Striding Ahead
A Cairn India CSR Initiative
2 I Inaugural Issue
Contents
Introduction 4
Strides We Took 6
Defining Destinations 8
Partners in Our Success 10
Our Footprints 11
Rajasthan and Barmer 13
Cairn Enterprise Centre, Barmer 14
Other Assets and Initiatives 16
Transforming Lives 21
Conceptualise, designed and developed by the
Communication and Design department of Cairn India Ltd.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this magazine
has been gathered from actual incidents and experiences.
The content is sole property of Cairn India Ltd. and must
not be misused. To post your queries/ questions, write to
stridingahead@cairnindia.com
© Cairn India Ltd.2011
Striding Ahead I 3
W e, at Cairn India, believe that the
basis of growing economies is
about sustainability, affordability,
inclusiveness and sensitivity towards the
communities in which we operate. Cairn India
is committed to conducting its operations in
a socially and environmentally responsible
manner. This commitment is fundamental to
the long term success and focus on creating
value and making a difference where Cairn
India operates through various community
development initiatives. Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) is therefore an integral
part of Cairn India’s business strategy from
exploration to development, and production.
The overwhelming support received
from the various stakeholders
across the operational area has
been instrumental to Cairn India’s
success and it is guided by the
CSR vision, which is encapsulated in
the 3 Rs – Respect, Relationships and
Responsibility. Striding Ahead, the new CSR
Magazine will be committed towards creating
a repository of best practices for community
initiatives as a platform for knowledge sharing
and enhancement in corporate responsibility
across Cairn India’s operational areas. Striding
Ahead; as a magazine will focus to engulf Cairn
India’s community engagement programmes.
This month we are delighted to bring to you
the inaugural issue focusing on Rajasthan & the
Cairn Enterprise Centre.
4 I Inaugural Issue
Introduction
In 1979, Sir Bill Gammell founded Cairn commenced production in 2002. In January and the creation of value for our stakeholders Governance Structure
Energy PLC, and the company was listed 2004, following the largest oil discovery go hand-in-hand. Cairn India’s vision of
on the London Stock Exchange in 1988. by any company in India since 1985, the pioneering energy enriching lives is built Cairn India has an internal control and
Sir Bill Gammell became its first Chief Mangala oilfield in Rajasthan was added on the foundation of our core values of assurance framework in place which is
Executive. As the Indian oil and gas market to Cairn’s assets. In December 2006 Cairn pioneering spirit, teamwork, respect and closely regulated by the Cairn India Board.
deregulated in the early 1990s, Cairn’s focus Energy PLC announced the pricing for the ownership. These are embedded in the way The Board is provided with regular updates
turned to this region, which resulted in the flotation of its Indian business, Cairn India we conduct our business and engage with on CSR performance through the Cairn India
acquisition of Command Petroleum Ltd. in Ltd. through the Initial Public Offering (IPO) our stakeholders. Respect for individuals Corporate Advisory Board (CAB). The review
1996, an Australian-quoted company with on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the within the organisation, a healthy diversity is carried out by an independent internal
an interest in South Asia. Cairn Energy PLC, National Stock Exchange of India. Currently of cultures and professional experience has department which reports to CAB.
a FTSE 100 company was one of the first Cairn is operating as Cairn India Ltd., and helped Cairn to pursue its vision of being a
UK companies to invest in the Indian oil and the Mangala field and other discoveries pioneer in the field of energy. Cairn has been
gas sector. Ravva in the Krishna-Godavari in Rajasthan are expected to contribute successfully demonstrating its commitment
Basin was the first offshore oil and gas significantly to the energy security of India. towards the communities where it operates
field to be developed in partnership with through responsible actions that help
ONGC, Videocon and Ravva Oil, where Vision and Core Values create sustainable livelihoods. For more
Cairn became operating partners from 1996, than a decade, Cairn has been undertaking
working under a Production Sharing Contract Cairn India is committed to the highest pioneering activities in the field of energy.
