ITC’s e-Choupal initiative has been adjudged winner of the Innovation for India Award in the Social Innovations category for business organisations. The winners were announced at the first Innovation for India Awards ceremony held at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai on June 23, 2006.

The Innovation for India Awards, the first of its kind in India, have been instituted by the ‘Innovation for India – Marico Foundation’ and audited by Erehwon Innovation Consulting.

The objective of the awards is to showcase innovations in India and recognize initiatives that can inspire others in the country to innovate.

Out of the 163 entries received, 36 were shortlisted - 21 in the Business category, and 15 in the Social category. The entries were reviewed by a six member jury, comprising eminent business and social leaders like Anu Aga, Chairperson, Thermax, Arun Maira, Boston Consulting Group, Ranjan Kapur, Country Manager, WPP. Based on parameters of number of lives impacted, degree of impact on organization and environment, uniqueness, leverage of resources and whether it was scalable and sustainable, the jury declared ITC-IBD’s e-Choupal as one of ‘India’s Best Innovations’ in the Social Innovations category for Business organisations.