FICCI-SEDF
ACTIVITY REPORT 2006-2007

PROJECTS COMPLETED

Rajiv Gandhi Mobile AIDS Counselling Services Project

FICCI-SEDF, in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi Foundation successfully completed the 3rd phase of implementation of the "Rajiv Gandhi Mobile AIDS Counselling Services" (RGMACS) project. RGMACS' mission is to create a positive and conducive environment where there is no fear and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) are able to live their lives with dignity. The first phase of the project was started with Ms. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, RGF, flagging off the Mobile Van in August 2002.

The project covered 9 lakhs people living in 15 slum and resettlement areas of Delhi during the 3 phases. Major activities under the project included intensive counseling, service delivery including identification, treatment and follow up of HIV+ and STI/STD cases, capacity building and training of staff and community leaders, networking with NGOs, health centers and local medical practitioners, awareness generation through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Behaviour Change Communication programmes, condom distribution on demand.

Impact assessment survey showed 87% awareness rate and 76% safe practice prevalence in the project area.

EMPOWERING ADOLESCENTS THROUGH LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION

FICCI-SEDF, in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, implemented a project "Empowering Adolescents through Life Skills Education". The project covered 10 slums of Delhi and targeted out-of-school adolescents. The project followed Life Skills Education strategy, which is a comprehensive behaviour change approach that concentrates on the development of the skills needed for life such as communication, decision making, thinking, managing emotions, assertiveness, resisting peer pressure etc. A 5-day curriculum has been developed to impart life skills to these out-of-school adolescents.

The major achievements of the project included Training of Trainers and other Capacity Building activities on Life Skills Education for NGO partners, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to create awareness about various issues related to adolescent health and behavior. 1638 Adolescents were trained in Life Skills Education. They are now expected to act as Peer Trainers for other untrained adolescents in their respective areas.

FICCI-SEDF Reproductive & Child Health Project
District Muzaffarnagar

FICCI-SEDF Reproductive & Child Health (RCH) Project is a two-year project funded by Govt. of India through SIFPSA. The project was started in October 2004 and is covering Purkaji block in Muzaffarnagar District, which has 75 villages with a population of 1,45,313. The main objects of the project are to create awareness, improve reproductive & child health services and establish small family norm amongst the target population. The project is incorporating the CBD (Community Based Distributors) strategy where FICCI-SEDF has selected heath workers from the targeted areas and has trained & mobilised them to promote and provide Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services in the project area. FICCI's local member, Federation of Muzaffarnagar Commerce and Industry (FMCI) is collaborating with the Foundation and has assisted in setting up the project office in Muzaffarnagar.

ONGOING PROJECTS

FICCI-Shraddhanjali Jawan Trust

Following the Kargil war in July 1999, FICCI in partnership with its member companies organized a major fund raising event named "Shraddhanjali". The total expenses for organizing the Shraddhanjli Concert were met by FICCI and its member-companies. Rupees 1.10 Crores raised by way of souvenir advertising, ticket sale and sponsorships were used to set up a corpus for the FICCI-Shraddhanjali Jawan Trust. The interest earnings of the corpus fund are used to provide financial assistance to the persons recommended by Army Central Welfare Fund, IAF Central Welfare Fund, and Indian Naval Benevolent Association in the ratio of 85: 15: 05 respectively.

For this year's disbursal, the Trustees met on the 29th of August 2006 at FICCI, and decided to provide Rs. 8.65 lakhs to the three funds in a ratio of 85:15:05 to Army, Air Force and Navy. The meeting was attended by the Administrators of the funds, President of FICCI, Mr. Saroj K. Poddar, President, FICCI-SEDF, Mr. P.M. Sinha and representatives of the three defense services

New Initiatives

Enhancement of Employability of Persons with Disabilities

One of the priority areas of FICCI-SEDF is enhancement of employability of Persons with Disabilities. Keeping this in view the following are the major activities were undertaken by the Foundation:

Project JEEVIKA

FICCI-SEDF in partnership with AADI has initiated JEEVIKA, a project, for enhancing employment and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities in the National Capital Region.The project is financially supported by the State Bank of India.

JEEVIKA addresses the following objectives:

So far Project Jeevika has proactively worked with around 400 Disabled candidates and various other stakeholders on

Microsoft -FICCI-SEDF tie up for the MAR programme

FICCI-SEDF in partnership with AADI initiated JEEVIKA, a project, for enhancing employment and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities in the National Capital Region.

