• India CSR Awards 2025
  • Guest Posts
Monday, June 2, 2025
  • Login
India CSR
  • Home
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Art & Culture
    • CSR Leaders
    • Child Rights
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Around the World
    • Skill Development
    • Safety
    • Covid-19
    • Safe Food For All
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability Dialogues
    • Sustainability Knowledge Series
    • Plastics
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • ESG
    • Circular Economy
    • BRSR
  • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Interviews
  • SDGs
    • No Poverty
    • Zero Hunger
    • Good Health & Well-Being
    • Quality Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Clean Water & Sanitation – SDG 6
    • Affordable & Clean Energy
    • Decent Work & Economic Growth
    • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Sustainable Cities & Communities
    • Responsible Consumption & Production
    • Climate Action
    • Life Below Water
    • Life on Land
    • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
    • Partnerships for the Goals
  • Articles
  • Events
  • हिंदी
  • More
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Environment
    • Economy
    • Health
    • Around the World
    • Social Sector Leaders
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Trending News
      • Important Days
        • Festivals
      • Great People
      • Product Review
      • International
      • Sports
      • Entertainment
    • Case Studies
    • Philanthropy
    • Biography
    • Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Gaming
    • Knowledge
    • Home Improvement
    • Words Power
    • Chief Ministers
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Art & Culture
    • CSR Leaders
    • Child Rights
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Around the World
    • Skill Development
    • Safety
    • Covid-19
    • Safe Food For All
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability Dialogues
    • Sustainability Knowledge Series
    • Plastics
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • ESG
    • Circular Economy
    • BRSR
  • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Interviews
  • SDGs
    • No Poverty
    • Zero Hunger
    • Good Health & Well-Being
    • Quality Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Clean Water & Sanitation – SDG 6
    • Affordable & Clean Energy
    • Decent Work & Economic Growth
    • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Sustainable Cities & Communities
    • Responsible Consumption & Production
    • Climate Action
    • Life Below Water
    • Life on Land
    • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
    • Partnerships for the Goals
  • Articles
  • Events
  • हिंदी
  • More
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Environment
    • Economy
    • Health
    • Around the World
    • Social Sector Leaders
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Trending News
      • Important Days
        • Festivals
      • Great People
      • Product Review
      • International
      • Sports
      • Entertainment
    • Case Studies
    • Philanthropy
    • Biography
    • Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Gaming
    • Knowledge
    • Home Improvement
    • Words Power
    • Chief Ministers
No Result
View All Result
India CSR
No Result
View All Result
Home Interviews

We Have Spent Over 10% of Our Profit in CSR: Shaifalika Panda, CEO, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation

Shaifalika Panda on Empowering Communities through CSR: Insights from the CEO of BIPFI and Chief of CSR at IMFA

India CSR by India CSR
in Interviews
Reading Time: 10 mins read
We Have Spent Over 10% of Our Profit in CSR: Shaifalika Panda, CEO, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation
0
VIEWS
Share Share Share Share

Words Rusen Kumar

NEW DELHI (IndiaCSR): Shaifalika Panda is the Chief of CSR (Special Initiatives) of Indian Metal & Ferro Alloys Ltd. (IMFA) and CEO, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPFI). The BIPF is the social arm of IMFA was set up with a mission of enabling lives of the marginalised groups through sustainable and scalable initiatives. The foundation works in the verticals of Education, Water & Sanitation, Skill Development, and Health Initiatives with a special focus on women & children development.

In an exclusive interview with Rusen Kumar, Managing Editor of India CSR; Shaifalika Panda, Chief of CSR (Special Initiatives) of IMFA and CEO of BIPFI shared her vision on CSR and recent development of CSR in the organization. She said that her organization has spent over 10% of profit for CSR and she expects that this year the spending will be significantly higher.

Here are the edited excerpts of the interview:

India CSR
ADVERTISEMENT

Tell us about Indian Metal & Ferro Alloys Ltd – IMFA Journey and business philosophy?

