Role of CSR at Reliance India

With the passage of time, the concept of the role of CSR in business ethics is gaining prime importance as firms imbibe the idea of sustainability into the core of their business operations. In the modern business world, companies realize that undertaking socially responsible initiatives is undoubtedly a win-win situation. It opens the gates for making a true difference in the world. Moreover, to prosper and grow over time, every firm must not only set higher economic benchmarks but also establish elevated standards of social change.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was established with “Growth is life” being its pearl of wisdom. The company marks a substantial presence in various areas such as petroleum refining and marketing, hydrocarbon exploration and production, petrochemicals, retail, and telecommunications. With its sincere efforts, the company has consistently figured on the prestigious Fortune Global 500 list since the last fourteen years. In the year 2017, RIL ranked 203^rd on this illustrious list.

Reliance considers sustainable development as the mainspring of their growth strategy. The company is working hard to bring about a qualitative change in the lives of the people and communities around their manufacturing division. Their initiatives have touched millions over the years and about 1, 50, 000 people benefit from their projects every month.

Let’s have an aerial perspective of their CSR projects:

1. Community Infrastructure: In order to enhance its community relations, Reliance has focused greatly on building physical infrastructure. Community halls, health centres, schools and structures for water conservation have been constructed to cater to the needs of the general public.
2. Environment: With climate change becoming a grave reality, developmental goals need to be strictly aligned with environmental protection. Amidst this background, Reliance is making notable investments in renewable energy sources. Green belts are being promoted and acres of arid lands have been converted to green belt zones.
3. Education and Skill enhancement: Reliance provides financial aid to the local schools for capacity building of the teaching faculty and improvement of infrastructure. Various programs are organized for skill development of the local communities and to provide them with income generation opportunities. Self Help Groups (SHGs) are encouraged and people are empowered with marketing wisdom. Following are the initiatives taken in this respective field:

• Women and Youth Empowerment programs: Great emphasis is laid upon the education, employment and empowerment of women and youth in the areas of its operations.
• Reliance Community Development Programs: Livelihood training programs are conducted with the provision of aid and equipments for the persons with disabilities.
• Project Jagruti: This project aims to bring about the upliftment of the dyslexic students and to bring them into the mainstream.
• Reliance Dhirubhai Ambani Protsahan Scheme: This scheme supports meritorious students. Financial support is provided to the toppers who aspire to build a career in the field of medicine or engineering.

4. Community Healthcare: With the objective to provide quality and affordable health care services to the people, Reliance has constructed myriad health centers across the country. Mobile medical care units are operated and emergency services are provided. Following initiatives have been taken in the area of healthcare:

• Reliance Primary Health Centre: A primary health centre was adopted in the state of Gujarat. It offers healthcare services under the National Rural Health Mission.
• Reliance Employee Health Care Services: Occupational Health Centers are established near the plants and offices of Reliance. These centers are equipped with top notch facilities and manned by efficient medical professionals to take care of their staff and employees.
• Reliance HIV/DOTS Therapy: This program favors the underprivileged and is run in collaboration with various government and non-governmental organizations.
• Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital: This hospital plays an instrumental role in enhancing the quality of life of people. Free lifesaving treatment is provided at this hospital.

5. Reliance Foundation: Reliance Foundation was established in 2010 with the objective to provide an impetus to the various philanthropic projects of RIL. This foundation reflects the dream of Reliance to build a sustainable structure of growth.

These wonderful CSR initiatives undertaken by Reliance reflect its serious commitments towards the role of corporate social responsibility in business ethics and, consequently to society. It must be appreciated that Reliance has embraced the idea of ‘Triple Bottom Line’ which brings together People, Planet, and Profit on one platform to march into a sustainable sunrise future.