JEEVIKA addresses the following objectives:
1. Promote equal opportunity and facilitate inclusive work culture.
2. Skill enhancement and placement services for Persons with Disabilities.
3. Establishing linkages for entrepreneurship development

Microsoft has a programme called the Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher (MAR), which aims at working with eligible refurbishers to provide legally installed Microsoft software on donated computers to eligible recipients.

FICCI-SEDF has tied up with MICROSOFT for facilitation of establishing Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher (MAR). Establishment of MAR would help FICCI and Microsoft to promote responsible business practices and social responsibility amongst the corporates in India as it would

The first MAR in India was launched on the 4th of December 2006. Neutron Computers, a small enterprise for hardware & software solutions, being run by Mr. Samual Mani became the first eligible refurbisher as per Microsoft criteria. Mr. Samuel who is a person with disability, was earlier facing several problems in running this enterprise, has already got 2 assignments of refurbishing 50 computers each donated by Microsoft and some other companies. Microsoft and FICCI-SEDF are also facilitating the process of identifying the non-profits that are ready to buy the computers on a low very cost. Now, Mr. Samuel has not only a credible and sustainable livelihood option for himself, but also for his 5-6 employees as well.

This is an excellent model that offers a win-win opportunity for all including the donors of old computers, the MAR, the recipient non-profits, Microsoft and the facilitator, FICCI-SEDF, in the whole process.

ABILITIES Mela 2006

FICCI-SEDF supported the second Delhi Abilities Mela that was organized by the Business and Community Foundation and The Blind Relief Association on April 1st & 2nd, 2006. Other active partners of the event were Brotherhood, NTPC, Kanoria Chemicals.

This was a unique endeavour of NGOs, Corporates, students & artists which demonstrated and showcased skills, creativity & potentials of the Differently abled. It also helped in awareness generation and information dissemination for Promoting Inclusive and Equal Opportunities.

Besides this, the event provided a platform for over 40 organizations working with the differently abled in the NCR region to showcase their work, skills and products to the public

FICCI-SEDF organised the 'Sensitization Workshop on HIV/AIDS for Enterprises' on 27th September 2006 to reach out to private sector and sensitize it about the role that it can play in control and management of HIV/AIDS. The workshop was organised in collaboration with Delhi State AIDS Control Society (DSACS) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Mr. Harry Sethi, Director, FICCI-SEDF, welcomed the participants and focused on the implications of HIV/AIDS for the corporate sector and how it is a critical issue needing corporate sector response. A film on 'HIV/AIDS at workplace', developed by the ILO was shown to the participants. Ms. P Joshila from ILO made a presentation focusing on various actions and strategies against HIV/AIDS at workplaces. Dr, J. P. Kapoor, Project Director, DSACS, also a presentation wherein he discussed how DSACS can assist and support corporate sector in addressing this issue. In the end, Mr. Naveen Kumar, President, Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+), shared his experiences as an HIV+ person and gave true instances of how he has been treated as an HIV+ person six years back.

Special Address by Ms. Emma Bonino,
Hon'ble Italian Minister for International Trade and European Affairs

FICCI, Tansen Marg, New Delhi - 04 January, 2007

Ms. Emma Bonino was first elected to the Italian Chamber of Deputies in 1976 has been re-elected at every subsequent election including 2006. In her illustrious political career, she has held a variety of offices both nationally and internationally and for over 30 years, her political activities have been characterized by active non-violence, defined and adopted by Mahatma Gandhi. Strongly committed against discrimination, particularly against women, she has organized and promoted several campaigns all aiming to solve major social problems with the methodology of regulating and legalizing.

On her recent visit to India, an interactive meeting was organised with women from various spheres of life where Ms. Emma Bonino delivered a special address: "Women: in polity, business and economy". The meeting was organised jointly by FICCI-SEDF, FICCI and FLO. The meeting was followed by an interactive session where women's role in various sphere of life i.e. polity, business and economy were discussed and experiences from India and Italy were shared.

Ms. Emma Bonino was accompanied by HE Mr Antonio Armellini, Italian Ambassador to India. From FICCI, the meeting was attended by Shri Saroj Kumar Poddar, President - FICCI, Mrs. Mukta Nandini Jain, National President - FLO and Shri Rajan Kohli, Deputy Secretary General, FICCI.

