However, the complexities involved, as well as the fundamental differences between rural and urban drivers for development prompted Tata Steel to separate them into three units - Community Development and Social Welfare (CD & SW), Tata Steel Rural Development Society and Adivasi & Harijan Welfare. Cell, now Tribal Cultural Society. In 1979, therefore, TSRDS covered 32 villages in the vicinity of Jamshedpur. A quarter century later its seven units, six in Tata Steel’s outlocations, cover 600 villages in Jharkhand and Orissa through activities geared towards Livelihood Generation, Health & Hygiene and Empowerment. In its quest for speedy development, the Company has joined hands with international partners and governments to ensure that both the individual and community get the best results.

In addition, TSRDS has identified the advancement of education, sports and self reliance as important tools to a better quality of life. It helps them dream big and at the same time creates avenues through village education committees, self help groups, rural talent searches, village and school competitions, and linkages with institutions such as NABARD, SIDBI and OMFED to make them partners in progress. It inculcates in them the capacity to solve their own problems.  

Income generation through a variety means

    
Agriculture is the mainstay for villages in India, an activity for which irrigation is crucial. In 1979, a mere 179 acres of the villages covered by TSRDS was irrigated. Today, 9305 acres in over 600 villages are irrigated. With the focus on agriculture and village based initiatives, the step towards economic growth takes the route of:

Assistance in procuring seeds
Farm Demonstrations and Agri-Extension
Irrigation
Fertilizers
Dairy, Poultry and Animal Husbandry
Creation of self help groups
Village Participation
Creation of Pani Panchayats
Small business units
Increase in Income

The comprehensive health care services offered by TSRDS covers 250,000 patients, including those in remote areas. From offering only curative services in 1979, TSRDS today networks with other agencies to implement health projects, build village level capacities and follow a community owned approach, whereby the community actively participates and is involved in taking decisions.

To measure its health care services, TSRDS has changed its performance indicator from numbers to impact measurement. Accordingly, it has set up process indicators. It works as a mother NGO and implements health projects in a NGO consortium.

Among its most important achievements has been the successful implementation of the Child Survival Project, the Water and Sanitation Project, cleft lip and cleft palate corrections, adoption of small family norms and eradication of polio from the area.

Health at the community level

It offers:
Immunisation
Tuberculosis Control
Eye Care services
Family Welfare
Mobilises Blood Donations
Treats General Ailments
Conducts cleft lip operations
Generates awareness on low cost toilets and clean drinking water