(PSC) until 2019. This was followed by standards of Corporate Social Responsibility Through its technical expertise, Cairn has
the Lakshmi gas field in Western India that (CSR). It is our conviction that continuous built a significant hydrocarbon resource
was discovered in 2000, which eventually business growth, sustainable communities basein the country.
Cairn India’s Vision Encapsulates Corporate Social Responsibility in 3 Rs
Respect Relationships Responsibility
The success of the company would not have Cairn India is operating in many areas that face
People are Cairn India’s key asset and critical to the economic, social and environmental challenges.
business. The entrepreneurial spirit is underpinned by been possible without the consistent support of
We have a responsibility to understand these
a depth of knowledge and a strong set of cultural core all stakeholders, governments, regulators and
challenges, identify the potential impact of our
values including integrity, social and environmental JV partners, to the local communities and the activities and, through engaging with stakeholders,
responsibility, team-work and the nurturing of administration of the regions in which Cairn India look for opportunitieswhere mutual benefit is
individuals. operates. secured.
Striding Ahead I 5
Making learning interactive and participatory
6 I Inaugural Issue
In the year 2007, the Cairn IFC Linkage Programme was
Strides we took
established under which the following three projects were
initiated, viz. Enterprise Centre, Maternal Child Health
Programme and Dairy Development Programme.
The year 2006 marks the actualisation of a unique programme called
TIE (Theatre in Education), which was taken to schools located in
the rural areas of Barmer.
The success of the Dairy Development Programme is evident as initially
1, 96,876 litres of milk was produced under this initiative; however
today the production is close to 25,00,000 litres.
The Chief Minister
of Rajasthan flagged
off Cairn India’s
initiative towards
better education;
Science on Wheels
(Mobile Science
Van), in the year
2010.
Striding Ahead I 7
Regional Head-Advisory Services, IFC South Asia
was quoted appreciating our initiative of Cairn
Enterprise Centre : “By creating opportunities
and building capacity where needs are greatest,
this initiative has evolved into a model for
promoting inclusive economic growth in frontier
and remote regions. Cairn has set up a new
benchmark towards Sustainable Corporate
Responsiveness by integrating the Enterprise
Centre with business needs and the needs of
the local community and environment. We
compliment Cairn on taking such a pro-active
and professional role in standard setting and
community development”, he said.
Enterprise Centre was
relaunched as Cairn
Enterprise Centre in
May 2011 and has been
established as a non-profit
organisation, registered
under the Societies
Registration Act, 1860.
There was a 5 year MoU
signed between Cairn
In 2009, the Mobile Health Van project was launched in partnership
India and Government of
with HelpAge India in Barmer. Presently a total of three mobile health
Rajasthan for carrying on
vans are providing healthcare services in the remote villages of Barmer.
community development
Improved health status of the community members is success to the
programmes under CEC.
MHV Programme; till date approximately 92,500 people have been
benefited through this initiative.
8 I Inaugural Issue
Defining destinations
Our Focus areas partnership with local authorities, NGOs and
other organisations. At the national level,
Cairn India is committed to stride ahead socio-economic studies and stakeholder
to achieve the Millennium Development consultations identify appropriate areas for
Goals (MDGs) through various community social investment, whilst plans are developed
engagements. It focuses on inclusive growth through discussion at district and community
by fostering social capital through the health levels.
and education initiatives and by creating
access to opportunities and resources through Economic Development
the economic development and infrastructure
support initiatives. The initiatives add to The objective of Cairn’s initiative in economic
local benefits generated through focused development is to create an environment
social investment. Cairn India’s community (and infrastructure) conducive to generating
development strategies are designed and income earning opportunities through Science on Wheels helping sustain interest of young minds at schools.
implemented through consultation and optimal usage of human resources for the
target communities, and to develop existence of illiteracy. The focus therefore is
MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium towards women empowerment by fostering
Economic Enterprises) for assuming the role of their economic independence through skill
Education
Development vendors with large industries (including training and entrepreneurship development
our own) coming up in the region. Gender programmes, support for capacity building,
equality and women empowerment credit and market linkages.
