GAIL INDIA: PIONEERING SOCIAL CHANGE
The leading PSU is spearheading life-altering social initiatives, benefiting innumerable people, in the most desolate corners of the country
Across India’s social tapestry, where ancient traditions blend with modern progress, GAIL India has emerged as a powerful force for positive change through its impactful CSR initiatives that reach beyond business concerns and government mandates.
GAIL’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility has transformed lives across India. From CNG-powered boats enhancing boatmen’s livelihoods on the Ghats of Varanasi to Bharosa, its aptly named help centre supporting survivors of abuse in Hyderabad, its social endeavours span the entire spectrum of human needs. This includes empowering women, providing education, and delivering mobile A healthcare. From Varanasi and Auraiya in Uttar Pradesh to Hyderabad and the remote district of Angul in Odisha, GAIL has scripted an uplifting story of social transformation that has touched the lives of innumerable people.
GAIL India’s CSR initiatives represent a deep commitment to social transformation, environmental sustainability, and the core values of a nation on the rise. The stories here explore an inspiring journey exemplifying the transformative power of GAIL India’s vision, a vision that weaves a brighter future across the vast tapestry of India, from the serene Ganges to remote villages.
Honourable Petroleum Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, GAIL Chairman & Managing Director Shri Sandeep Kumar and Director, Marketing, GAIL, Shri Sanjay Kumar at the inauguration of floating CNG station for boats at Ravidas Ghat in Varanasi (left to right)
CNG Cremation: GAIL’s CSR initiative respectfully celebrates the departed with innovative, nature-conscious cremations
GAIL India has been leading the way in corporate social responsibility (CSR) with an impressive range of initiatives across the country. From introducing CNG boats and raising STI awareness among truckers to developing innovative bags and solar-powered smart classes, GAIL is wholeheartedly committed to making a difference in the communities it serves.
CNG Boats Sets Lives on Sail in Varanasi
Soaked in history, the holy city of Varanasi is synonymous with the Ganges. It is also now well known for its CNG-fuelled boats, which are transforming the lives of several boatmen and protecting the sacred waters from pollution. Elsewhere in Varanasi, under its Utkarsh programme, GAIL is extending free residential education to underprivileged youth for JEE & NEET exam preparations.
Gliding along peacefully on the Ganges, Bhoomi Nishad sings, his voice a clear melody against the gentle lapping of water. Gone are the days of diesel fumes stinging his eyes and choking his voice. Varanasi’s switch to CNG boats has transformed his mornings, making it easier to breathe and share his love for the city with his songs. “Bana hua raswa hai yeh Banaras...,” his voice trails off, echoing the serenity of a dawn blessed with cleaner air.
Mangala Manjhi leans on his oar, a broad smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “No more burning eyes from fumes,” he exclaims, relief evident in his voice. The switch to CNG is a welcome change, not just for his health but also for his time. The floating CNG station at NAMO ghat ensures quick and efficient refuelling, freeing him from long detours to diesel pumps.
For Jai Prakash Nishad, the benefits go beyond clean air. A seasoned boatman, he’s seen the evolution of boats on the Ganges – from traditional oars to noisy diesels and now, the cleaner and quieter CNG alternative. “These boats are a blessing,” he says. “They run much further on less fuel, saving us money that we can spend on our families.”
Manuj Bhargav, a resident near the ghats, echoes Jai Prakash’s sentiment. The constant rat-a-tat of diesel engines used to disrupt the tranquillity of
“ The facility has two clean-burning CNG furnaces, which spew far lesser smoke than traditional wood-based cremations. Each cremation uses a minimal amount of CNG (20-25 kg).
Afroz Alam’s smile reflects the promise of a bright future with GAIL Kaushal’s skill development program
“ Over 7,000 students have enrolled in GAIL Kaushal programs, with a remarkable 60-70% placement rate after training.
his mornings. But with the shift to CNG, a sense of peace has returned. “The noise is significantly less now,” he says with a grateful smile. “We can finally enjoy the serenity of the ghats in the mornings.”