Indian Metal & Ferro Alloys Ltd. (IMFA) set up in 1961 is today India’s largest, fully integrated producer of Ferro alloys, straddling the value chain from mining to smelting. Its 187 MVA installed furnace capacity is backed by 258 MW captive power generation and extensive chrome ore mining tracts. Our operations are certified to international standards covering quality management, environment and occupational health & safety.

We adhere to the highest ethical standards and take great pride in being a reliable partner for all stakeholders; be it our customers, our employees or the communities in which we operate. For us it is always principles before profit and people before business.

Can you discuss your company’s CSR journey? 

Dr. Bansidhar Panda, the founder of IMFA, left a promising career abroad and came back to his home-state to set up an industry in one of the remotest corners of Odisha in the erstwhile district of Koraput, with a concept of inclusive growth. As the operations grew, so did the community initiatives. Starting with providing basic necessities like water sources and sanitary facilities way back in the 1960s, we had scaled up our community initiatives by setting up a KG to 12th English medium CBSE School, an Industrial Training Centre and dispensaries, by the 70s and 80s. Our founders have always believed that we should coexist with the communities and their effort continues to inspire us in “touching lives beyond business”.

Brief our readers about Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation and its mission.

The development landscape calls for collective action. Thus in 2011 IMFA set up the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation with a mission to enable lives of the marginalized groups by implementing Sustainable & Scalable Interventions through strategic partnerships and multi sectorial approach. The foundation focuses on Education, Skill Development, Water & Sanitation, Healthcare and Women’s Empowerment.

What is the implementing method of CSR?

Each project is meticulously planned with time bound goals after mapping community needs.  Every aspect is approached with business-like professionalism. An experienced team, a robust governance (with implementation methodology and regular monitoring and evaluation) and a community partnership approach ensures transparency and efficient execution of all our interventions. Higher impact and sustainable growth remains our priority. To maximize impact in certain areas we have also entered into strategic partnerships with national & International NGOs as well as government agencies.

Do you have CSR Committee as per provision of the Law?

We have a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee as per provision of the Law. Our Board of Directors, CSR committee, management team and all employees subscribe to the Corporate Responsibility Policy. The CSR cell is headed by a Chief of CSR (Special Initiatives), responsible for planning out the annual agenda. The progress of implementation of these projects is reviewed every quarter by the CSR committee which reports to the Board.

What is your CSR team strength?

We have a team comprising of 30 qualified professionals. We also hire large no of community mobilizers at the ground level to implement programs and facilitate communication.  In addition to this IMFA employees also contribute their time towards CSR projects.

What are key CSR projects initiated at plant locations?

We have various ongoing CSR project is different locations. Let me briefly highlight some of successful projects.

Project Arogya Dhara-Preventative and Curative healthcare

  • Health services through dispensaries at sites
  • Periodical Health Camps in remote areas
  • VHN Days and Information dissemination for improved Maternal & Child health.
  • Awareness programmes for adolescents
  • Building infrastructure for health facilities (especially for women)

Project Su-Swasthya-Ensuring Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation

  • Creating awareness to stop open defecation through CLTS (Community Led Total Sanitation) approach
  • Periodic Awareness sessions to educate community members & school children about safe drinking water & sanitation.
  • Tube wells & Piped water supply facilities in targeted villages
  • Toilets for communities and schools in rural areas for increased attendance

Project Sakshyam: Creating skilling and employment opportunities for youth

  • Therubali Industrial Training Centre offers vocational training for Electrician, Welder, and Fitter etc.
  • Empanelled with MoRD for conducting DDU-GKY Skill Program
  • Successfully running the Skill centers at Choudwar, Cuttack dist. for Sewing Machine Operators & at JK Pur, Rayagada dist. for Electrical, Fitter &Turner

Project Adhyayan: Education for All

  • Chinmaya Vidhyala Therubali, an English medium CBSE School
  • Prof. Ghanashyam Dash Scholarship for Higher Education to meritorious students
  • Support to tribal schools in districts of Keonjhar, Jajpur & Cuttack
  • Infrastructure support to schools in remote areas to prevent school dropouts & ensure regular attendance
  • Study material support for increased attendance at schools in tribal areas

How Project Unnati is empowering the women in Odisha?

