Policy - As a large Indian enterprise, ITC is uniquely positioned to
contribute to public policy, which it does through
active participation in a number of fora. Its size also
enables it to influence the process of development and
contribute to sustainable growth in the areas in which
it operates, thereby helping to transform the lives of a
large number of people and communities. ITC’s objective
of making a positive contribution to the society where
it operates is served by aligning its own operations
with interventions and initiatives aimed at creating
sustainable livelihoods through farm and non-farm based
activities.
Striding a wider canvas in the interest of the nation,
ITC is committed to ensuring the preservation of India’s
unique cultural heritage through various initiatives to
promote, encourage and keep cultural traditions alive.
With such a diverse and critical social agenda, all ITC
employees have the obligation to display high levels of
integrity and ethical behaviour.
Responsibility - It is the overall responsibility of the
Corporate Management Committee to ensure that its
investments in the social sector are an integral part of
the Company’s corporate strategy. Division-level
initiatives respond to local needs and are monitored by
the Divisional Management Committees and implemented
through their local units in conjunction with the
Corporate Human Resources Department.
The Corporate Management Committee and the Divisional
Management Committees are responsible for reviewing and
updating Corporate Standards on social and cultural
development, and updating standards and guidelines for
work in these areas as well as for providing guidance
and support to all concerned.
Management - The Corporate Management Committee is the
primary custodian of ITC’s social initiatives.
Implementation is reviewed periodically at the Unit,
Divisional and the CMC levels. A dedicated team in the
Corporate Human Resources Department provides specialist
services to assist in implementation and monitoring of
projects. The Units are responsible for responding to
specific needs spelt out by local communities and
implementation is monitored by the Divisional Management
Committees. In discharging social responsibility
projects, all applicable rules and regulations are
complied with.
Training & Awareness -
Employees engaged in social
development initiatives are given regular training both
to enhance their domain knowledge and improve management
skills. Details of social development work being done is
posted on the ITC portal. Society is made aware of these
projects and programmes through the circulation of a
brochure called ‘Transforming Lives and Landscapes’.
Monitoring & Follow-up - Regular monitoring and followup
is undertaken by Corporate Human Resources. External
accounting firms undertake quarterly financial audits.
External audit firms and the Internal Audit function of
the Company carry out system audits regularly.
Objective - The primary focus of ITC’s Social
Development Initiatives is to create sustainable sources
of farm and off-farm livelihoods and to improve the
social infrastructure especially in areas where it
impacts women and children.
In pursuit of these objectives, the following goals have
been set for the next five years -
-
Web-enable 10
million farmers through 20,000 e-Choupals in 100,000
villages.
-
Bring at least
50,000 hectares under soil and moisture conservation
practices.
-
Transform at
least 100,000 hectares of wastelands into productive
and revenue-generating assets for the poor.
-
Create at least
10,000 women entrepreneurs with a sustainable source
of supplementary incomes.
-
Improve the
genetic stock of at least 150,000 cattle through
artificial insemination practices.
-
Provide
supplementary education support services to at least
100,000 children.
In its endeavour to preserve India’s cultural and
artistic heritage, ITC will also continue to ensure that
its initiatives in the areas of preservation and
promotion of Indian music, art and theatre are
strengthened.
Context - A high level of community involvement creates
long term enduring partnerships that contribute to
creating a stable environment for its operations. ITC’s
commitment that extends beyond the market enhances the
Company’s credibility in the minds of stakeholders and
policy makers. ITC’s focus on Social Development and on
preserving India’s heritage is also a key element of its
employee value proposition which helps in the attraction
and retention of quality talent.
