CSR: Bharat Forge’s Swachha Sundar Gaon Competition, a Step towards Cleaner and Beautiful Villages I India CSR

An Overview of CSR Case Study on Swachha Sundar Gaon Competition: Mobilizing Communities for a Common Cause.

PUNE (India CSR): Bharat Forge Limited organized the SwachhaSundarGaon Competition under its CSR programme, igniting a transformative movement among villages near Pune in Maharashtra.

This innovative initiative was designed to mobilize villagers to collectively pursue the shared goals of cleanliness and beautification. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and collective responsibility, the competition has significantly enhanced the visual appeal of these villages.

This initiative has shown that even the smallest of acts, when combined with a shared vision, can have a profound impact. The initiative has led to cleaner public areas, well-maintained roads, and improved sanitation facilities, creating a healthier and more pleasant living environment. The village now enjoys a healthier, more vibrant environment, a direct result of its residents working together to create a place they are proud to call home.

The success of this competition underscores the power of community-driven efforts in achieving sustainable development and highlights the crucial role of corporate social responsibility in facilitating grassroots change.

The success of this competition underscores the transformative power of CSR, demonstrating its ability to unlock the potential of local communities. By investing in sustainable development initiatives, Bharat Forge has not only created a positive impact, but also set a precedent for future collaborations that will continue to empower communities and drive positive change.

Background of Bharat Forge CSR Work

Bharat Forge has been actively involved in the development of over 110 villages across Maharashtra. Their CSR efforts focus on five key indicators essential for holistic village development:

Water Availability

Ensuring sustainable water resources for irrigation and drinking purpose.

Ensuring access to clean and sustainable water resources is a major focus of Bharat Forge’s CSR work. The corganization has implemented numerous projects aimed at providing reliable water supply for both irrigation and drinking purposes. This includes the construction and maintenance of bunds, desiltation of river, the installation of water purification units etc. By securing water resources, the initiatives have significantly improved the quality of life and agricultural productivity in these villages.

Livelihood

Creating opportunities for income generation and economic stability.

Bharat Forge is dedicated to creating opportunities for income generation and economic stability within these communities. Its livelihood programs include farmer’s training, land levelling activities, and the promotion of small-scale enterprises.

By equipping villagers with the necessary skills and resources, they empower individuals to start their own businesses or find gainful employment, thereby enhancing the overall economic well-being of the villages.

Health

Improving healthcare facilities and promoting health awareness.

Improving healthcare facilities and promoting health awareness are crucial components of Bharat Forge’s CSR efforts. The company continuously organizes medical camps and health check-up drives. They have also established 8 telemedicine centers to provide essential healthcare services to villagers. Read More

Furthermore, initiatives focused on awareness programs on hygiene and sanitation which had significantly contributed to better health outcomes in these rural areas.

Education

Enhancing educational infrastructure and quality of education.

Education is a cornerstone of Bharat Forge’s development strategy. It has undertaken several projects to enhance educational infrastructure and improve the quality of education in these villages.

These initiatives include the construction and renovation of school buildings and the provision of sanitation facilities to reduce the dropout rate among girl students. Through the fortnightly magazine, Nisargrang, Bharat Forge raises environmental awareness among school children. By fostering a conducive learning environment, the organization aims to ensure that children in these communities receive a quality education, paving the way for a brighter future.

Accessibility

Improving infrastructure to make villages more accessible.

Enhancing infrastructure to ensure villages are more accessible is another key priority. Bharat Forge’s CSR has constructed the internal roads of the villages, and the improvement in transportation facilities to ensure that villagers have better access to markets, healthcare centers, and educational institutions.

Enhanced connectivity not only facilitates economic activities but also ensures that essential services are within reach for all community members.

Through these comprehensive and targeted efforts, the company is making a significant impact on the development of rural communities in Maharashtra, fostering sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for thousands of villagers.

The Swachha Sundar Gaon Competition

The “Swachha Sunder Maze Gaon” competition sparked a transformation. By fostering a spirit of ownership, villagers embraced the challenge, taking pride in beautifying their surroundings.

This initiative not only cleaned up the village but also empowered residents to actively shape their future.

