IndiaCSR News Network
Ahmedabad: Fullerton India, one of India’s leading Non-Banking Finance Companieshas undertaken a unique initiative to organize India’s largest cattle care event. The initiative ‘Pashu Vikas Day’ will involve setting up of cattle-care camps in more than 110 branch locations in seven states of its rural business operations- Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
Through thisCSR initiative, Fullerton India reaches out to cattle owners to inform, educate and provide free treatment and medicines for the health of their cattle; which will consequently improve their productivity, thus enhancing the household income. The activity is expected to positively impactapproximately 15,000-20,000 cattle across 5,000 households in the 200 villages that would be covered. Over 1,000 Fullerton India employees would be engaged in the camp, making it the largest initiative of its kind.The aim is to createmore awareness regarding cattle care in the country’s hinterland.
Commenting on this initiative Rakesh Makkar, EVP & Business Head, Fullerton India said “Fullerton India is strongly committed towards the overall development of rural India and have a robust CSR program that focusses on improving the socio-economic status of the community. We have been conducting multiple CSR projects in rural India for the past several years, even before the CSR mandate in the Companies Act 2013. Fullerton India, with the active and voluntary support of a large number of its employees, has been conducting cattle care camps since the last five years. With‘Pashu Vikas Day’, we aim to institutionalize the occasion and further strengthen our commitment and contribution to rural development.”
Cricketer Irfan Pathan was present at the camp held at Kheda, near Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Airing his views on the occasion, the all-rounder said, “This is a very noble initiative and the sheer turnout and the enthusiasm seen in the eyes of both, the cattle-owners and Fullerton India volunteers, is testimonial to the success of this camp. I am glad to be present here and I wish Fullerton India continues to support this cause. While India Inc. is already contributing quite meaningfully when it comes to CSR, there is still room for more. Cattle care, as a subject, was probably not discussed quite as much before. Given its importance in our lives, I hope this event will help create the amount of attention that it rightfully deserves.”
Fullerton India’s commitment to the betterment of rural India has been showcased in the past,through its Livelihoods advancement CSR initiativeswhich include new and alternative vocational training programs and health initiatives such as‘Save the Eye’ (Eye check-up camp). InFY 2013-2014, the company conducted over 1000 programs benefitting more than 33900 rural households.
