Bengaluru, NFAPost: Ambuja Cements, a prominent cement and building material company under the Adani Group, recently conducted a comprehensive Social Return on Investment (SROI) Study to assess the impact of its transformative initiatives in Farakka, West Bengal. The study, carried out by the CII Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development (CESD) in New Delhi, revealed that Ambuja’s CSR arm has achieved an impressive social return valued at INR 9.91 for every INR 1 invested.
Utilizing the Social Value UK methodology and the seven principles of SROI, the study analyzed the outcomes of Ambuja’s interventions implemented between 2019 and 2022. The research identified the agro-based livelihood program as the primary contributor to this remarkable SROI. The program consisted of interventions that significantly increased agricultural income, enhanced crop productivity, and established irrigation channels. Notably, the success of this program was also attributed to water resource management interventions that increased groundwater availability and improved irrigation facilities.
Ambuja’s Village Health Functionaries, known as Sakhis, played a pivotal role in improving the health conditions of the local community in Farakka. These dedicated individuals contributed to enhancing Maternal Child Health indicators by reducing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), as well as increasing institutional delivery rates. Furthermore, healthcare accessibility for truckers improved through initiatives such as TB testing, HIV/AIDS awareness, and education on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The company’s interventions in allied agriculture, particularly in poultry and goat rearing, have had a transformative impact on women’s empowerment in the region. These interventions created multiple earning opportunities for women, leading to significant changes in terms of access to credit and savings.
Moreover, Ambuja’s skill development initiatives enabled the local youth in Farakka to generate income and pursue entrepreneurial ventures. These initiatives proved crucial during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they provided locally sourced income streams that supported the survival of many households.
Mr Ajay Kapur, CEO of the Cement Business, expressed his enthusiasm about the impressive impact of Ambuja’s interventions in the Farakka communities. He highlighted the company’s active engagement in uplifting the region, which is part of the Murshidabad District and has been designated as one of West Bengal’s aspirational districts. Farakka faces numerous challenges, including poor health conditions and limited livelihood opportunities, resulting in slow growth. Recognizing the need for change, Ambuja has focused on providing need-based interventions in community health and improving livelihood options through agriculture, allied agriculture, and skill training. The company particularly emphasizes empowering marginalized and predominantly tribal communities.
Ambuja’s success and the scale of its interventions have been significantly influenced by partnerships with various stakeholders. Encouraged by these achievements, the company aims to strengthen its models and expand its initiatives to other areas within the region.
Through these interventions, Ambuja demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development and improving the lives of the communities it serves.
