“While the notion of the glass ceiling, I believe, is becoming increasingly irrelevant and gender parity has improved over the past decade, there is still much work to be done”- These are the words of the only woman entrepreneur in the cement sector in India- Smt. Vinita Singhania, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd. Leading a business with a 138 year old legacy and a presence in over 100 countries is no small feat for any leader. But when we take into account the fact that the leader is a woman who had to enter the business after the sudden demise of her husband- we cannot help but be in awe of not just the feat but the individual herself.
We strongly believe that women are going to play an integral role in the next phase of India’s growth story. That is why we have chosen to feature this interview on this special day as it will surely inspire countless women to overcome their own challenges and claim their rightful place in the society.
In this detailed interview with TheCSRUniverse, Smt. Singhania discusses the philanthropic values of JK Organisation, the transformational work they have done and the impact created thus far as well as their vision for the future. She discusses her own inspiring journey at the organisation and her thoughts on getting more women in leadership roles across industries.
Read the full interview for valuable insights:
Q. Can you share with us the philosophy and values that drive JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd.'s approach to corporate social responsibility?
A. JK Organization stands tall on a foundation built on more than 138 years of legacy, business excellence and social responsibility. Today, it has established its presence in over 100 countries and its products are not only strong brand names but also reputed market leaders in their respective segments. The term CSR was coined to ensure corporate followed some basic responsibility, but JK took this up as a self-imposed moral responsibility to contribute to a better society. The group has CSR initiatives that serves a wide range of developmental issues including health, education, water & sanitation, livelihoods & skilling, women empowerment, rural development, and environmental conservation. The group has formed partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, including NGOs, government agencies, and educational institutions for this purpose. The Sustainable Development Goals 2030 are at the core of its CSR interventions. More than 3 million people directly benefits from groups CSR projects spread over its plants and business footprints.
We firmly believe that businesses have a moral responsibility to contribute towards building an inclusive community and focusing on the social development of underprivileged sections of society. At the core of our organization lies the philosophy of caring for people. We understand that our success is intertwined with the well-being of our stakeholders, employees, and the communities we operate in. Hence, we remain committed to fostering a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and social responsibility throughout our operations. We firmly believe in sharing our success with society and actively contributing to building a better life for everyone.
Q. JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd. has been actively involved in various CSR initiatives. Could you please highlight some of the key projects or programs that the company has undertaken recently?
We have implemented several path-breaking and impactful projects to empower communities positively across their various plant locations. The Company's CSR initiatives focus on thematic areas like education, healthcare, skill development, livelihood intervention, water and sanitation, rural development & environmental conservation.
Under Project Vidya, the Company aims to ensure that every child in the communities where it operates receives a quality education. The project works with parents to create a supportive environment for children and provides remedial classes and coaching programs to support students. Other flagship initiative under Project Aarambh is 'Back to School' program for never-been-to-school and drop-outs. The Company improves the infrastructure of government schools to provide a better learning environment for children and teachers. The Company provides the JK Lakshmi Vidya Scholarship for needy and meritorious students so that they can complete their education with dignity. The scholarship is available for students who are the wards of masons, petty contractors, construction labourers, small dealers, truck drivers, helpers from Pan India, and students residing near the plants and marketing zones from Class V to post-graduation. The Company also supports the education of children with special needs through its "Savera School" initiative, which empowers children with special abilities.
The Company has taken a significant step towards community wellness by initiating various health CSR initiatives. The Company aims to promote good health, reduce preventable diseases, and improve the well-being of the community through its flagship programs, and other health interventions. The NayaSavera program in Pindwara Block, Sirohi District, Rajasthan, focuses on improving the survival and well-being of mothers and children under 5 years of age. The program has created a community protection mechanism through education, doorstep medical service delivery and partnership with the government that promotes health and prevent mortalities and morbidities among mothers and children.
Skill development and livelihood opportunities for local communities are other areas where Company’s CSR initiatives focus. Through various training programs and initiatives, they aim to enhance employability and income-generating capabilities, leading to sustainable livelihoods. One of their key initiatives is Project Aajivika, which aims to facilitate sustainable livelihoods to reduce poverty and inequality by generating employment opportunities for vulnerable households and moving them towards economic stability.
The Company is committed to improve water and sanitation in the communities surrounding its plants. One of our primary focus has been on improving water and sanitation access, promoting responsible water use, reducing environmental impact, and reducing the drudgery of women involved in collecting water during lean months. One of our significant CSR initiatives is Project Swajal and Swacchta, which aims to improve water and sanitation access for underserved communities.