‘UNNATI’ is a Self Help Group model which empowers women through financial and social inclusion. It follows a unique method of integrating financial training (savings & credits) & livelihood capacity building with life-skill trainings (on education, gender, health issue, WASH etc). The aim is to transform the lives of these women. To give them a voice in household decision making once they become an earning member thanks to their livelihood skills. Life skills training also helps guide their families to spend on important issues like health, education and hygiene. This project was recognized as a best case practice by GBC Health, New York in private sector engagement in India in 2013. Currently Project Unnati is being successfully carried out in Angul, Jajpur and Keonjhar districts of Odisha.

What are the key objectives of carrying such projects? 

We believe in inclusive growth. Hence the key objective is to achieve capacity building of the community. For growth to be sustainable it is imperative for the community to take ownership of their programs. The aim is to ensure quality of life – creating healthy not just happy families; providing dignity not just access to basics; and offering opportunities not just financial aid.

What are the communication strategies to inform stakeholders at IMFA?

I believe that communication is key to change. The more the stakeholders know about our programs the larger our reach becomes. In- house communication programs update all our employees as well as inspire more employee volunteers. We take pride in highlighting our projects through our quarterly newsletter and the BIPF Website. We also disseminate information through regular modes of communication via print & electronic media, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Our Annual Panel discussions involves all stakeholders wherein we invite experts from different sectors to deliberate upon our focus areas as well as on pressing social issues.

What is the aim of Shambhavi Puraskar?

The aim of Shambhavi Puraskar is to highlight the achievements of silent heroes who carry on social work undaunted by the enormity of the challenges and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. In a world that faces multiple challenges, we need many more of these extraordinary people who work towards transforming lives around them. Just like the IMFA instituted Sarala Award for Odia Literature and Ekalabya Puraskar for Sports – two of the most prestigious awards in the state- the Shambhavi Puraskar by BIPF is the first of its kind in Odisha which recognizes emerging social catalysts thereby encouraging more citizens to act as agents of change.

What is your annual CSR budget? 

Our budget is based on activities we carry on year after year including our Chinmaya Vidhyalaya School, ITI Centers, Therubali Industrial training Centre, Community Dispensaries and our Women & Child interventions at various locations. In 2014-15, we have spent over 10% of our profit and this year the spending will be significantly higher given our commitment to the new ITI at Sukinda starting in August 2016.

As co-chairperson of FICCI Young Leaders what role you are playing?

FICCI Young Leaders was set up to involve young business leaders to influence policy decision at the highest level – the findings and conclusions are reported to the FICCI Executive Committee.  FYL is a platform to engage youth across sectors and undertakes several programs like the Leadership Talk Series through CDs, held in universities like IIM, XIMB, Delhi University etc.; Young Tech Entrepreneurs wherein companies collaborate, share and exchange ideas with mentors like Narayan Murthy and Nandan Nilekani with the objective of increasing the growth trajectory of their business; and putting together knowledge papers. Keeping the focus on CSR I have been involved in a knowledge paper with Accenture on Organising for Success on Corporate Responsibility: the path to high performance.

About Shaifalika Panda: Shaifalika Panda is a Trustee and the Chief Executive Officer of Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation, the social development arm of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA; estd 1961). She quit a successful business career to pursue her keen interest in social causes and joined IMFA as Chief of CSR (Special Initiatives) with a mandate to bring about a greater focus to the company’s CSR activities, particularly through sustainable initiatives. She spearheaded the formation of the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation with a vision to engage, educate and empower the most vulnerable communities to achieve socio-economic transformation.

Personifying her profound commitment to improving the condition of women, she is responsible for developing the framework of BIPF’s Unnati Project, an integrated self-help approach covering finance, livelihood, health, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene that aims at teaching women to build capacity to handle their economic and social challenges themselves.

Shaifalika graduated with honours cum laude with a dual degree in Marketing and International Management from the School of Management, Boston University, United States. Having followed her calling into the social development field, she then went on to get a Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability from the Swedish Institute, Stockholm.