Varanasi’s embrace of CNG boats is a testament to its commitment to a cleaner and quieter future. The change has brought a breath of fresh air – literally and figuratively – for both boatmen and residents, making their mornings on the Ganges a more peaceful and prosperous affair.
Final Rites That are Right with Nature: CNG crematoriums
GAIL’s unique program in Bhubaneswar is helping people pay their last respects with a lasting regard for nature
While CSR initiatives invariably focus on the living, GAIL is extending its compassion to the dead as well with an inimitable idea that goes beyond life and salutes the departed in a very innovative, nature-friendly way. In Bhubaneswar, this gas major has set up a modern CNG-fired crematorium, marking a new beginning for last rites.
The facility has two clean-burning CNG furnaces, which spew far lesser smoke than traditional wood-based cremations. Each cremation uses a minimal amount of CNG (20-25 kg), ensuring efficiency alongside environmental responsibility.
“We are committed to expanding this initiative,” says Nigamananda Mishra, DGM, Coordination at GAIL. “Two more CNG crematoriums are in the works, one each for Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.”
This thoughtful approach not only respects local customs but also prioritises environmental sustainability
GAIL Kaushal Skills Youth to Achieve Professional Goals
This unique skilling programme is helping a generation of young people to upgrade themselves for their dream jobs
Imagine a young man named Haiderullah Khan, passionate about intricate machinery. Growing up in a rural area, his dream job seemed distant. But then he enrolled in CNC training program under GAIL Kaushal, a lifechanging initiative by GAIL India Ltd
GAIL Kaushal isn’t just about skill training; it’s about empowering a generation. Through its network of institutes, like the beautifully maintained, GAIL Institute of Skills in Guna and Varanasi, they offer joblinked training programs in fields like CNC machining and industrial welding. These programs, lasting 3-6 months, equip students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed.
Shivani melds tradition and empowerment at GAIL’s Sashakt initiative in Auraiya
Santosh Bahadur, another Kaushal success story, exemplifies the programme’s impact. Hailing from the remote Champaran district of Uttarakhand, Santosh completed his ITI training and now works at a store in Dehradun. But his sights are set higher. “The training here has been excellent,” he says, crediting GAIL Kaushal for boosting his confidence and communication skills. “I see a change in not just my knowledge but also my ability to grab the best job opportunities.”
The programme goes beyond technical skills. Certified trainers focus on personality development, ensuring students are well-rounded and interviewready. This holistic approach is evident in Afroz Alam’s story. Afroz, from West Champaran, aspired to a marine engineering career, but financial limitations held him back. However, his electrical training at GAIL Kaushal transformed his life. “Earlier, I only had practical knowledge,” he shares. “Now, I have the technical knowledge and communication skills to pursue my dreams.”
The results speak for themselves. Over 7,000 students have enrolled in GAIL Kaushal programs, with a remarkable 60-70% placement rate after on-thejob training. These students, like Haiderullah, Santosh, and Afroz, are no longer just rural youth; they are skilled professionals empowered to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Hope Looms Over Auraiya with GAIL’s Sashakt
A blanket-weaving unit from GAIL has changed the fortunes of women in Auraiya
In the quaint village of Pata, Auraiya, amidst the gentle hum of looms, throbs a tale of resilience and transformation woven with threads of hope and empowerment. Wearing a head scarf, Soni Khan moves her skilled fingers, crafting blankets on the loom. With each meticulous stitch, she weaves not just fabric but dreams of a better life for herself and her sisters.
Soni and other women found work and hope at GAIL’s blanket-weaving unit, which was like a lifeline after her dream of studying could not be realised. “Our work at the blanket unit earns us around 15,000 each, and our lives have taken a new turn,” says Soni, her eyes shining with newfound purpose.
Established in 2013-14 as part of GAIL’s Sashakt initiative, the Blanket Weaving Training and Production Units at Kanho and Khanpur villages have become symbols of progress and empowerment. Under the guidance of the implementing agency, Chakriya Vikas Pranali Sanstha (CVPS), these women are comprehensively trained to thrive in and monetise their craft.