The Company recognises the importance of rural development and improving rural infrastructure to enhance the living standards of the communities around its plants. To achieve this, JK Lakshmi Cement has initiated several projects to improve social infrastructure, including constructing all-weather bus stop shades, developing school playgrounds, and renovating community buildings such as Panchayat Bhawan and Rangmanch. Additionally, the Company undertakes electrification and renovation work at Anganwadi and Gothan shed as part of its community development initiatives.
Q. Who are your implementation partners for key CSR initiatives?
A. We directly implement CSR projects through a dedicated team of professionals based at corporate office and respective plants. The team has the expertise to design and deliver community need specific projects. A team of community level workers support initiatives and mobilisebeneficiaries and groups. We also collaborate with like minded public and private organisations for bringing technical expertise and enhanced reach out. On case to case basis we bring NGOs as an implementation partner for delivering CSR projects.
Q. How do you ensure that the CSR initiatives align with the company's overall business strategy and contribute to its long-term sustainability?
A. Our Company has a strong social commitment towards needy and vulnerable people and families and accordingly the CSR vision clearly states to strengthen community relationship and to bring sustainable change in quality of life of neighbourhood community through innovative solutions in education, health, livelihoods and community development.
Our CSR strategies and focus areas are aligned to Company’s strategic business plan (SBP). CSR projects key result area include creating social license to operate and support business growth at new business locations, undertake CSR projects for building bonding and loyalty with key influencers &stakeholders, build visibility for the Company through CSR stories on various social media platforms. In building social license to operate stakeholder centricity with inclusive department is at the core of CSR project formulation and implementation. Accordingly, projects are not only being implemented for marginalized families but also on the issues concerning larger communities.
As cement plants are mostly in the remote locations, they impact livelihoods and water. Due to these impacts, our CSR strategically focus on skilling and livelihood enhancement, agriculture development, water conservation and provisioning of water in the nearby communities. As logistics is a critical part of business we also focus on road safety and conduct activities for truck drivers and helpers.
Health and education have been one of the key concerns of influencers like masons, petty contractors, transporters etc. and therefore, we have been implementing projects in the marketing zone with focus on education and health.
Our CSR projects are aligned to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and National Development Priorities. Accordingly, our CSR focus areas include health, education, livelihood & skill development, rural development, water & sanitation, mother & child health and environment conservation.
Q. As the only woman entrepreneur in the cement sector in India, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them? How do you see the role of women entrepreneurs evolving in traditionally male-dominated industries?
When I first entered the world of business, it was not something I had planned. I was drawn into the family business after the sudden demise of my husband in 1988. However, being married into a prominent business house, I had the opportunity to observe and absorb business developments through conversations at the dining table. Additionally, my experience in managing a household budget proved beneficial in understanding financial aspects and making informed decisions at work. By continuously learning and immersing myself in the industry, I acquired the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the challenges of the cement sector.
Another significant challenge I faced was earning the trust and confidence of the team at J.K Lakshmi Cement. I was conscious of the perception that I may have been imposed on them solely because of my family background. To overcome this, I focused on demonstrating my capabilities, expertise, and commitment to the company's success. I worked closely with the team, listening to their insights, valuing their expertise, and collaborating with them to achieve our shared goals. Gradually, I was able to build trust, break through any initial scepticism, and establish myself as a capable leader.
As far as the role of women entrepreneurs is concerned, the notion of the "glass ceiling," I believe, is becoming increasingly irrelevant. While gender parity has improved over the past decade, there is still much work to be done. Achieving true gender equality requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders in society. As women entrepreneurs continue to break barriers and make significant strides in traditionally male-dominated industries, I am confident that the role of women will continue to evolve, bringing new perspectives, innovation, and positive change to the business landscape.
Q. What are your thoughts on the role of education in empowering women and promoting their participation in various sectors? Do you believe that women's representation in underrepresented sectors will continue to increase?
In today's world, it has become essential for women to equip themselves with the right education. Education not only provides women with knowledge and skills but also empowers them to stand tall and become independent. It instils in them the confidence to pursue their aspirations, create their own opportunities, and contribute to society. An educated woman possesses the tools to navigate through the challenges of the professional world and is less reliant on others for work opportunities.
Digital empowerment is another crucial aspect that can shape the trajectory of women's participation in various sectors. When women are digitally empowered, they gain access to a vast array of resources, networks, and opportunities. This not only benefits the individual but also creates a ripple effect that positively impacts future generations.
By promoting education, particularly in technical and scientific fields, and ensuring digital literacy, we enable women to overcome barriers and tap into their full potential. With the right education and digital skills, women can actively participate in underrepresented sectors, bringing diverse perspectives, innovation, and leadership to industries such as cement.
