Empowering Bharat: NMDC’s Vision for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future

India’s Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have long stood as pillars of national development—not just through industrial growth, but also by uplifting communities through transformative social impact. As the nation accelerates toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), PSUs like NMDC are redefining their role from resource extraction to purpose-driven development.

In this exclusive interview for TheCSRUniverse magazine, we speak with Smt. Priyadarshini Gaddam, Director (Personnel), NMDC Limited, India’s leading iron ore producer, about how it is championing inclusive development, pioneering flagship CSR programs, and making measurable impact in some of India’s most underserved regions. The conversation explores NMDC’s thematic priorities, year-wise and sector-wise CSR investments, and the regions it focuses on—particularly aspirational districts in Chhattisgarh. The interview also delves into how NMDC is transitioning from CSR to a broader ESG framework, driving climate-conscious programs, leveraging digital innovation, and setting ambitious sustainability goals for the future.

From tribal girls pursuing nursing in Hyderabad to solar-powered health centers in remote forests, this in-depth Q&A sheds light on how NMDC is turning community engagement into long-term empowerment—laying the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable India.

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Q. What is your CSR vision, and how is it aligned with national priorities and SDGs?

A. At NMDC, we envision a future where our mining operations not only extract precious resources but also become a catalyst for transformative change in surrounding society. Therefore, our CSR vision is built on the foundation of inclusive and sustainable development, where every initiative we undertake is designed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people in the communities we serve.

Our CSR is centred on enhancing the quality of life, especially in rural and marginalised regions through focused interventions in healthcare, education, sanitation, drinking water, infrastructure and skill development. By aligning our initiatives with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, we are working towards creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond our operational footprint.

In the last fiscal, we have committed over Rs 191 crores towards transformational CSR projects across the country, with a significant portion aligned with and supporting state government initiatives.  This reflects our collaborative region-specific approach to development.

As India's leading iron ore producer, we recognize the significant footprint our operations leave on the communities and ecosystems we interact with. Our vision is to be a beacon of hope, and to forge a future where people and the planet thrive together.

Q. Which thematic focus areas (e.g., education, health, skilling, sustainability) have been prioritized in recent years, and why?

A. At NMDC, we've adopted a focused and impact-led CSR strategy that prioritizes key thematic areas, including education, healthcare, skill development, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development. These areas have been shaped through continuous stakeholder engagement and a thorough assessment of community needs in our operational regions.

Education and skilling stand as a pillar of our CSR efforts, with initiatives like Balika Shiksha Yojana, Choo Lo Aasman, and technical education institutes designed to provide quality education for tribal youth, bridging opportunity gaps and creating long-term pathways for livelihood generation.

In healthcare, we've invested substantially in state-of-the-art medical centers, innovative solar-powered health facilities, and nutritional support programs via Anganwadis, all aimed at enhancing healthcare facilities in our operational states. Moreover, sustainability is deeply ingrained in our operations. We're driving the adoption of clean energy through wind and solar projects, implementing zero liquid discharge systems, and collaborating with local forest departments on biodiversity conservation. Our strategic shift to slurry pipeline and rail transport further underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and achieving low-carbon logistics goals.

NMDC’s commitment to inclusive development is fully aligned with national development objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, NMDC is on a path of exponential growth in implementation of initiatives related to skill development & income generation agenda, the erstwhile focus on ‘brick & mortar initiatives’.

Q. Could you highlight two to three flagship CSR initiatives that have delivered measurable community impact?

A. NMDC's flagship CSR initiatives have transformed lives in education, healthcare, and skill development. One notable example is the Balika Shiksha Yojana, which sponsors tribal girls from Bastar to pursue nursing courses at Apollo Institute of Nursing in Hyderabad. This program has not only empowered over 500 girls to find meaningful employment in top hospitals but has also created a ripple effect, with these girls becoming role models in their communities and strengthening paramedical staff in Bastar. The program's success is evident in its expansion, with the number of sponsored students increasing from 85 to 200 this year.