Najish, one of the four siblings of a family in Chhota Khanpur, loved studies but couldn’t go back to school, after her mother got electrocuted three years ago. “I always wanted to complete my studies and become independent. But with my mother gone, a lot of pressure fell on my father who runs a dairy. I began working and now help my father with expenses for home. Sashakt has indeed empowered me, “she says, with a smile.
For Shivani, a mother of three, the impact of GAIL’s support is profound. “My husband toils as a casual labourer, and with three children to support, life was a constant struggle. GAIL’s support has brought a ray of hope into our lives.”
Tapestry of community and progress: The faces behind GAIL’s Sashakt blanket weaving unit in Auraiya
Since 2013, these empowered women have woven more than 24,000 blankets, providing warmth and comfort to the needy during the harsh winters of northern India. In the fiscal year 2023-24, GAIL ordered 5,870 blankets, reaffirming its commitment to uplifting the communities in Auraiya.
In Varanasi, young women creating a rangoli at GAIL Utkarsh campus, for an event where Shri Ayush Gupta, Director (HR), GAIL , has to speak, are not just making a rangoli but also filling the canvas of their dreams.
“Embrace challenges, learn from stumbles, and celebrate milestones,” says, Mr Gupta, as young women aspiring to crack Engineering and Medical entrance examinations, clap loudly.
Initiated in 2009, GAIL Utkarsh offers free residential coaching to underprivileged students from marginalized communities across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with a special focus at the Varanasi Centre on empowering girls to succeed in engineering and medical entrance exams. Students benefit from nutritious food, quality study materials, and guidance from expert teachers. Regular classes and mock tests rigorously prepare them for these competitive exams.
Anuradha Bajauli from Chindwara, MP, a farmer’s daughter, expresses her gratitude: “My father always dreamt of me becoming a doctor, but coaching
Honourable Petroleum Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri during a visit to Gail Utkarsh, Super 60, Varanasi
A sunny idea is transforming the learning experience for students at a humble school in the small town of Guna in Madhya Pradesh. Solar Energy is now being used to power smart classes in schools in the Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, and Guna districts of the state under GAIL’s Solar Powered Smart Classes initiative.
Previously, children read and learned only from their textbooks. With this new smart class concept, they now have access to audiovisuals as well. Informative videos in both English and Hindi are streamed at these smart classes through projectors. Concepts of physics, chemistry, biology, and even English/Hindi grammar have become much more fun and exciting to learn through experiments and animation visuals. Students tend to retain more from what they see than from what they read. Like Nandini Jatav of class 8, puts it, “All the concepts are much easier to grasp . I so look forward to coming to school now.”
Addressing physical discomfort in learning environments, GAIL has introduced a novel solution: school bags that double as study tables. This initiative targets primary school children in villages, transforming their learning experience by providing a comfortable and ergonomically designed study space. These lightweight, waterproof bags with detachable tables promote good posture, reducing back pain and improving concentration
Solar-powered classes herald a new dawn for Guna’s children: Madhya Pradesh
“ Since 2022, over 1500 TB patients have benefitted, and the program has earned the governor’s recognition, too.
TB support program: Nutritional kits fuelling recovery in Auraiya
and handwriting. This simple yet effective innovation not only aids in better learning outcomes but also underscores GAIL’s commitment to addressing educational inequality through practical solutions.
Life was already a battle for Sushila Devi. A widow, she had a special child to care for her on her meagre resources. Every rupee mattered to her. Then came the blow – TB. “Nutrition? I barely managed to put food on the table,” she shared at GAIL’s TB kit distribution programme.
But GAIL’s initiative offered a lifeline. Since 2018, the initiative has been identifying TB cases, connecting patients to healthcare, and providing crucial nutritional support. In Auraiya itself, the programme has offered six-month food kits to 275 people, including Sushila.