are human rights that lie at the heart of
FocUs development and achievement of MDGs. Health
aReas Despite the progress made, six out of ten
of the world’s poorest are still women Health and well being of the communities
and girls. Cairn India has recognised that where Cairn India operates, is a matter of
women have not been able to participate concern which is taken up responsibly. The
Health Infrastructure actively in their own emancipation due to focus is to enhance health care seeking
their lack of economic independence and behaviour of communities regarding
Striding Ahead I 9
behaving behaving behaving
Responsibly responsibly responsibly
towards people towards society towards the
environment
oUR coRe
pRinciple We develop the We seek to make a We avoid negative impacts
honesty and potential of our people positive social impact in on the environment and
every area that we work biodiversity
integrity We foster a workplace that
respects personal dignity, We respect the rights We prevent and minimise
is non-discriminatory and and acknowledge the emissions to air, water
provides fair rewards aspirations and concerns and land Education for women in the community
of the communities in
We provide a healthy, which we work We operate to minimise
safe and secure working our carbon footprint
Infrastructure
environment
Cairn India operated focused community and
social development projects in support of
reproductive and child health and HIV/ healthcare services to more than 92,500 the various education initiatives, it focuses local communities in the areas surrounding
AIDS prevention through health education people. Moreover, collaborative initiatives on access, equity and quality of education. its exploration, development and production
and promotion initiatives. Cairn India are driven with Panchayats to catalyse health The company recognises the importance of sites. The Company works closely with
recognises the need to complement and governance through micro level strategising appropriate infrastructure, skilled teachers, district authorities, representatives of local
supplement the government health system and planning. Cairn India empowers innovative teaching methodology and self governments and communities on local
for effective primary healthcare. Keeping in communities to take group and individual curriculum availability for the school going infrastructure improvement projects providing
view the scattered habitation pattern of the action to address their health needs. children of the district. In addition to this, it much needed roads, housing and toilets for
population at Barmer, Rajasthan, Cairn India also believes in innovative methods to make the disadvantaged, water tanks, community
started mobile health van initiative to serve Education learning more interactive and participatory. halls, school buildings renovation and
remote communities of Rajasthan which Programmes like Reading Room, Theatre playgrounds. It recognises the central role of
would otherwise have little or no access Cairn India aims at enabling an environment in Education (TIE), Mobile Science Van and infrastructure in the development agenda and
to healthcare services. The initiative has for children and young people to develop science playgrounds have helped bring back as a contributor to growth, poverty reduction
provided preventative, curative and diagnostic and evolve as responsible citizen. Through and sustain interest of young minds at schools. and achievement of the MDGs.
RaJasthan
10 I Inaugural Issue
PARTNERS IN OUR
SUCCESS • Mobile Science Van
• Skill Training Programme
• International Finance • Mobile Health Van
• School Library Programme
Corporation • Dairy Development Programme
• Government of Rajasthan • Training of Teachers (ToT)
• Scholarship to Meritorious students
• Government of Gujarat • Women Empowerment & Livelihood
• Government of Sri Lanka Programmes
• Emergency Ambulance support
• Thomson Reuters • Programmes
• HelpAge India • Emergency Ambulance support
• Smile Foundation
• Multi Commodities
Exchange of India
• ESAB, Kolkata
• Department of Posts,
GUJaRat - cb/os-2
Government of India
• Room to Read India Trust • School Environment and Energy
• Society to Uplift Rural Conservation Project
• Scholarship to Meritorious students
Economy (SURE)
• Infrastructure development for schools
• Agastya Foundation • Teaching learning aids for schools
• Support School Teacher
• DHARA Sansthan
• LEPRA India
GUJaRat - MiDstReaM
• UNFPA (United Nations
Population Fund) • Agricultural Kiosks
• Mobile SMS Programme
• IL&FS • Health Camps
• NIIT • School Library Programme
• Mobile Science Van
• LiQVid • Mobile Health Van
• BNKVS (Bharatiya Natya
Kala Vikas Sansthan)
Our Footprints
Striding Ahead I 11
RAJASTHAN
anDhRa pRaDesh - KG onn 2003/1
GUJARAT • Maternal and Child Health Project
• School support Programme
RaVVa
• Skill training Programme
• Vendor Development Programme
• Water and Sanitation Programme