Shaifalika is co-chairperson of FICCI Young Leaders and serves on the advisory board of FICCI-Social Economic Development Foundation and The Learning Matters Teachers Training Institute. In her personal capacity she has also set up Awaaz Foundation to do charitable work including in partnership mode with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.


You may also like:

  • Sustainability is an Evolving Journey for Cairn: Sudhir Mathur, Chief Financial Officer of Cairn India
  • SKF Solar Mission Targets CO2 Emission Reduction Upto 4000 Metric Tons by 2017
  • BT Sustainability Strategy is Focused on Using Power of Communications to Make a Better World: Niall Dunne, Chief Sustainability Officer
  • Our Eco Smart Toilet Addresses the Sanitation Needs and We Are Proud of It – Amit Mittal, CMD A2Z Group
  • We Have Supplied 20,000 Readymade Toilets on No Profit – No Loss Basis: Ramdas Mansing Mane, Chairman, Mane Group

India CSR offers strategic corporate outreach opportunities to amplify your brand’s CSR, Sustainability, and ESG success stories.

📩 Contact us at: biz@indiacsr.in

Let’s collaborate to amplify your brand’s impact in the CSR and ESG ecosystem.

Tags: CSR in IndiaCSR InterviewCSR Interview by Rusen KumarIndian CSRIndian Metal & Ferro Alloys LtdRusen KumarShaifalika Panda
India CSR

India CSR

India CSR is the largest media on CSR and sustainability offering diverse content across multisectoral issues on business responsibility. It covers Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, and related issues in India. Founded in 2009, the organisation aspires to become a globally admired media that offers valuable information to its readers through responsible reporting.

Related Posts

Driving Sustainable Impact: An Interview with Himanshu Nivsarkar, Kotak Mahindra Bank
Interviews

Driving Sustainable Impact: An Interview with Himanshu Nivsarkar, Kotak Mahindra Bank

2 weeks ago
0
Empowering Women Drivers: An Interview with Balamurugan Thevar, CSR Head at Shriram Finance
Interviews

Empowering Women Drivers: An Interview with Balamurugan Thevar, CSR Head at Shriram Finance

2 weeks ago
0
Empowering Rural Craft Entrepreneurs: An Interview with N E Sridhar, Titan Company
Interviews

Empowering Rural Craft Entrepreneurs: An Interview with N E Sridhar, Titan Company

3 weeks ago
0
Empowering Young Innovators Across India: An Interview with Geetaj Channana, the Head of Corporate Strategy at Vivo India
Interviews

Empowering Young Innovators Across India: An Interview with Geetaj Channana, the Head of Corporate Strategy at Vivo India

1 month ago
0
Anupama Katkar Empowering a Digitally Secure Community
Interviews

Anupama Katkar Empowering a Digitally Secure Community

2 months ago
0
Running the Race of Impact: Milind Soman on Vitality, Joy, and Social Sector Leadership
Interviews

Running the Race of Impact: Milind Soman on Vitality, Joy, and Social Sector Leadership

2 months ago
0
Transforming Marathwada: Mayank Gandhi’s Mission for Agricultural Revival through GVT 2.0
Interviews

Transforming Marathwada: Mayank Gandhi’s Mission for Agricultural Revival through GVT 2.0

2 months ago
0
Driving Social Impact and Sustainable Development in India: An Interview with Garima Dutt, President, CSR – YES BANK & CEO – YES Foundation
Interviews

Driving Social Impact and Sustainable Development in India: An Interview with Garima Dutt, President, CSR – YES BANK & CEO – YES Foundation

2 months ago
0
Dr. Suman Minda to Unveil 3 Ambitious CSR Initiatives for Education and Social Upliftment
Interviews

Dr. Suman Minda to Unveil 3 Ambitious CSR Initiatives for Education and Social Upliftment

2 months ago
0
Load More
Next Post

Sonalika ITL Leading Sustainable Development through its New Forum

Aditya Aluminium Bags CSR Award

India CSR Awards India CSR Awards India CSR Awards
ADVERTISEMENT

LATEST NEWS

Tata Elxsi FY25 Results: Rs 3,729 Cr Revenue, PAT at Rs 784.9 Cr

Tata Elxsi Spent Rs 13.5 Crore on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in FY25