Meeting with HE Mr. Vladimir Spidla,
European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
on Corporate Social Responsibility

27 November 2006 - FICCI, Tansen Marg, New Delhi-110001.

The Indian business is continuing to be on the path of robust growth, nationally as well as internationally. With the growth of Indian business and its ever-increasing importance in the world economy, the ways of doing business is also rapidly changing. As a result, the Indian business has started integrating Corporate Social Responsibility into its core business operations as well as engaging in innovative partnerships with the government and the civil society. It is also recognising the importance of pioneering new ways to engage with all its stakeholders i.e shareholders, employees, business partners, customers, local communities, the environment and society at large.

This is the background that has resulted in a meeting with HE Mr. Vladimir Spidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, who came to India on an official visit. He was very keen to interact with select business leaders to get an insight into Corporate Social Responsibility issues seen from an Indian perspective. HE Mr. Vladimir Spidla was was accompanied by HE Ms Kristin Schreiber, Head of cabinet and HE Ambassador Mr. Francisco Da Camara Gomes, Head of EU Delegation to India. From the Indian business, the meeting with attended by Dr. Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI, Shri Saroj Kumar Poddar, President FICCI and Shri Habil Khorakiwala, Vice-President, FICCI.

The Indian industry representatives briefed the European Commissioner about the emerging changes in the CSR concept in India. They informed him that the concept of giving back to the society has been an old-age tradition in Indian industry. However, with the change in ways of doing business, the emerging CSR issues in India also take into account various stakeholders of the business. Currently, Indian companies are at different stages of development in the area of CSR. They are already involved in making positive changes to society and now also working in integrating CSR practices into the business process. The Indian companies have started realizing the need/benefits of integrating CSR with their business operations.

The meeting ended with Shri Saroj Kumar Poddar, President, FICCI, presenting a gift. as a token of appreciation to HE Mr. Vlamir Spidla.

One Day Training on Business & Human Rights
at FICCI, Federation House, TansenMarg, New Delhi-11001.
12 December 2006

Economic globalization has expanded the reach of corporate power, and as a result the companies are also brought within the framework of international human rights rules. Human rights remain one of the most challenging areas of Corporate Social Responsibility for companies to address. For business, human rights provide a universal benchmark for minimum standards of behavior. While human rights continue to be the primary responsibility of governments, companies can do a lot within the context of their own business to support and respect the observance of human rights.

Human rights are shaping international business in many ways and are expressed at the global level by the development of voluntary initiatives such as the UN Global Compact, and the appointment by the Secretary-General of the UN of a Special Representative on Business and Human Rights. The UN Global Compact (UNGC) is initiative on the advise of United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. The UNGC brings companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support universal environmental and social principles. It works to advance ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Today, there are 93 members from India participating in the UNGC. FICCI is one of the founding members of the Global Compact Society (Indian Chapter of UNGC).

The first two principles of the UN Global Compact, which are derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are:

Dr. Uddesh Kohli, UN Global Compact Society (India)
delivering the Keynote Message during the training.

Firmly believing that the human rights agenda is relevant to companies in India and holds even greater significance for companies expanding and consolidating their operations internationally, FICCI Socio Economic Development Foundation and Partners in Change (PiC) organised a one-day training on Business & Human Rights agenda in New Delhi on 12th December 2006. The training was delivered by TwentyFifty Ltd., leading international trainers on business and human rights which runs courses for companies across the world. TwentyFifty are also Secretariat to the Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights (BLIHR).

The training aimed at developing the capacity of senior-level managers, especially the ones who had the important task of heading the Corporate Social Responsibility function in the company. It was hoped that this training would assist corporate in integration of human rights issues into socially responsible business practices.

The day started with Mr. Viraf Mehta, Chief Executive, Partners in Change, welcoming the participants and setting the scene by describing the relevance of human rights to the business and role of UN. Dr. Uddesh Kohli, UN Global Company Society (GCS) in India, delivered the keynote message emphasizing the role the UN has to play, especially the GCS role in India. Dr. Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI, spoke about the industry perspective on Business and Human Rights.

The training started with the demonstration of business case for human rights and what businesses are doing to meet their human rights commitments. The next session was focused on introduction to two of the most important concepts and tools for the business to begin thinking about human rights. These are:

Another session focused on introducing the seven-step framework in the UNGC/BLIHR Management guide. In addition, the tools and case studies from leading companies were also shared with participants. Lastly, future steps for the participants were discussed i.e. the participants were encouraged to identify categories for next steps in their respective companies.

Dr. Amit Mitra sharing the industry perspective on human rights
While Mr. Viraf Mehta, Chief Executive, PiC, looks on.

