Enabling Communities Through Developmental Interventions

Jamnalalji Bajaj believed that to uplift a community, regular interventions are essential. He took the initiative to empower the people of Wardha in Maharashtra, which also happened to be the headquarters of Gandhiji’s freedom struggle activities for nearly 10 years. And, developmental activities are being carried out through Bajaj Foundation. A crucial thing to point out here, which proves this natural inclination towards people empowerment, is the fact that these interventions are beyond CSR activities since the group doesn’t have any business operations in the district.

"We have been undertaking such philanthropic activities for over a decade, which we have now channelised towards water harvesting, agriculture, non-conventional energy sources and women’s empowerment with the active participation of the local community. Additionally, we follow the bottom-up approach so that the underprivileged can define their needs and unique model of development."

- Kushagra Bajaj (Chairman)

Water Resources Development Programme was introduced in Wardha. Under this innovative rainwater-harvesting intervention, rivers/streams have been revived by deepening/de-silting and widening of long river beds. Check dams, group irrigation wells, lift irrigation projects, boribundhs, farm ponds, recharge pit and roof rainwater harvesting structures have been constructed, while wells & bore wells have also been recharged through rainwater.

• Water harvesting helped increase cropping intensity from 1 to 3 crops, river flow also increased from 4 to 8 months, and net income per acre grew from Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 23,000.
• Agriculture land and agrarian families benefited from underwater harvesting and agriculture development programme.
• Sustainable Agriculture Development was carried out through promotion of integrated farming like horticulture, dairy farming and vegetable crops.
• Farmers installed drip and sprinkler irrigation systems for efficient use of water.
• Promotion of indigenous breed of cows to support needy families.
• For the promotion of non-conventional energy sources, families have also constructed biogas plants — a onetime investment for lifetime-free cooking.
• Ensuring equitable development of society through women's empowerment. Foundation has promoted women's Self-Help Groups.

Looking at the impact of the development projects carried out by Bajaj Foundation, the following organisations and government agencies have partnered with us for the benefit of the rural community –

• Tata Trusts, Government of Maharashtra
• National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD), Government of Maharashtra
• International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD)
• Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA)
• Cotton Connect
• Riverside School

Recognition received for the efforts of the Foundation –

Confederation of Indian Industries CII awarded: "National Award for Excellence in Water Management – Beyond the Fence 2010”

FICCI awarded: "National Water Awards 2012 for Excellence in Water Management and Conservation."