“These kits are a lifesaver,” she says, hope in her eyes. “With proper food, I can fight this and take care of my child too.” Dr. Vijay Anand, the Medical Officer, emphasises the programme’s impact. “Good nutrition is vital for TB recovery. GAIL’s programme ensures patients like Sushila can focus on getting well.”
Since 2022, over 1500 patients have benefitted, and the programme has earned the governor’s recognition, too. It’s a story of GAIL alleviating a double burden, one nutritious kit and one life at a time.
Truckers are at a high risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to their prolonged absence from home. To address this issue, GAIL’s Khushi Clinic in Pata, Auraiya district, uses innovative strategies to educate truckers about STIs.
The clinic offers STI treatment, facilitates HIV testing, and focuses on promoting HIV prevention and awareness among truckers. The TCI Foundation implemented this CSR project, which has been well-received by the truckers. The clinic also conducts interpersonal communication sessions and health games in collaboration with truckers to raise awareness about safe sex practices and promote condom use. Mohammad Shafiq from Sultanpur says, “We get facilities like medication, free parking and some knowledge. It feels very nice to see someone care for us.”
The outreach workers regularly conduct these sessions, which have proven effective in educating truckers about STIs. Satendra Kumar from Allahabad says, “We get to play games and learn about the infections that can befall us if we are not careful. It is a nice way to learn and gain knowledge.” Through their efforts, GAIL’s Khushi Clinic is making a commendable impact on the health and well-being of truckers and the surrounding communities
In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Auraiya comes alive when GAIL’s brightly colored Arogya Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) arrives. Each mobile clinic visits 25 villages and provide healthcare to 2,200 patients monthly. Ramesh, a patient who looks frail yet hopeful, remarks, “For us, the MMU is a godsend.” Dr. Ajeet, who wears a stethoscope and carries the spirit of service, replies, “It’s a privilege, Ramesh, to bring relief to so many villagers - that’s pure joy.”
Further east, in Odisha’s Angul district, an MMU tackles a lone, treacherous road to reach Kado Basanta—a tiny village largely disconnected from mainstream healthcare. Here, the MMU serves a critical role, treating over 100 patients who gather under a large tree. The partnership between GAIL and the Wockhardt Foundation enhances this outreach, addressing ailments from diabetes to skin diseases and educating on hygiene and disease prevention. Shri Anoop Gupta, GAIL’s CSR Executive Director, proudly states, “I’m thrilled our programme helps the people so profoundly,” emphasising the joy of bringing healthcare to those most in need.
In Madhya Pradesh’s Guna, Project Arogya’s MMU transforms access to healthcare with its regular visits. This project not only conducts basic health check-ups but also focuses on women’s health, providing free
HIV awareness for truck drivers in Auraiya in Uttar Pradesh
Mobile medical unit: A lifeline on wheels for Pata Villages
sanitary napkins and educating on menstruation and pregnancy. Tamanna Lodha, a student from a nearby village, shares, “Reaching a healthcare centre used to be a challenge. Project Arogya has been a blessing.” This initiative fosters significant community empowerment, encouraging open discussions about health and wellness.
But for the Bharosa Centre, 32-year-old Sabiha Sheikh would never have figured that her two children, Aayat, 7 and Asif, 9, were being sexually abused by a family member at her marital home.
However, with the unstinted support of the GAIL-funded Bharosa Centre at Medchal in Hyderabad, Sabiha mustered the courage to move out of her marital home and file an FIR at the local police station. The accused is facing trial. Shabiha has received an initial compensation, and with Bharosa, she knows that justice will be delivered.
Fighting back tears, Sabiha expresses her gratitude to the counsellors at Bharosa. For days, she had struggled desperately but in vain to connect with her children. However, the counsellors at Bharosa helped them rebuild trust with care, love, and gentle guidance. Eventually, feeling safe and comfortable, they opened up and shared their harrowing experience with the counsellors and later, under their guidance, with a judge.