Key Facts	Description
Competition Name	“Swachha Sunder Maze Gaon”
Objective	Foster ownership among villagers to beautify their surroundings.
Impact	Villagers took pride in beautification and actively shaped their future.
Participating Villages	21 villages from Koregaon, Maan, and Khatav blocks, Satara district.
Evaluation Parameters	Ten parameters: waste management, sanitation, public spaces, community engagement, aesthetic appeal.
Evaluation Process	Independent committee of experts assessed performance objectively.
Outcome	Transparent competition, motivating villages towards sustainable development.
Significance	Showcased best practices, inspired other villages for similar transformation.
Organizing Region	Villages in Satara district where the organizers have been active.
Community Engagement	Promoted ownership and responsibility among villagers.
Sustainable Development Focus	Comprehensive parameters ensured fair and holistic evaluation.

BN Kalyani - CMD - Bharat Forge - CSR — B N Kalyani, Chairman and MD – Bharat Forge Limited

Participating Villages and Parameters

The “Swachha Sunder Maze Gaon” competition was organized for the villages of Satara where we are working since last few years. The participation from 21 villages across the Koregaon, Maan, and Khatav blocks of Satara district showed their dedication for making their village clean and green.

This initiative, designed to promote a clean and beautiful environment, ignited a spark of ownership and responsibility among the villagers.

To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process, ten specific parameters were meticulously established, covering a wide range of aspects crucial to sustainable development. These parameters delved into factors like waste management, sanitation facilities, public spaces, community engagement, and aesthetic appeal.

An independent committee, composed of experts in relevant fields, was meticulously appointed to objectively assess the performance of each village based on these parameters.

This rigorous evaluation process ensured that the competition remained objective and transparent, fostering healthy competition and motivating villages to strive for excellence in their efforts towards sustainable development. The competition served as a platform for showcasing best practices and inspiring other villages to embark on similar journeys of transformation.

Dr. Leena Deshpande, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility CSR at Bharat Forge

Priority Areas Covered

The competition focused on several priority areas, which included:

Public Area Cleanliness	Description
Clean Roads	Keeping roads within the village clean and tidy.
Painting of Public Buildings	Beautifying public buildings through painting and maintenance.
Cleanliness of Public Toilets	Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in public restrooms.
Sewage Water Management	Efficient management and disposal of sewage water to prevent contamination and diseases.

Empowering Communities: The CSR Journey of Bharat Forge with Dr. Leena Deshpande

Winners and Recognition

The “Swachha Sunder Maze Gaon” competition culminated in a celebration of community spirit and achievement. After a thorough evaluation process, the independent committee announced the results, showcasing the remarkable efforts of the participating villages.

Rui village emerged as the undisputed champion, capturing the coveted first prize of INR 1,51,000/-. Their dedication to creating a clean and beautiful environment earned them the highest recognition. Jaypur village, a close contender, secured the first runner-up position, receiving INR 1,00,000/- for their commendable efforts.

Targaon village, showcasing remarkable progress, was awarded INR 51,000/- as the second runner-up. Hivare village, demonstrating consistent efforts, received a well-deserved consolation prize of INR 25,000/-.

The winners and participants were honored at a special ceremony, attended by village representatives, where they were felicitated with certificates and prizes. This event served as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements, inspiring further progress in their respective villages.

The prize money, a tangible reward for their hard work and commitment, will be strategically reinvested in further development projects. This signifies a continuous cycle of progress, where the competition serves as a catalyst for sustainable development, empowering communities to take ownership of their well-being.

The success of the “Swachha Sunder Maze Gaon” competition is a testament to the power of collaboration, community spirit, and the positive impact of corporate social responsibility. It has not only transformed the landscape of these villages but has also ignited a spark of hope and progress, paving the way for a brighter future.

Position	Village	Awarded Amount (INR)
First Place	Rui village	1,51,000
First Runner Up	Jaypur village	1,00,000
Second Runner Up	Targaon village	51,000
Consolation Prize	Hivare village	25,000

The winners and participants were felicitated with certificates and prizes in a ceremony attended by village representatives.
The prize money received by the villagers will be reinvested in further development projects for their respective villages.

BHARAT FORGE LIMITED

Impact and Future Prospects

The “Swachha Sundar Maze Gaon” competition, a shining example of community-driven development, has successfully ignited a sense of pride and unity among villagers in Satara district. The initiative, spearheaded by Bharat Forge’s CSR efforts, has encouraged continuous improvement of their surroundings, setting a benchmark for other organizations.

The competition has not only fostered a cleaner and healthier environment but has also empowered the communities to take ownership of their well-being.

As these villages thrive, the positive impact of Bharat Forge’s CSR initiatives will continue to resonate, inspiring sustainable development and creating a brighter future for generations to come.