TCS' committed to CSR, says company report

IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has structured its corporate social responsibilities (CSR) on two distinct tiers - impacting communities directly in line of its business and concern for preservation of the environment.

The company also has formed 'Maitree', an association of employees and their families across the globe, and is acting as an important vehicle of CSR. Maitree initiatives include for the socially underprivileged.

The company in its report to share holders said it is involved with communities directly making use of its core competence to address societal problems. With regard to environment policy, company's commitment is towards environment-friendly development and delivery of products and services.

"These initiatives are being monitored periodically through audits and checks. In FY05, Maitree partnered with 'Sanctuary Asia', a non-government organisation (NGO) that promotes wildlife preservation and support of nature," report said.

TCS has aligned itself with the Tata Council of Community Initiatives (TCCI), which is the apex body coordinating social cause across all Tata companies.

The company is involved with the tsunami relief with Tata Relief Committee.

TCS is also actively supporting Children's Hospital in Mumbai which aims at providing good medical facilities. Overseas, the company employees have been involved in community work in libraries, fund raising for charity, assisting the elderly, 'at-risk' communities, and blood donation camps.

Company's second generation CSR includes reaching out to the academic community and professional societies in the form of faculty upgradation programmes, part time teaching by TCS employees in university programmes and sponsorship of research.

TCS' third generation CSR is exemplified as brand of Computer Based functional Literacy (CBFL) which has been proven as a delivery model for achieving functional literacy in as quick as 40 hours using low-end machines.

"Computer Based functional Literacy (CBFL) has been globally acclaimed and the company has been listed in the India segment of the Unesco Meta-survey on the use of technologies in education," said the company in its report to share holders.

"This initative is being enthusiastically adopted in South Africa. Similar initiatives include development of websites for NGOs, creation of database for childline which supports children in distress in 54 centres in India," report added.