Central to the corporate philosophy of Tata Chemicals is its passionate commitment to the social development of the communities in which it operates

Improving the quality of life and fostering sustainable and integrated development in the communities where it operates is central to Tata Chemicals' corporate philosophy.

This objective of social responsibility is equally well-entrenched in the minds of its employees, who play an active part in providing financial support and empowering rural communities to chart their own development.

Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL) set up the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) in 1980 to promote its social objectives for the communities in and around Mithapur and Babrala, where its facilities are located.

The Society works to protect and nurture the rural populations in and around TCL's facilities, and helps people achieve self-sufficiency in natural resource management, livelihood support and the building of health and education infrastructure.

Taking into account the different geographical spread of the two regions and their individual subcultures, different agricultural, economic and development programmes have been implemented in Mithapur (in Okhamandal) and Babrala.

Though it has initiated a slew of programmes, the main elements of Tata Chemicals' community development policy are:

	Designing, evolving and implementing sustainable, replicable and scaleable development models, that lead to measurable socio-economic development of the community and ecological development in its area of influence.
	Involving the community in all stages of the process, in the true spirit of participatory development.
	having focused and transparent processes, that provide for equal opportunity, while improving the quality of life.
	Partnering and networking with governments, development agencies, corporate bodies and NGOs to implement appropriate community development programmes.
	Creating knowledge resource centres to transfer and share information and help build capacities of partners and the community.
	Involving the employees in volunteering for community development programmes.

In addition to the Society's relief and infrastructure activities, a host of programmes have been initiated to encourage self-sufficiency and to ensure that the Tata tradition of dedicated social responsibility is carried forward. Some of the initiatives that TCSRD is involved in are:

	Agricultural development
	Education
	Women's programmes
	Animal husbandry
	Rural energy
	Training
	Watershed development
	Relief work
	Infrastructure

Okhamandal
Situated on the western tip of the Gujarat peninsula, Okhamandal is one of the most drought-prone regions in the country. Despite this, agriculture continues to be the principal activity of its populace.

Due to the frequent failure of the monsoons, the people of Okha have had to face many years of severe drought. Through these difficult times Tata Chemicals has supported the local communities by undertaking a number of relief activities, such as providing drinking water and subsidised cattle feed, and deepening and de-silting wells.

Apart from addressing the water problems faced by people in the area, TCSRD has also participated in a number of agricultural, educational and infrastructure-building activities, which are aimed at providing these communities with the tools they need to become self-sufficient. TCSRD has also launched various women's welfare programmes.

In August 1991 the company launched a project under the Integrated Regional Development Programme to make Okhamandal independent of the vagaries of the monsoon.

Initially, a comprehensive database of the socioeconomic and geophysical aspects of the region was compiled and analysed. This was supported by inputs from the local populace and government, and the advice of experts in the field. Various developmental activities specific to the region were then taken up and implemented.

Babrala
Situated in the Gangetic basin, Babrala is part of the Badaun district of western Uttar Pradesh. TCSRD's initiatives in the region also embrace the development blocks of Gunnaur, Rajpura and Junawi.

The Society has undertaken a number of development, service and relief activities in Babrala since 1992. The households that were affected when land was acquired for the fertiliser complex were the main targets of these development efforts. Other beneficiaries included those living below the poverty line.

Since agriculture is the primary occupation of the people here, projects relating to agricultural development top the priority list. Most households also rear livestock, mainly buffaloes and cows, but the lack of organised dairy development has stymied local efforts to secure commercial gain from cattle rearing.