NMDC's Education City in Geedam is home to two transformative initiatives - Astha Gurukul and Saksham Schools. Astha Gurukul, a residential school for children affected by extremism, has provided quality education and a sense of safety to over 12,000 students, offering them a stable foundation for a brighter future. Whereas Saksham, a pioneering initiative in inclusive education, has revolutionized the way we support children with special needs. With 100% disabled-friendly infrastructure, Saksham provides a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development. By replacing makeshift schools with modern facilities, digital labs, and sports infrastructure, these initiatives have significantly enhanced learning outcomes and created a lasting impact.

In Bastar's remote forests, NMDC overcame healthcare challenges with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The company's project hospitals feature a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that has improved newborn survival rates and reduced infant mortality.  The Project hospitals provide free medical treatment, benefiting 35,000+ in-patients and 1,00,000+ outpatients annually. Additionally, NMDC has established solar-powered health centres equipped with modern medical facilities, upgraded Anganwadi centres for better nutrition delivery and developed rural infrastructure including roads and community spaces. 

While the global education & healthcare landscape struggles with accessibility issues, these initiatives demonstrate what can be achieved with the right resources and support.

Q.   How do you assess the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of your CSR programmes?

A. At NMDC, we view communities as agents of change, not just recipients of support. This approach has delivered measurable impact, improving living standards, driving behavioral change, and enabling inclusive growth. Through targeted interventions, farmers have tripled their incomes with the right training, tools, and timely support.

Further, our partnerships with Anganwadis and State Governments have strengthened grassroots services in health, nutrition, and early education. These outcomes reflect the effectiveness of our CSR model, rooted in sustainability, accountability, and local relevance. Moving forward, we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and scale high-impact initiatives. Our vision is to create empowered, self-reliant communities that grow with us, turning every social investment into a foundation for long-term development and shared prosperity.

Q. Kindly share year-wise CSR spend (FY 2019-20 to FY 2023-24) along with sector-wise allocation.

A. Over the past five to six years, NMDC has strategically allocated a substantial portion of its CSR resources to drive impactful initiatives in key areas, including education, healthcare, infrastructure development, skill development, and cultural preservation. Our investments during this period have been significant, with over ₹181 crore dedicated to education, empowering future generations. We've also invested more than ₹316 crore in healthcare, ₹47 crore for drinking water and ₹17crore for nutrition. Furthermore, ₹119 crore has been allocated to strengthening local infrastructure, enhancing community resilience and economic growth. Additionally, we've spent over ₹24 crore toward skill development and integrated village development initiatives, fostering employability and sustainable livelihoods. Our commitment to promoting sports and preserving tribal culture is reflected in an investment of ₹32 crore, while ₹18 crore has been invested in environmental initiatives, promoting sustainability and eco-friendliness. We've also dedicated ₹28 crore to other community-centric programs, addressing diverse needs and aspirations. These substantial investments underscore our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in the regions we operate, contributing to the well-being and prosperity of local communities and the nation's growth.

CSR Expenditure (Rs. in Crores)

Q. Are there any key states, regions, or aspirational districts that your PSU prioritises for CSR investments?

A. CSR at NMDC is a core expression of our commitment to nation-building. Our CSR initiatives are strategically designed to align with the needs of the regions where we operate, with a strong focus on Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Special emphasis is placed on aspirational districts such as Dantewada, Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma, Kondagaon and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh, where developmental challenges are both pressing and multifaceted. NMDC also implements few CSR initiatives in the aspirational district of Kanker.  

Our approach centres on high-impact interventions across key areas including education, healthcare, skill development, sanitation, rural infrastructure, and livelihood enhancement. Through these efforts, we aim to drive inclusive growth and promote social equity.

By aligning our initiatives with the Government of India’s Aspirational Districts Programme, NMDC strives to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of underserved regions into hubs of sustainable development and human potential.

Q. How is your organisation moving beyond CSR into ESG, net-zero goals, or sustainability-led practices?

A. At NMDC, we're revolutionizing our approach to sustainability by transitioning from traditional CSR initiatives to a comprehensive ESG-driven strategy that prioritizes environmental stewardship and climate action. While driving social impact, we're committed to achieving net-zero emissions through a multi-faceted approach that includes integrating renewable energy sources, leveraging energy-efficient technologies, and adopting responsible mining practices that minimize environmental degradation.

To ensure a credible path towards decarbonization, we've initiated a thorough carbon footprint assessment, including Scope 3 emissions. This enables us to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted strategies to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our initiatives, such as our Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) that treat domestic sewage and effluents at project locations, ensuring a cleaner environment.