ANDHRA PRADESH • Community Health Programme
sRi lanKa
• School Library Project
12 I Inaugural Issue
Ensuring availability of safe and surplus water
Striding Ahead I 13
Rajasthan and Barmer
Rajasthan is an enigmatic state where tradition by railway with other cities of India providing
and history blend with contemporary lifestyle. it with new provisions of development. The
The Indus Valley Civilisation was present in location of Barmer, which is on the India-
parts of what is now Rajasthan. The advent of Pakistan International Border, got highlighted
men in Rajasthan can claim greater antiquity intensely during the India-Pakistan war
than many other regions of India. in 1965 and 1971. The discovery of oil
by Cairn India and other minerals has
It’s a geological fact that the Aravalli range of brought Barmer into visibility. Despite new
mountains located across in Rajasthan is older industrial developments it continues to be
than the Himalayas. The state is known for its a focal point for its traditional art, culture,
vibrancies in its forts and palaces; dance and handicrafts, fairs and festivals. Dyeing and
music; paintings and sculptures; theatre art hand-printing of textiles, embroidery, jute
and temples. Rajasthan is the fourth highest products, woven textiles and wood-carving
in attracting tourists in India as many old are some of the unique features of Barmer.
palaces and forts have been converted into Apart from the dependence on art and
heritage hotels. In all, a truly blessed state of handicraft Barmer has high dependence
Rajasthan is the heart of India’s rich cultural on agriculture and allied activities which is
heritage. As per the census 2011, population a result of low agricultural produce due to
Women empowerment by
of Rajasthan state is 6.86 crore. The state has arid land, heavy dependence on monsoons, enhancing their craftsmenship
recorded 21.44% growth in the last decade. As low rate of growth of the agriculture sector,
per the provisional results of the census 2011, sharp slowdown in the manufacturing
Rajasthan has recorded 8th highest population sector and low per capita development our community development initiatives. an increasingly significant player in the
growth in India. expenditure, amongst many others. Apart Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is energy sector, we will continue to leverage
from art and handicraft, the focus is towards therefore an integral part of our business our CSR activities and partner with local
Barmer district, Cairn’s operational area, is maximum utilisation of the large mineral strategy from exploration to development communities to bring them the benefits
located in the western region of the state and deposits in the region, which is currently and production. We aim to empower our of energy development. To get an insight
is part of the Great Indian Desert – Thar. The being carried out by Cairn India in a socially local communities through sustainable into what we are doing as part of our CSR
total population of the district is approximately and environmentally responsible manner. development models, fostering inclusive activities, continue reading Striding Ahead.
26 lakhs, as per Government of India Census Doing business in a sustainable manner is growth. To this end, we are working to
2011. The literacy rate of the district is 57.49 fundamental to our long-term success and address local needs while partnering
with male literacy rate being 72.32 and female we are focused on creating value and making government agencies for long term nation
41.03. In the year 1899, Barmer was connected a difference where we operate through building objectives. As Cairn India becomes
14 I Inaugural Issue
Cairn Enterprise Centre, Barmer
Meagre agricultural production, seasonal and expertise on business practices to
migration of youth in search of jobs, local MSMEs, supporting them to become
lack of any major industrial activity, and potential suppliers and service providers
comparatively low education levels have to different business entities/ contractors
resulted in very poor availability of skilled and other upcoming ventures in the region.
and semi-skilled manpower from the local The EC also helped in the dissemination of
community in Barmer. Lack of opportunities information regarding contracts, tenders
to develop managerial skills also resulted in and other relevant business documents.
most micro, small and medium enterprises
(MSMEs) operating at low levels. These were Following were the objectives of EC during
the major impediments for local communities its operations
and MSMEs in participating in the economic • Trade skill exposure and enhanced
growth associated with the development employability for communities in the
of the hydrocarbon discoveries in the Barmer Development Area thereby
region. Seeing the above, Cairn launched developing micro, small and medium
the Enterprise Centre (EC) in July 2007 enterprises (MSMEs).
