A ten-point #CombatCovid19 CSR programme of Tata Steel delivering results

Provided 25000 meals in settlements and slums on April 1, 2020

3472 masks delivered so far

Tata Steel through Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) recently launched a ten-point #CombatCovid19 programme to empathise, empower and equip the communities proximal to Jamshedpur. The specific initiatives within the programme which focuses on meeting deficits brought on due to the loss of daily income are summarised below:

#ThoughtforFood

TSF, in close collaboration with the district administration of East Singhbhum, is reaching one warm wholesome meal a day to 50,000 families in the worst-off settlements and slums of the Jamshedpur. The communities typically comprise of daily wage earners and undocumented temporary labour who have lost their incomes in this emergency and ignored communities like transgenders, children on the streets and leper colonies amongst others. TSF started with 250 meals on the first day and has already reached 25000 meals covering 86 slums and settlements, namely,Beldih Gram Basti ,Baldev Basti, Khutadih Basti, Babudihlal Bhatta, Mango Notified Area  Committee, Bastis in Burmamines Area and many more on April 1, 2020.

#StitchinTime

Distributed local capacity has been created to make 50,000 3 ply cloth masks to reach fraternities like frontline health workers who are the most exposed and currently in need of Personal Protective Equipment. 30,000 of these masks are being made by women in urban slums or rural villages who will make an average income of Rs 2,000 for 5 days of effort. 3,472 masks have already been delivered, payments are being made and this is getting scaled up each day.

#CashforWork

A plan to create an average income of Rs 1,500 for 1,000 households has been rolled out from April1, through a combination of kitchen gardens, linking farm produce to markets, making bags from newspapers and creating art and textile designs. For this, TSF has prioritised women-headed households which are worst hit by loss of income.

#DigitalBridges

The TSF team is digitally connected to 155 panchayats in and around Jamshedpur and 325 ASHA (government health workers) workers on a bi-weekly basis, which has helped identify several cases of returning migrant labour in villages. This effort has enabled both appropriate medical screening of such people and also provision of meals by the government.

#HopeSprings

An under reported issue with losers of daily income as well as returning migrant labour is the psychological trauma brought on by this emergency, and the TSF team is in the process of designing specific modules with trained psychiatrists and happiness practitioners. This intends to pre-emptively address any localized unrest.

In addition to the above programmes, TSF has also launched a few programmes keeping in mind the needs of the urban population during these times.

# FarRishta

Volunteering avenues have been opened for Tata Steel employees to be ‘social from a distance’ and engage with members from the vulnerable pockets in the community. This includes children from Residential Bridge Schools as well as scholars supported by Tata Steel, besides old age homes. As of now, 40 volunteers have contributed to this initiative. TSF is constantly exploring and including ways of engagement.

#FriendinNeed

In collaboration with Jeevan: The Suicide Prevention Centre, a team of dedicated volunteers are extending emotional support to citizens of Jamshedpur during this period of duress. This is open to volunteering after undergoing specified training. We now have a module in place to train Tata Steel volunteers who have opted to counsel people.

#FromtheFarm

About 100 quintals of produce from 70 farmers has been earmarked and the complete logistics chain mapped. Zomato has also agreed to host our produce exclusively on their app to enable home deliveries. This is planned for roll out by Friday. While the farmers are linked to the market and receive a fair price for their produce, the initiative also benefits the delivery persons.

The TSF has also launched a #StrongerTogether programme which intends to bring together the TIS group companies, industry, civil society and citizens of Jamshedpur for the above initiatives through financial and time contributions. This has received a very enthusiastic response with more than 15 financial commitments being firmed up in the first 24 hours.​

About Tata Steel

Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 33 million tonnes per annum (MnTPA). It is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and commercial presence across the world. The group (excluding SEA operations) recorded a consolidated turnover of US $22.67 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2019. In 2018, Tata Steel acquired Bhushan Steel Ltd (now renamed as Tata Steel BSL Ltd).

A Great Place to Work-Certified organisation, Tata Steel Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, is spread across five continents with an employee base of over 65,000.

Tata Steel retained the ‘Global Steel Industry Leader’ position in the DJSI 2018. The Company has been recognised as the Climate Disclosure Leader in ‘Steel category’ by CDP (2017). Besides being a member of the World Steel Climate Action Programme, Tata Steel has won several awards including the Lighthouse recognition for its Kalinganagar Plant – a first in India, Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant for 2016-17, ‘GreenPro’ certification for products (Tata Pravesh Steel Doors, Tata Structura, Tata Pipes) by CII, Authorized Economic Operator  (AEO) status (Tier 2) by the Directorate of International Customs (Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India), ‘Corporate Strategy Award’ by Mint (2018), Golden Peacock Award for Risk Management (2018) and Best Risk Management Framework & Systems Award (2019) by CNBC TV18. The Company also received the ‘Most Ethical Company’ award from Ethisphere Institute for the eight time (2019), Steel Sustainability Champion (2018) by the World Steel Association, Dun & Bradstreet Corporate Awards (2019), Golden Peacock HR Excellence Award by Institute of Directors (2018), ‘Best Companies To Work For’ recognition by Business Today, 'Asia's Best Integrated Report' award by the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (2017), among several others.

Last year, the Company launched a corporate brand campaign #WeAlsoMakeTomorrow..

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Disclaimer:

Statements in this press release describing the Company’s performance may be “forward looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those directly or indirectly expressed, inferred or implied. Important factors that could make a difference to the Company’s operations include, among others, economic conditions affecting demand/supply and price conditions in the domestic and overseas markets in which the Company operates, changes in or due to the environment, Government regulations, laws, statutes, judicial pronouncements and/or other incidental factors.

Kulvin Suri

Chief, Corporate Communications-India & SEA

Tata Steel

E-mail: kulvinsuri@tatasteel.com