| e) |
review and sample testing across
five sites of twelve
indicators and associated statements presented in the Report at EN11, EN 33, LA 8, LA 9,
HR 2, HR 3, HR 4, HR 5, HR 6, SO 1, SO 3 and SO 5 as mentioned above in light of the
findings from the desktop review, site visits, and our cumulative knowledge of the
industry and the Group’s operations; |
| f) |
review of conclusions drawn from data
and corresponding statements for select indicators in the context of completeness and
reliability. |
However, the assurance process did not include the involvement of any of the major
stakeholder groups.
The data and graphs on financial performance, as specified in the report under Economic
indicators, are properly derived from the audited 2005 financial statements of ITC
Limited.
Parties responsible for Assurance Engagement
Our engagement was carried out by a multi-disciplinary team of requisite skills and
experience.
The assurance engagement was led by Dr. P. Ram Babu, employed with PwC with over 25
years experience in Corporate Sustainability Management and Reporting Systems. The
engagement execution was coordinated by Dr. Muna Ali and executed by PwC’s
sustainability team.
Conclusion
| a) |
On the basis of the work undertaken, nothing has come to our
attention that would cause us not to believe that: |
 |
The information cited at indicators EN11, EN 33, LA 8, LA
9, HR 2, HR 3, HR 4, HR 5, HR 6, SO 1, SO 3 and SO 5 in the Report has been fairly
stated. |
| |
The Report presents a fair and balanced account of ITC’s
material sustainability performance. |
| |
ITC has established a clear business planning process
which iis being cascaded from the corporate to its multi-business units. Objectives
and targets have been set to articulate ITC’s business priorities, which
include sustainability issues. |
|
 |
|
The Corporate Management Committee reviews the
sustainability policies, aspects and performance; and sets the tasks for the executive
management. The Corporate Management Committee reports directly to the Board of Directors
of ITC.
|
| b) |
ITC has shown leadership and commitment in developing the
rural economy. Significantly, this has been reflected in ITC’s e-Choupal and Choupal
Saagar initiatives that employ information technology to align farm outputs with market
demands.
|
| c) |
ITC is working towards becoming a zero solid waste
organisation. In order to realise this goal, it is recommended that ITC ensure the
following: |
| |
Uniformity in waste categorisation within all its units in the
Hotels business |
| |
Subsequent destinations and uses (including end of life) for
the solid waste leaving the premises of its units.
|
| d) |
Whilst ITC has formulated social policies as required by the
Guidelines, its transmission, and articulation of associated programmes for all its units
needs to be further strengthened. |
Name: Dr. P. Ram Babu |
Sustainable Business Solutions PricewaterhouseCoopers Pvt. Ltd. |
|