in partnership with International Finance • Facilitating access to finance for SMEs
Enhanced learning experience for the students
Corporation (IFC) for an initial period of three and micro-entrepreneurs to establish
years to improve the economic status of the and expand businesses.
people in the remote desert district • Collection and dissemination of infor- Details 2007 - 08 2008 – 09 2009 – 10 Total CEC: Impact
of Barmer. mation on employment opportunities,
enterprise development, government Number of people trained at the 2180 2225 2212 6617
The EC commenced operations in Barmer schemes and upcoming contracts and Enterprise Centre
in July 2007 and was formally inaugurated tenders.
in February 2008 in the premises of the Employability • 70% of the trainees were provided
Barmer Industrial Training Institute (ITI) EC’s Basic Skills Programme aimed at employment opportunities at the end
under a Memorandum of Understanding imparting training in construction related of the programme
• 70% of the women trained were linked Source: Cairn
signed between the Directorate of Technical trades, such as masonry, fabrication, – IFC Linkage
Education (DTE), Government of Rajasthan carpentry, electrical and plumbing, in to local exporters and contractors
• 80% of the trainees started their own Programme
and Cairn India. During the first phase (2007 addition to handicrafts - the traditional Evaluation Report
enterprise
– 2010) the EC helped provide information skill in the area. This programme provided (2011)
Striding Ahead I 15
Integrated Community
Development
‘hands-on’ and ‘learning-by-doing’ CEC and Government of Rajasthan to take institutionalised by creating special facilities
Skill Development experience. During its operations in the first the project further for the next five years. at the CEC, within the next one year. While
Soft Skill development courses, three years EC created a niche for itself in During its term the CEC will focus on cutting the welding training is being institutionalised,
Professional courses, Training of the state and set up a unique Public Private edge training solutions that have an industry Cairn will begin the pilot phase of the second
Trainer’s courses for ITI faculty. Partnership (PPP) model, driving business linkage, and hence, chances of greater specialised training on installation and
Usage of ‘Mobile Van’ for Skill growth and establishing linkages with the employability for the students. maintenance of pumps and valves.
development courses local communities. Seeing the success
of the EC during the first phase; it was The CEC will have a modular approach CEC is also strengthening the existing
envisaged to extend the model for another and will deliver modules that are highly programme portfolio currently offered at the
five years under the aegis of a Not-for-Profit specialised and complement the existing ITI by adding the soft skill component to the
Local Vendor Development organisation Cairn Enterprise Centre (CEC) training setup. Within this the CEC will begin existing ITI curriculum. These trainings will
Database management of local registered under Societies Registration Act, with specialised training on welding. The include modules on basic computer literacy,
vendors Capacity building & 1860 in partnership with Government of specialised training will begin by using the spoken English and basic management /
training of vendors Provisions for Rajasthan. An MoU has been signed between existing facilities at ITI, Barmer and will be entrepreneurship skills.
market linkage Joint certification
courses with agency of repute
CEC: Intervention
Intervention No of Participants Ongoing Programmes at the
2007 - 2008 2008 – 2009 2009 - 2010
Cairn Enterprise Centre
Welfare Initiatives
Basic skills employment 844 1045 662 Dairy Development programme
• Dairy Development programmes (EP) and
programme Mobile Repairing training
Welfare Initiatives Cairn specific employment 249 341 50
Genset Repairing training
• Child & Maternal Health
programmes (CEP)
Intervention advanced Welding training for iti students
• Life Skill programme (in Semi Skilled - 175 201
school & out of schools) General Programmes - 64 475 two Wheeler Repairing training
• Education initiatives Self Employment programmes 929 540 426 spoken english course
• Capacity Building and Vendor Development 158 60 398 basic computer training
awareness of Panchayat
Total 2180 2225 2212
Source: Cairn – IFC Linkage Programme Evaluation Report (2011)
16 I Inaugural Issue
A glance at our
other assets and initiatives
Gujarat of Open Schooling (NIOS). Gujarati or
English are the usual languages of instruction.