Furthermore, our eco-friendly ore transportation systems, which utilize slurry pipelines and railways, significantly reduce carbon emissions. By aligning our efforts with India's green transition goals, we're driving sustainable development in the mining sector and setting a benchmark for responsible business practices. ESG is a mindset and that is how we ensure that NMDC’s legacy is not only about what we extract, but also about what we give back.

Q. What are some ESG-linked initiatives or climate-conscious programmes being implemented?

A. At NMDC, ESG is not viewed through the lens of compliance, but as a strategic imperative shaping the future of responsible mining. We are embedding sustainability at every level by accelerating our transition to clean energy with projects like the 10.5 MW wind turbine installation at Chitradurga and enhancing emissions accountability through comprehensive Scope 3 assessments. Our digital transformation via ERP and FLM systems has significantly reduced paper dependency, streamlined workflows, and improved decision-making transparency. Initiatives like EV charging station at our headquarters and robust waste management practices across operations further reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship.

On climate resilience, we are integrating Climate risk analysis integrated with IFRS-S2 and are also coming up with a comprehensive Net Zero Strategy. Our focus also extends to biodiversity, with active wildlife and ecological studies shaping conservation policies. In addition to that, we have introduced a Human Rights Policy and strengthened our transparency architecture through disclosures including the BRSR report, CDP, and Sustainability Reports. These initiatives are part of a larger vision, to create long-term, sustainable value by harmonizing industrial growth with ecological balance and social equity. 

Q. Have you introduced innovative approaches (e.g., tech-based monitoring, digital dashboards, partnerships) in CSR planning or delivery? 

A. At NMDC, innovation is at the forefront of our operations, and our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are also adopting the latest advancements. We've been proactive in integrating technology and advanced solutions to enhance our CSR planning and delivery. One such innovation is our Management Information System (MIS) Dashboard, a robust tool that enables real-time tracking, monitoring, and reporting of our CSR activities and their impact. The MIS Dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of our CSR projects, capturing essential details such as geotagged locations, project specifics, work progress, and beneficiary information. This data-driven approach empowers us to assess the effectiveness of our CSR programs and make informed decisions to amplify our social and environmental impact.

Furthermore, we believe in the power of collaboration and partnership. Our CSR team works closely with government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders to leverage collective expertise and resources. This synergy enables us to maximize the impact of our CSR initiatives and drive sustainable development in the regions we operate.

Community engagement is also a crucial aspect of our CSR strategy. We engage with local communities to understand their needs and priorities, ensuring that our CSR initiatives are responsive to their concerns and aspirations. Through these innovative approaches, we're able to create a more significant and lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Q. What is your strategic roadmap for CSR and sustainability in the next three to five years?

A. Over the next three to five years, NMDC’s strategic roadmap for CSR and sustainability is focused on delivering deep, transformative impact, particularly in underserved regions surrounding our key operational centres, such as Chhattisgarh. Our approach is anchored in two interconnected priorities: advancing inclusive community development and strengthening ESG preparedness across the organization.

We are expanding our flagship initiatives to create enduring socio-economic value. The Balika Shiksha Yojana now supports 200 tribal girls with fully funded nursing education, while our Medical Technology Programme, in collaboration with leading institutions like Apollo Hospitals, is equipping youth from marginalised backgrounds with in-demand skills in the healthcare sector. In parallel, we are upgrading technical skills through education in Plastics Engineering and Technology via CIPET, and advancing training in biotechnology and paramedical sciences, ultimately building a pipeline of empowered and employable youth.

Apart from the skill development, NMDC is in the process of implementing initiatives aimed at sustainable income generation opportunities to uneducated & unemployed youth of the surrounding villages at our mining operations in Bailadila region. 

On the sustainability front, our focus is on reducing Scope 2 emissions through greater adoption of renewable energy and designing offset frameworks aligned with emerging technologies. We are also conducting a comprehensive materiality assessment to identify operational risks, stakeholder priorities, and ESG opportunities. This will serve as the foundation for a forward-looking ESG strategy anchored in measurable outcomes, risk anticipation, and long-term alignment with global sustainability standards.