Intel's social responsibility

Q&A: Frank B Jones

Which dimension of CSR have you stressed?

At Intel, corporate responsibility means doing what is right. Tamil Nadu will be a key partner state for our overall education and CSR activities.

As a socially responsible corporate citizen, Intel India is focused on providing a fair opportunity to education and improved healthcare, as well as undertaking various community welfare initiatives.

What was Intel's investment in the CSR space in India in 2006, and how much do you propose to spend in 2007?

Intel spends about $100 million on its CSR programmes globally. Empowering the community and making them own the projects that we initiate becomes critical.

What CSR goals have you identified and carried out in Tamil Nadu?

Well, we have trained over 19,000 school teachers and 1000-plus Sarva Shiksha Abhyaan schools covering all 30 districts of Tamil Nadu. Intel is also working on a plan to transform schools under the Chennai Corporation into model schools that effectively integrate technology in teaching and learning. An Intel team works closely with the teachers here to formulate curriculum guidelines.

Our programmes are also implemented at pre-service teacher preparation institutions and BEd colleges across the state. Intel provides trainers and study material free of cost to these programs.

How does Intel approach CSR?

In India, we have harnessed employee volunteerism to enable initiatives. Over 75 per cent of our employees are active stakeholders in our CSR initiatives, and their enthusiasm is unlike anything I have witnessed before. Intel India volunteers have led the way in tree planting activities across Bangalore city, planting and maintaining over 5,000 trees at various locations.

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