The government-run public schools lack
Surat (Suvali) many facilities, but are the only option for
poorer residents who cannot afford the
Surat is the commercial capital of the Indian more expensive private schools. As per the
state of Gujarat. It is one of the fastest census of 2011, the literacy rate of the Surat
growing cities in India. Schools in Surat are is 86.65%, which is considerably higher than
either municipal schools, run by the Surat the national average of 74.04%. The male
Municipal Corporation or private schools, literacy rate is 91.5% while the female literacy
which in some cases receive financial aid rate is 81.02%. However, school enrolment
from the government. is still low and the dropout rate after 7th
grade is considerably high. In addition to this,
The schools are affiliated to the Gujarat undernourishment and anaemia is prevalent
Secondary and Higher Secondary Education in the district with 38% of the children being
Board (GSEB), the Central Board for underweight and 10% of them severely Provide financial assistance to students
Secondary Education (CBSE); and few undernourished. to pursue higher education
schools are affiliated under National Institute
FOcus
Our
• Improve literacy levels through increased enrolment and retention in government schools. One of our flagship projects, ‘School Environment and
Energy Conservation project’ has been instrumental in helping bring back school drop outs. The partner of the project is Nature Club Surat.
• Provide financial assistance to students to pursue higher education and vocational training.
• Supplement health initiatives of the government and provide access to safe drinking water.
• Generate awareness on HIV/AIDS among truckers.
• Improve local infrastructure for community dDevelopment.
Striding Ahead I 17
Andhra Pradesh Krishna and Guntur
FOcus
Our
Krishna and Guntur are flood prone areas. There has • Sensitise Panchayats for collective action
East Godavari (Ravva) been a significant shortfall in health expenditure in these on community health.
two districts as there are only 15 PHCs (Primary Health • Improve quality of primary healthcare and
East Godavari is primarily an agricultural district and is the Centres) catering to a population of 10,47,476 spread utilisation of available and added services.
second richest district in the country. However, in sharp across 107 villages in Guntur district and 7 PHCs in • Increase knowledge and awareness of
contrast is Surasaniyanam - one of the most backward Krishna district for a population of 5,27,104 spread across the community about health care related
villages. It has a population of about 6000 and the major 105 villages. An analysis of the health profiles of the two issues.
occupations of the people include agriculture, prawn districts shows a lack of adequate healthcare services and
fishing and petty labour. limited utilisation of the same due to poor quality services.
FOcus
Our
• Improve community health by
ensuring safe drinking water,
improved sanitation and availability
of medication for the needy.
• Primary education through
infrastructure development,
ensuring a learning environment,
financial assistance for students
and supplementing government
education programmes.
• Promote sustainable livelihoods
with a special focus on women
and youth through incubation of
MSMEs and skill training for better
employability.
• Develop and sustain the local
economy through infrastructure
development in consultation
with the community and district
administration.
Ensuring safe drinking water to improve community health
18 I Inaugural Issue
Midstream farmer has a mobile phone connection.
We identified this opportunity and started
working towards making use of mobile
The Barmer to Salaya Pipeline project is a phones as a medium for information
lifeline to the business operations and has dissemination. Reuters Market Light (RML)
been commissioned for transportation of is a personalised crop advisory service for
crude oil traversing through two districts of farmers, which provides spot prices of his
Rajasthan and six districts of Gujarat. In the chosen crops from nearby markets, news
pipeline operational areas the business has and crop advice as per his region or crop,
touched lives in 250 villages and partnering and localised weather forecast in his local
with more than 40,000 families for a symbiotic language through a simple SMS. Several
relationship through innovative development studies have shown that the initiative has
models and micro-intervention at the led farmers to reap huge financial benefits
Panchayat level. Close to 20,000 farmers have – ranging from INR 500 to as high as INR
benefitted through the agri SMS programme 400,000 due to the reduction in production
and farmer facilitation centres. risk and marketing risk. This has resulted in
a better standard of living in the community.