Career Development Forum - II

The 'Jeevika Sammelan' (Career Development Forum - II) was organized jointly by FICCI - SEDF, Action for Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI) & VRC on 8th December 2006 at Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (VRC), Karkardooma, Delhi.

The Jeevika Sammelan envisaged participation from all stakeholders from industry training institutes, Govt. organization etc. which are promoting employment and livelihoods to converge under one platform to increase their visibility, expand perspectives and create equitable opportunities for person with disabilities.

The Career Development forum held in December 05 was the first endeavor towards this objective. The impact of the forum lead to placements and training of over 100 candidates and opening up of new avenues and opportunities with an increase in sensitization and awareness among all participating stakeholders.

Organisations that put up stalls in exhibitions

VLCC, Creative candles, KVIC, Aryabhat Polytechnic, ITI,Venu Eyecare, Fr. Agnel, Komark, Lal Bahadur Shastri Trg Instt, Hero mind mine, Balloons, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Neutron computers(sam), BYST, Calidai motors, Sage, Standard surgical Care, FOD, SBI, SISI, DSFDC, Saksham, Khadi Gram Udyog,Career Smart.

For recruitment the following corporates conducted interviews /interface

Two Days Training Workshop on Introduction to CSR

 

 

"The Private Sector and HIV/AIDS: Finding the Right Model for India"
Rooftop Rendezvous, Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai
March 13, 2007

The U.S. India Business Council teamed up with FICCI, Population Services International and USAID to forge a private/public partnership to combat the public health challenge of HIV/AIDS India. They organized a program on " The Private Sector and HIV/AIDS: Finding the Right Model for India" at the Rooftop Rendezvous, Taj Mahal Place & Tower, Mumbai, on March 13, 2007.

The aim of the Conference was to help define the role of the private sector in addressing HIV/AIDS in India. The focus was on understanding the experiences of companies around the world pursuing similar objectives in order to provide ideas that the US and Indian companies as well as governments may find useful.

Mr Ron Somers, President, US-India Business Council in his address said "The U.S. and India are now strong partners who share a strong sense of mutual trust and confidence. We must translate this into workable models of public and private partnership - Indian and American - to ensure the vitality and health of our human resources - our greatest asset. Tackling HIV/AIDS is a global priority - and vitally important to India as well as America. In collaboration with out governments, with NGOs and as Industry we must take leadership on this sensitive issue and champion this as an urgent cause."

Expressing concern about the public health of India's workforce, President, USIBC said "Our concern for the public health of the workforce if paramount. India's continued economic prominence and growth require a healthy and vital workforce", He also declared that U.S., as member of the global family, was eager to provide education and offer treatment to those who may be at risk for HIV/AIDS; and US corporates would enhance their efforts in this direction.

Stressing on the need to help women understand their rights in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Ms. Ashley Judd, Global Ambassador and founding Board Member of Population Services International, in her key note address, said "The empowerment of girls and women is an essential tool to preventing the HIV/AIDS emergency from exploding any further".

She lauded the efforts of leading private sector companies in India who have set exemplary standards in their fight against HIV/AIDS in the workplace and in the communities where they are based.

Ms. Judd presented USIBC's "Corporate Social Responsibility in Public Health Award" to Tara Steel's Chairman and Managing Director, Mr B Muthuraman, who shared his company's experience of combating HIV/AIDS in the workplace as part of Tata Steel's program of corporate social responsibility.

Mr George Deikun, Head, USAID, India, Dr Nachiket Mor, Dy. Managing Director, ICICI, Bank, Mr Sanjay Chananti, PSI Program Director, Connect Project, India, Mr Arvind Mathew, President and Managing Director, Ford India and Mr B Muthuraman, Managing Director, Tata Steel,agava an account of the work done by their organizations in controlling HIV/AIDS and spreading awareness on the subject.

Earlier, Mr Sushil Jiwarajka, Chairman, FICCI-WRC in his welcome address, said that FICCI was closely working with ILO to address the issue of HIV/AIDS at workplace. He informed that FICCI had also tied up with Population Services International to mobilize corporate participation to address the issue of HIV/AIDS in part of 3 states of India. He forther pointed out that FICCI was working to meet the challenge of HIV/AIDS at the national and grassroots level on policy and advocacy, awareness building, service delivery, capacity building, condom promotion and social marketing of contraceptives.

The meeting was attended by about 160 participants, which included business heads from leading companies like Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Ispat India, Wockhardt Ltd., Marico Industries, Reliance Industries, Asian Paints and GTL.

The meeting received good media and press coverage.