Godrej & Boyce highlights CSR impact through vocational training and community development

Mumbai, January 05, 2024: Godrej & Boyce (G&B), the flagship company of the Godrej Group, shared its CSR achievements in 2023, focusing on employability and community development. The company invested INR 18 crore in its skilling initiative over the past decade, yielding social returns six times the initial amount.

DISHA, G&B's skill development initiative, focuses on vocational training in sales, technical aspects, interiors, building construction, manufacturing, and digital skills. Partnering with 88 Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs) and 24 Govt. VTIs across 22 states, DISHA has trained 1.79 lac youth by March 2023.

Ashwini Deodeshmukh, Head, CSR, Godrej & Boyce, spoke about the CSR approach of Godrej & Boyce, “At Godrej & Boyce, we deeply believe in the philosophy of 'shared value', seamlessly intertwining business success with societal advancement. Central to this ethos are our flagship CSR programs, DISHA and our commitment to fostering sustainable communities, particularly around our manufacturing hubs. Through DISHA, we've joined hands with dedicated non-profit organizations and social enterprises to bring forth vocational training to create a future-ready and employable workforce. By empowering communities and fostering institution-building, we not only provide opportunities but also instil a sense of ownership in community members. It's this spirit of co-evolution and mutual progress that truly embodies our approach."

The Digital Skills program covers courses from Robotics to Digital Marketing, catering to engineering students and fresh graduates. On-site training enhances practical application, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.G&B implemented programs in 8 locations, covering 24 villages across 6 states, focusing on education, health infrastructure, rural livelihoods, women-led enterprises, and water access. The company improved infrastructure in 46 schools, digitalizing 18 in Maharashtra and introducing STEM learning.

Empowering women through self-help groups, G&B has benefited over 5000 women, fostering active participation in the rural economy. The company supported 4 primary health centers in Maharashtra and championed water security, conserving over 10 crore litres of water. The holistic approach envisions a sustainable future.G&B's CSR initiatives reflect its ambition to integrate societal progress with business growth in the years to come.