Agri SMS Programme Training programme for the farmers
GSK (Agri Kiosk)
Cairn India has been studying the mobile
phone phenomenon closely and realised it Cairn India initiated projects pertaining farmers’ requirement as well as building with profits and commission received by the
to be the biggest opportunity to empower to agricultural awareness across the awareness on increasing their productivity coordinators as well as Department of Post
farmers. A dipstick study conducted across pipeline route in all the 250 villages. and obtaining fair price for their crop. With through sale and purchase of agri-commodity.
six districts revealed that almost every The project caters to the need of the this premise, Cairn is partnering with Multi Some of the benefits of GSK include; spot and
Commodity Exchange (MCX) and India Posts future market price dissemination, agri-expert
for operationalising the model of Gramin advisory, quality warehousing system coupled
FOcus
Our
• Strengthening healthcare programmes by supplementing the Suvidha Kendra (GSK) in partnership at with the warehouse receipt financing, weather
Integrated Child Development Schemes (ICDS) and mass awareness 6 districts in Gujarat. The GSK platform insurance, government schemes on agriculture,
on health issues. offers the advantage of working with the NABARD schemes and much more.
• Support to agriculture by promoting best practices including Government and multiple corporate partners,
knowledge on crop cycle. thereby making it an innovative Public Private
• Value addition to education through innovative initiatives. Partnership (PPP) model with a unique rural
marketing chain. The model is self sustainable
Striding Ahead I 19
Sri Lanka It recognises the importance of appropriate
The pearl of the Indian Ocean – Sri Lanka, infrastructure, skilled teachers, innovative
has one of its first written references found teaching methodology and curriculum,
in the Indian epic – Ramayana. Today, Sri availability of good books and learning
Lanka is one of the most sought after tourist aids for improving knowledge base and
destinations in South Asia. Sri Lanka has an increase literacy within the society. In
education system which dictates 9 years addition to this, Cairn also believes in
of compulsory schooling for every child. innovative methods to make learning more
However, lack of responsiveness of the interactive and participatory. In alignment
education system to the labor market with the Government’s focus in building
requirements, disparities in access to school libraries, Cairn in partnership with
quality education, lack of an effective Government of Sri Lanka has decided to
linkage between secondary and tertiary support 27 such libraries in Moneragala
education remain major challenges for the district of Uva province which has been
education sector. chosen by the Government to implement
the project on a pilot basis. Cairn will work
Since Cairn has obtained acreage for in collaboration with the Government of
exploration in Sri Lanka, as part of Sri Lanka to ensure all the libraries are
Company’s social commitment, Cairn equipped with appropriate reading material
is proactively initiating CSR activities and other educational tools. In order to
which will add value to the efforts of the maintain transparency and efficiency in
Government as well as supplement the operations, appropriate reporting formats
community needs in this aspect. ‘Education’ have been put in place and monthly
being one of the prime focus areas, Cairn monitoring will be initiated to study the
has taken the library initiative to Sri Lanka. progress of the project regularly.
Cairn is committed to creating an
environment for children and young In all these efforts, Cairn will aim at
community members to help them educating the youth of the island nation by
evolve as responsible citizens through its providing them with required facilities and
education initiatives which focus on access, resources such as libraries and books.
equity and quality of education.
20 I Inaugural Issue
Mobile Repairing Training at Enterprise Centre, Barmer
Striding Ahead I 21
Transforming Lives
Mobile Repairing Training
Padma Ram opens his shop at 10 am in
Uttarlai market, Barmer and he finishes his
one and only meal for the day just before 7000 Cairn Enterprise Centre Increasing Student Base
opening the shutters. He already knows
that the day is going to be packed with 6000
work and customers. Currently earning 5000
over INR 15000 per month, Padma’s story
4000
is a success story. Padma Ram belongs to a
seven member family in Dunda village. To 3000
contribute to the little earnings of the family 2000
he was sent as a labour to Surat, Gujarat.
However, the inhuman conditions to live 1000
and minimal wages forced him to return to 0
his village. Padma was confused about what 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 Total till date
to do next in his life until he came across
an advertisement in newspaper about
the Mobile repairing training programme
The training sessions conducted at the Cairn Enterprise Centre have changed the lives of thousands.
organised by Cairn Enterprise Centre.