Women's active representation in underrepresented sectors is vital for building an inclusive and innovative future. Addressing gender inequality in such sectors requires sensitizing leadership and cultures, providing equitable access to resources, and offering equal opportunities for their professional growth. We need to encourage women to strive for senior positions, provide them with role models and mentors, and create sponsorship schemes to support their career journeys. Additionally, organizations should prioritize work-life balance and flexibility to support women during demanding times like maternity. By fostering an environment that values diversity and equality, we can continue to increase women's representation and drive positive change.
Q. In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a successful CSR program? How do you measure the impact of these initiatives?
A. We at JK Lakshmi Cement believe that successful CSR programs requires a holistic approach which includes evidence/ data based project designing, management, regular monitoring and evaluation with the participation of beneficiaries and stakeholders. Building a sense of ownership among various stakeholders is a key requirement for the success of the project. Collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders strengthens the effectiveness of our CSR initiatives, leveraging collective expertise and resources. We embrace technology to enhance project management, data collection, and monitoring, ensuring transparency and efficiency. We regularly do impact assessments and collect beneficiary feedbacks. For few projects Social Return on Investment (SROI) study has been conducted to understand their impacts.
Q. What was the total CSR budget for JK Lakshmi Cement in the year 2022-23? How much is the budget for 2023-24?
A. CSR Budget for FY 2022-23 was Rs. 9.39 Crore and is approximately Rs.10 Crore for FY 2023-24.
Q. Could you share any particularly inspiring stories or positive outcomes resulting from JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd.'s CSR efforts?
A. Our CSR Projects are bringing transformational change in the lives of families and communities. This is the story of 10-year-old girl Reena who hails from our plant nearby village. She comes from a very economically poor family. She was attending standard V in Government Primary School and was identified by our CSR team for free Jawahar Navodaya Entrance Examination Coaching under JK Lakshmi Vidya Project. She was provided books, tuition support, counselling and guidance for the examination. JK Lakshmi Vidya volunteer convinced her parents for allowing her to appear in the examination. With the support of the Company, she appeared in the exam and cleared it and finally got the admission in prestigious Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, in standard VI. CSR team also helped her in taking admission. Now she will be getting free education from standard VI to standard XII.
This project has significantly impacted learning attainments of children in the nearby communities. She has created history by becoming the first girl from her community to pass entrance examination. The story is a proof of JK Lakshmi Cement’s sustained efforts in transforming lives of disadvantaged communities including women and girls.
Another inspiring story is of Madhu, a 26-year-old divorcee and mother of two living with her parents in one of our plant nearby village. She completed her 4 months employability training under JK Lakshmi Aajivika Project. After training she got placement as an executive in a reputed company and earns a salary of more than 18K per month. She says, “Now I am scared to think how me and my kid's life would have been without this. Thanks to JKLC for support”.
Q. Looking ahead, what are your future plans or goals for JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd.'s CSR activities?
A. For us the most important thing is to bring transformative changes in the lives of the needy and marginalized people around our plant locations. Based on our experience, our focus would be on skill development and livelihoods including employability. Access to quality education and health services are other key areas which would determine if India would harness its demographic dividend. We would also focus on the climate change readiness for the communities as this would have impact on the livelihoods and other areas. India with a huge baggage of gender development deficits, need huge investment in girls and women and our focus has always been on them.
By recognizing the importance of affordable housing for India's development, we aim to contribute by offering cost-effective building materials and supporting sustainable construction practices. Sustainability and technology integration will be central to our CSR approach, with a focus on building capacity, fostering partnerships, and leveraging tech platforms for efficient monitoring and reporting. Additionally, promoting gender equality and fostering an inclusive work environment will remain a priority. By staying updated on trends and best practices, we will adapt and learn, making our CSR endeavours impactful and transformative.
Q. What are your suggestions to policymakers towards making the implementation of CSR programs more effective and conducive?
A. India became the first country to legislate the need to undertake the CSR activities and mandatorily report CSR initiatives under the new Companies Act 2013. This was the beginning of a new era for CSR in India. After one decade of CSR law, CSR spending by Indian corporates have increased significantly. However, to further strengthen implementation of CSR programmes we must facilitate a framework which foster collaboration and partnership between government, businesses, NGOs, communities and other stakeholders to leverage their respective strengths. This will also rectify the issue of multiple agencies spending on the same issues and the same areas.This will promote collaboration rather than conflict amongst agencies working in the same area. The focus also has to move from mandatory spending to creating impact and empowering communities. Use of technologies in CSR project designing implementation, monitoring and impact also shall be promoted for better outcomes. Globally CSR has moved from philanthropy to responsible management of businesses negative social & environmental impacts. In India the government and its regulatory agencies like SEBI have also put framework for responsible business and going forward there is a need to have more alignment of CSR with responsible business and sustainability.
