Report Mapping the CSR trends in Water Sanitation and Hygiene in India

The India Sanitation Coalition (ISC) and Samhita Social Ventures, a partner of the ISC, announces the launch of a report mapping the CSR trends in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) of the 100 companies with the largest CSR budgets on the BSE 500.

The report highlights major trends, gaps and potential solutions for companies who are implementing sanitation programs in line with the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The Swachh Bharat Mission has catalysed the conversation around sanitation, right from the streets to the boardrooms of corporate India. However, despite substantial support from the corporate sector, the road ahead remains challenging. We need to recognise that tackling this issue is as much about changing ingrained behaviour and social norms as it is about infrastructure. - Naina Lal Kidwai, Chair, India Sanitation Coalition and Past President, FICCI

Here are highlights from the report:

90% of companies have at least one CSR program in WASH

While the report shows that most companies are focused on constructing toilets, several companies are engaging across the value chain of sanitation that includes Build, Use, Maintain and Treat (BUMT)

Several companies reported implementing O&M programs including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), NTPC, Coal India, NMDC, Hindustan Zinc, Rural Electrification Corporation, GAIL India, Punjab National Bank, Cipla, Bosch Petronet LNG, Bajaj Finance and Titan Industries. More than the 15% of companies reported, increased corporate intervention in this area could make a huge difference

Companies such as ITC, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Titan Industries, Jindal Steel and Power and Hindustan Zinc reported behaviour change programs. It was found that FMCG companies were more likely to focus on behaviour change. In addition to the 20% of companies that reported investing in aspects such as behaviour change or encouraging community participation in WASH, there is a huge potential for more companies to get engaged in this area

Leading the group in terms of contribution to the Swachh Bharat Kosh was companies like Larsen & Toubro (L&T), BHEL, the Bajaj Group (Bajaj Auto and Bajaj Finance), Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and IDBI.

Industries with a strategic interest, like Heavy Engineering & Manufacturing and FMCG companies were more likely to support WASH programs than other industries

CSR in WASH is concentrated in rural areas. More focus on urban WASH is also required

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