Beyond the flip-flops and sandals that have become a household staple across India, Relaxo Footwears is demonstrating that the footwear industry can be a force for good. In a sector often focused on production and profit, Relaxo is weaving a different kind of thread; one of social responsibility and sustainable impact.
Relaxo's CSR reflects a philosophy that true success is measured by both financial growth and positive social and environmental impact. From conserving precious water resources in Rajasthan to transforming government schools and providing crucial eye care, Relaxo’s commitment to giving back runs deep.
In this exclusive interaction with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Sushil Batra, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Relaxo Footwear Limited, shares insights into Relaxo’s transformative projects, including the Parivartan Model School Project and eye care initiatives under the Nayan Avoidable Blindness Project. He also discusses the company's ambitious environmental conservation efforts.
Join us as we explore how Relaxo is redefining corporate responsibility, not just by making quality footwear, but by building a sustainable and inclusive future for communities across the nation.
Q&A
Q. What is Relaxo's core philosophy when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility? How does it align with the company's overall business objectives?
A. Our approach to CSR revolves around creating meaningful and lasting change in the communities. Relaxo adheres to the philosophy of contributing to sustainable development, commonly understood as the ability of the current generation to meet its needs without compromising the ability of future generation to meet theirs. Through continued focus on areas like education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, Relaxo ensures its growth is inclusive and benefits society as a whole. At its heart, the company believes that true success is measured not merely by profit margins but by the positive impact it leaves behind.
Q. Could you highlight some of the most impactful CSR initiatives undertaken by Relaxo in recent years? What specific outcomes or social changes have these initiatives brought about?
A. Relaxo Footwears has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental conservation, particularly in Alwar, Rajasthan. Recognizing the pressing need for water preservation, we actively contributed to the Mukhya Mantri Jal Sanchay Yojana by constructing check dams along the Ruparel River. Furthering our environmental efforts, we planted 50,000 saplings in Bachedi village, close to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. These efforts help to enhance biodiversity, ground water recharge meeting the needs of communities for domestic, agriculuture, livestocks and also mitigating human-wildlife conflicts by providing animals with a safer habitat.
In the field of education, our flagship 'Parivartan Model School Project' is dedicated to transforming government schools into a good shape . By upgrading infrastructure, modernizing learning spaces, and fostering a conducive environment for students, teachers, and parents, we aim to close the educational gap and empower students to realize their full potential.
Our skill development programs focus on equipping students with vocational and life skills, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and prepare for future employment opportunities.
On the healthcare front, Relaxo Footwears is deeply invested in enhancing community well-being through initiatives that ensure access to essential medical services. Key projects include the Nayan Avoidable Blindness Project covering 194 villages of Tijara Block and the Mobile Health Unit Project, serving 11 villages around Bhiwadi, Khairthal District, Rajasthan. These programs provide healthcare support to underserved communities.
Through these efforts, Relaxo Footwears strives to uplift communities, nurture future generations, and equip every human with the tools needed to achieve success.
Q. Can you elaborate on Relaxo's focus on education, particularly skill development programs and infrastructure upgrades? How do these initiatives empower communities and contribute to economic growth?
A. Education is at the core of Relaxo’s CSR efforts, and the results speak for themselves.
The Parivartan Model School Project has not merely modernised classrooms but also imbibed a culture of learning and inclusivity. We have taken 104 government schools in Haridwar district, under this project; providing children with equitable access to quality education. The project extends beyond basic infrastructure improvements by renovating classrooms, constructing boundary walls, and adding essential facilities such as toilet blocks and mid-day meal sheds, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.
A hallmark of this initiative is its community-driven approach. By actively involving Parents, Teachers, Student, School Management Committee (SMC) Member, as well as Community and local stakeholders, Relaxo cultivates a shared sense of responsibility for improving education, enhancing their capacity / developing the skills.
Supporting these efforts, our skill development programs equip unemployed youth with vocational training in fields like Retail, Logistics, BFSI, and CRM, achieving an impressive placement rate of 70-80%.
This holistic strategy not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens the social fabric, enabling communities to grow and prosper in step with Relaxo’s progress.
Q. How has Relaxo's focus on healthcare, particularly eye care, benefited the communities it serves? What inspired the company to prioritize this specific area of social impact?
A. Eye care is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of health, and Relaxo addresses this through its Nayan Avoidable Blindness Project. Launched in 2018, it serves 194 villages in Tijara Block, Khairthal district, Rajasthan. With two vision centers, advanced technology, and trained paramedic ophthalmologists, the project has conducted approx 1.37 lakh screenings, 4,000 cataract surgeries, and 350 specialized surgeries.
The initiative has also trained four local girls in ophthalmology, creating employment opportunities. With its success, we expanded the project for Vision screenings of approximately, 60,000 students studying in 281 government schools by 2026, ensuring early detection and intervention. Relaxo’s efforts continue to improve health outcomes and empower communities.
Q. How does Relaxo balance its production processes with environmental sustainability? Can you share specific examples of water conservation and tree plantation initiatives?
