteps of the elderly who need it the most. In the year 2011-12, 20 Mobile Medical care Units were launched to cater to their healthcare requirements. Across eight states and one union territory, almost 1.9 lakh treatments were provided with great efficiency.
2. ONGC-GICEIT Computer Centre: In partnership with Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, five computer centres were commenced across different functional areas of ONGC. These centres equip the underprivileged youth with employable computer skills so that, they can make a mark for themselves in this highly competitive world.
3. Project Utkarsh: It is a livelihood project in Sibasagar which was undertaken in the year 2011-12. The objective of this project is to amplify livelihood opportunities for about 400 households in a year. Women are trained to acquire skills like soft toy making, tailoring and so on. Strong linkages are provided for income generation. Even the elderly are trained in pursuits like mushroom cultivation, piggery, goatery etc. The project establishes appropriate forward and backward linkages for its smooth implementation.
4. Harit Moksha: This is one of a kind CSR initiative spearheaded in collaboration with Mokshda PEVSS. Together, they have created a wood based crematorium which is environment friendly and energy efficient. It is a remarkable fact that this crematorium has the potential to minimise wood consumption by 60%. Consequently, air and water pollution have been reduced significantly.
5. ONGC-NSTFDC Hathkargha Prashikshan: Economic empowerment of the tribal women handloom artisans in Assam is the prime objective of this CSR initiative. The idea is to encourage cluster development for economically disenfranchised tribal communities.
6. ONGC-Eastern Swamp Deer Conservation Project in Kaziranga National Park: The objective of the project is to successfully conserve the species of the Eastern Swamp Deer after carefully understanding the species and its habitat. Important project activities shall be developing a stringent conservation action plan and examine the possibility of ex-situ conservation of species.
7. ONGC Hospitals: In a commendable move, ONGC will be establishing hospitals at Sibsagar, Assam and Ankleshwar, Gujarat and a Community Hospital at Lakhimpur-Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. In the year 2017, ONGC dedicated the ONGC multi-specialty hospital “Chaolung Sukaphaa” to the people of Assam for quality and affordable healthcare services. The corporation invested a considerable sum of Rs.313 crore.

These activities are in sync with the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Enterprises and Ministry of Corporate Affairs of the Government of India. Such wonderful initiatives as per the corporation’s CSR strategy have played and continue to play an instrumental role in the advancement of myriad underdeveloped regions of the nation.