Satish Singh Named Chief People Officer at PNB Housing Finance

Morgan Ventures FY25 Results: Rs 467 Crore Revenue & 158% PAT Growth

Chhattisgarh to Hire 5,000 Teachers in Bold Education Reform

Karnataka Deputy CM Slams Illegal CSR Practices, Pushes for School Development

HZL HZL HZL
ADVERTISEMENT

TOP NEWS

No Content Available
Load More

Advertisement

Image Slider
content writing services Guest Post Top 5 Reasons to have Sponsored Posts at India CSR – India’s Largest CSR Media stem learning R2V2 Technologies Private Limited

Interviews

Driving Sustainable Impact: An Interview with Himanshu Nivsarkar, Kotak Mahindra Bank
Interviews

Driving Sustainable Impact: An Interview with Himanshu Nivsarkar, Kotak Mahindra Bank

by India CSR
May 22, 2025
0

By Rusen Kumar NEW DELHI (India CSR): Himanshu Nivsarkar, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of CSR & ESG at Kotak...

Read moreDetails
Empowering Women Drivers: An Interview with Balamurugan Thevar, CSR Head at Shriram Finance

Empowering Women Drivers: An Interview with Balamurugan Thevar, CSR Head at Shriram Finance

May 20, 2025
0
Empowering Rural Craft Entrepreneurs: An Interview with N E Sridhar, Titan Company

Empowering Rural Craft Entrepreneurs: An Interview with N E Sridhar, Titan Company

May 15, 2025
0
Empowering Young Innovators Across India: An Interview with Geetaj Channana, the Head of Corporate Strategy at Vivo India

Empowering Young Innovators Across India: An Interview with Geetaj Channana, the Head of Corporate Strategy at Vivo India

April 25, 2025
0
Load More
Facebook Twitter Youtube LinkedIn Instagram
India CSR Logo

India CSR is the largest tech-led platform for information on CSR and sustainability in India offering diverse content across multisectoral issues. It covers Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, and related issues in India. Founded in 2009, the organisation aspires to become a globally admired media that offers valuable information to its readers through responsible reporting. To enjoy the premium services, we invite you to partner with us.

Follow us on social media:


Dear Valued Reader

India CSR is a free media platform that provides up-to-date information on CSR, Sustainability, ESG, and SDGs. They need reader support to continue delivering honest news. Donations of any amount are appreciated.

Help save India CSR.

Donate Now

donate at indiacsr

  • About India CSR
  • Team
  • India CSR Awards 2025
  • Partnership
  • Guest Posts
  • Services
  • Content Writing Services
  • Business Information
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donate

Copyright © 2024 - India CSR | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Art & Culture
    • CSR Leaders
    • Child Rights
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Around the World
    • Skill Development
    • Safety
    • Covid-19
    • Safe Food For All
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability Dialogues
    • Sustainability Knowledge Series
    • Plastics
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • ESG
    • Circular Economy
    • BRSR
  • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Interviews
  • SDGs
    • No Poverty
    • Zero Hunger
    • Good Health & Well-Being
    • Quality Education
    • Gender Equality
    • Clean Water & Sanitation – SDG 6
    • Affordable & Clean Energy
    • Decent Work & Economic Growth
    • Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
    • Reduced Inequalities
    • Sustainable Cities & Communities
    • Responsible Consumption & Production
    • Climate Action
    • Life Below Water
    • Life on Land
    • Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
    • Partnerships for the Goals
  • Articles
  • Events
  • हिंदी
  • More
    • Business
    • Finance
    • Environment
    • Economy
    • Health
    • Around the World
    • Social Sector Leaders
    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Trending News
      • Important Days
      • Great People
      • Product Review
      • International
      • Sports
      • Entertainment
    • Case Studies
    • Philanthropy
    • Biography
    • Technology
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • Gaming
    • Knowledge
    • Home Improvement
    • Words Power
    • Chief Ministers

Copyright © 2024 - India CSR | All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.