A. Relaxo integrates innovation and sustainability in its water conservation and tree plantation initiatives. In Alwar, a water-scarce region, we built seven water-holding structures (Anicut/earthen pond) with a capacity of 1,46,000 cubic meters per filling. Five structures, handed over to local Panchayats, now support 1,000+ households with water for irrigation, livestock, and daily needs.
On the plantation front, efforts in Rajasthan and Haryana have introduced diverse saplings, including fruit-bearing trees, offering long-term income for communities. These initiatives combat soil erosion, improve air quality, and enrich biodiversity. By involving locals, Relaxo fosters ownership and ensures sustainability, making a lasting ecological and social impact.
Q. How does the organisation collaborate with local communities and NGOs to identify and address specific needs? Are there any long-term partnerships that have significantly impacted the communities served?
A. Relaxo believes in working with communities rather than for them. We are collaborating with local NGOs and Panchayats, and thus making the initiatives rooted to real needs. These partnerships often extend over years, creating a deeper understanding of challenges and a greater capacity for impact.
Our CSR projects are running in the collaboration of Government departments for example; The Parivartan Model School Project is running with the Samgra Shiksha- Uttarakhand, for the environment conservation projects we are getting the support and technical inputs from the Watershed Development and Soil Conservation Department and Forest Department of Alwar, Rajasthan. Long-term collaborations like these amplify Relaxo’s reach and ensure its efforts are sustainable and impactful.
Q. How does Relaxo measure the impact of its CSR initiatives? What metrics or KPIs are used to assess the effectiveness of these programs?
A. For Relaxo, measuring impact is as crucial as delivering it. The company uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative metrics, ranging from the number of beneficiaries to tangible outcomes like increased groundwater levels or employment rates post-skilling programs.
Regular audits and feedback loops ensure that every initiative stays on track. For example, under the education project improving the infrastructure with enhanced WASH facilities, more secure & safe place for education with closed boundaries, main gates, joyful learning place for children with swings, sports equipments, many extra co-curricular activities with them increasing their interest and attendance in the school. Similarly, the health care initiatives, success can be measured by multiple parameters — like the number of screenings, tests, surgeries performed and by improved productivity and quality of life among beneficiaries.
Q. What are Relaxo's long-term goals for its CSR initiatives? Are there any specific areas where the company plans to expand its focus or increase its impact?
A. Relaxo’s long-term vision is to scale its initiatives while staying true to its core values. In the coming years, the company plans to deepen its focus on sustainable practices, such as renewable energy adoption and waste management. Education and environment conservation will remain key pillars, with expanded outreach to underserved regions. Relaxo also envisions leveraging technology to make its programs more efficient, whether it’s computer literacy for children of remote areas or digital tools for skill training. The goal is simple — amplify impact while ensuring every initiative leaves a lasting legacy.
Q. What are the biggest challenges in implementing CSR initiatives in the footwear industry? How does Relaxo overcome these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities to drive positive social change?
A. Implementing CSR in the footwear industry comes with its own set of challenges, from balancing production costs to ensuring sustainability in a resource-intensive sector. Relaxo tackles these hurdles head-on by adopting innovative practices like using eco-friendly materials, minimising waste and energy saving initiatives. Moreover, the company’s strong relationships with local communities act as a cornerstone for successful implementation.
Q. What emerging trends in CSR are redefining the footwear industry, particularly in areas like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation? How is Relaxo leveraging these trends to not only address industry challenges but also create lasting value for communities and stakeholders?
A. Emerging CSR trends in the footwear industry focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. Companies are embracing eco-friendly materials, circular economy practices, and ethical labor standards. Inclusivity initiatives promote equitable access and support for diverse communities, while innovation drives efficient, impact-driven solutions.
Relaxo integrates these trends into its CSR strategy with a focus on sustainability through water conservation, renewable energy, and eco-friendly production.
Q. As the CFO and Executive Director, how has your personal leadership philosophy influenced Relaxo’s CSR strategy? Have there been moments where your financial expertise directly shaped a pivotal CSR decision?
A. My leadership philosophy is driven by a passion for philanthropy and a commitment to serving society. This perspective shapes Relaxo’s CSR strategy, ensuring that initiatives create meaningful, lasting impact for communities and stakeholders alike.
My deep interest in community welfare has been a guiding force behind pivotal CSR decisions. Leveraging my leadership skills, I facilitated collaboration with stakeholders and ensured efficient resource allocation to maximize impact. This approach aligns with Relaxo’s broader mission to act as a responsible corporate citizen and create lasting social impact.
Q. Are there any emerging social or environmental issues that Relaxo plans to address in the future through its CSR initiatives? How does the company aim to expand its impact?
A. Relaxo is constantly evolving its CSR vision to address emerging challenges. With climate change and resource depletion becoming more pressing, we are exploring new avenues like renewable energy adoption and waste reduction in our production processes. On the social front, digital literacy is an area we are keen to focus on. As technology becomes a key driver of opportunity, bridging the digital divide can empower underserved communities. Our goal is to remain agile, addressing today’s challenges while anticipating tomorrow’s needs. Through innovation and collaboration, we’re determined to leave a lasting, positive legacy.
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