Synopsis:
With increasing resistance from the anti-industry activists to the proposed projects, it’s much more than social responsibilities which are driving corporates to organize health camps, education programmes, plantation drives and even musical soirees in different parts of Orissa these days.


If POSCO has conducted Cleft Lip and Polio Correction Camps and has been imparting industrial training to youths in an apparent attempt to reduce resentment in its project area, then Tata Steel has, through its “Lifeline Express” programme, helped hundreds of patients.


The Vedanta Group, too, is not just taking education and health initiatives in its project area, but also sponsoring sports and cultural activities, including a five-year commitment to fund the annual musical festival of Bhubaneswar Musical Circle.


The Govt.’s industrialization drive might not have yet reached fruition stage with the anti-displacement brigade giving the administration nights sleepless nights in Kalinga Nagar, Paradeep (POSCO site), Puri (Vedanta University) and other proposed sites. But for some people, the presence of these big companies in Orissa has meant gains. Like the 38 students and researchers who have bagged scholarships & fellowships from the POSCO TJ Park Foundation for higher studies.


Faced with increasing resistance, POSCO began its CSR activities in July 2006 and has since then held health camps, installed two high mast lights and trained 60 youths to win over the local villagers.


A POSCO insider said, “It is intended at getting close to the people and winning their confidence. We want POSCO to grow with the community and will continue such activities. The recent three-day Polio Corrective Surgery Camp organized in association with the Dist. Administration, benefited 100 children and was very well-received.”


Earlier, the Company had organized a Cleft Lip and Palate Correction Surgery Camp and cured 27 children. Referring to these activities, Mr. Soung-Sik Cho said, “We hope this effort adds value to the lives of these children and enables them to have a better future.”


Even in case of American Power Company AES and the Jindal Group, which is establishing steel and power units in the State, CSR is now high on the agenda, for obvious reasons.