Overseeing the corporate social responsibility activities for the country, Caterpillar India Private Limited (CIPL) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focuses on access to quality education, increasing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene components, and the betterment of the surrounding environment.
It’s estimated that a significant percentage of communicable diseases are linked to unsafe water. With more than 1 billion people in India, this is an issue worth addressing. As part of a larger campaign, CIPL CSR is currently working to reclaim more than 50 acres of polluted lakes through its Water Conservation program, CIPL CSR has provided improved access to clean water to more than 4,500 families.
“Skill India” estimates that over 74% of the workforce employed is inadequately skilled. Working with the Government of India, CIPL CSR is working to reduce that gap through its skill development program implemented across India.
One project provides operator training to underprivileged youth to improve their employability. So far, 450 operators have been trained—including 6 women—and put to work at jobsites. Another project offers an intensive three-year diploma certification program under the Government’s National Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM). This program offers technical training to students who may not otherwise be able to afford training and supports the industry by providing a needed, employable skilled labor force. It’s a unique program that supports both labor demand and labor supply, which in turn contributes to India’s growth.