The data includes trainings of various kinds and formats including Employment Programmes, Semi Skills
During the 3 months course, Padma Ram
along with 14 other members was not only Programmes, Self Employment Programmes, SME Programmes and General programmes. At an overall level,
taught the details about mobile repair but the trainings imparted by Cairn Enterprise Centre have received a positive feedback from the trainees both in
was also oriented about entrepreneurship, terms of design and delivery. With respect to the data in the fig, 91% trainees suggest that they recommend the
like how to start a business, ways to handle programmes to others and more than 70 % of them indicate that the trainings have contributed in enhancing their
customer complaints, etc. In addition to this, personality.
Padma Ram was also provided with a micro
loan of INR 15000 to start his own enterprise The factors primarily contributing satisfaction are training content, relevance and applicability.
at Uttarlai. From here on there was no
22 I Inaugural Issue
looking back for Padma as he became most it was her only chance and she started Magaram recalls, that earlier he was just him INR 150 commission on sale of every
popular and sought after mobile repairer in attending the training. In three months she an ordinary tailor in his village, earning solar lamp and as Magaram was already a
the region. With non-stop business coming completed the session and was confident little which was not sufficient to meet trained serviceman he started getting INR
in, Padma is now planning to hire an assistant. of her handicraft skills. She began spending the daily needs of his 6 member family. 150 extra for taking care of servicing of the
two to three hours daily, and soon started But Magaram had a dream; he wanted to lamps. Magaram took this project and soon
Self Employment Programme earning close to INR 1000 per month. It was provide the best standard of education to people in and around the village began
this life changing moment in Gyani’s life his children. He thought this dream would to seek his services. He attained success
Gyani, a simple woman from a remote village which made her believe that she can make always remain a dream until he came to and is still known amongst the villagers as
of Kawas is the shining star of her family and a difference. She soon joined the additional know about the programmes in CEC. It a famous and superior salesman. Today
in the league of successful entrepreneurs course in keychain making organised at CEC all started with a three week training he Magaram sells around 30 lamps per month
around the village. Seen as a symbol of for supplementing her income. For the first underwent at the CEC. The training was earning up to INR 9000 as commission and
strength and courage in her village, Gyani time in her life, Gyani started believing in initiated, as solar lamps were popular in for maintenance in addition to his repairing
recalls that life was completely opposite herself! After excelling in both the trades, these villages; due to paucity of permanent business which benefits him immensely.
before, and didn’t seem to have any meaning her monthly income doubled to INR 2000 per electric connections. However, the He now earns as much as INR 15, 000 per
for her when she lost her two year old month. Today she is respected by her family problem was maintenance and repairing month and his dream of giving quality
child due to illness. She was in a state of and the community, as she managed to help of these lamps as there was no repairman education to his children is no more just
trauma after the tragedy and didn’t know her family survive through the crisis. or service centre for the same. Every time a dream.
how to move on. For a family of daily wage the villagers had to travel long distances
earners most of their earnings had gone Employment Programme – to get their lamps repaired. Magaram
in the treatment of the child and this left Training in Solar Lamp Repairing used this training to learn repairing of
them in drudgery and poverty. It was then these lamps, as he was informed by Cairn
that Gyani luckily came to know about the Life would never be the same for Magaram, that this could yield him good results
Self Employment Programme being run at a resident of Madpura Barwala village. in the future. During the training, he
the Cairn Enterprise Centre. She joined the Today he is one of the most successful came in touch with representatives from
programme and it gave her a good businessmen in the area, including villages Pegasus Solar Technology Company and
scope to focus her attention and hit upon surrounding his. And this massive change was offered to be their distributor in the
a new mission in her life. Gyani knew that in his life happened over just 6 months. area. Pegasus Solar Technology offered
Striding Ahead I 23
Inculcating “reading” as a habbit in the community
CMO Asia Award for
Best Corporate Social
Responsibility Practice
Golden Peacock Award HelpAge Silver Plate
for Corporate Social Award – 2010
Responsibility 2011
Cairn India Limited
3rd & 4th Floors, Vipul Plaza, Suncity, Sector 54, Gurgaon – 122002, Haryana,
Ph: +91 124 459 3000, www.cairnindia.com