Living up to their Hindi meaning of trust, the 26 Hyderabad police-run Bharosa centres are providing comfort and justice to a number of adult and minor survivors of rape and sexual assault across Telangana. Funded by GAIL, the flagship Bharosa Centre at Medchal is an outstanding facility, its well-planned spaces offering security, warmth, and convenience to all those who walk in.
“Bharosa is giving thrust to a programme that has the potential to change the lives of children and adults who have suffered physical abuse. By funding this well-equipped centre, GAIL has created a model for others to emulate,” says Ranji George Joseph, Programme Manager, Bharosa.
GAIL is confident that other corporates will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of Bharosa’s Medchal Centre, which provides psychological, police, legal, medical, financial, and rehabilitation support to the survivors under one roof. Since its inception in 2019, Medchal has handled nearly 150 cases of sexual assault of children, facilitated compensation in 111 cases and enabled victim assistance fund for 10 survivors. “We believe people come to Bharosa for services that are rightfully theirs, so we call them clients,” underscores Joseph.
In a room filled with stuffed toys and board games, Aayat and Asif are playing with other children who have been similarly traumatised. The children play here for hours without a care in the world, says a mother. The Medchal Bharosa Centre has helped to heal their wounds, allowing them to be themselves and forget their agony. The survivors feel at ease amidst staff members like Kalyani, Samina, and others.
In another instance, after hesitating for long from going to the police, fearing harassment, 22-year-old rape survivor Chaitanya finally mustered the will to file a report. The police directed the student to the Bharosa centre. The rest is history. Following prolonged counselling, Chaitanya has turned a new page. She is now relaxed, calm, and pursuing her studies,” says Kalyani, a counsellor at Bharosa.
For Zainab, an 11-year-old child, Kalyani is a favourite. The compassionate counsellor had spent endless hours with Zainab and her mother after she, a special child, had been raped by a neighbour in 2023. The perpetrator is facing trial, and Zainab has received an initial compensation of Rs. 25,000. Says her mother: “She had receded into a silent shell after the incident. But with the support of Bharosa and Kalyani Ma’am, she has started smiling, reading and writing,” first steps in her long haul to recovery. “Being a special child, her case was handled with exceptional sensitivity. The way she was prepped to record her statement with the judge without hurting her was extraordinary,” says Zainab’s mother, wiping her tears away.
(Names of survivors have been changed to protect their identities.)
“ Medchal has handled nearly 150 cases of sexual assault of children, facilitated compensation in 111 cases and enabled victim assistance fund for 10 survivors.
“ “OUR CSR INITIATIVES ARE INTRICATELY WOVEN INTO OUR CORPORATE ETHOS”
Bharosa centre team: Committed professionals stand ready to support and empower at the medical facility
“OUR CSR INITIATIVES ARE INTRICATELY WOVEN INTO OUR CORPORATE ETHOS”
GAIL’s mission is to integrate CSR with its vision for sustainable development is championed by Shri Ayush Gupta, Director (HR), enhancing community well-being and educational outreach
How do GAIL’s CSR initiatives align with its corporate strategy for mutual community and company benefits?
At GAIL, our CSR initiatives are not standalone efforts but are intricately woven into our corporate ethos of sustainable development and value creation in the society and the communities. Through our focused CSR vision, titled HRIDAY, we target societal welfare and environmental sustainability, focusing on health, education, and the environment. Since FY 2011-12, our MMU vans and Khushi Clinic (STI Clinic) in Pata and Guna have improved healthcare access for over 1 million people. These projects are reflective of our strategy to integrate CSR with our core business operations, ultimately benefiting both the community and our company by building a healthier, more educated workforce and community around our operational areas.”
Please tell us about CNG boats as well as Utkarsh, one of your flagship CSR programmes in Varanasi.
CNG boats in Varanasi are a step towards a brighter tomorrow, focusing on people’s and the environment’s needs. To date, 784 boats have been converted to CNG, improving the livelihood of the boatmen with significant monthly savings. The GAIL Utkarsh project offers free specialised coaching to underprivileged children for top entrance exams, benefiting 1,728 students so far. The Varanasi Centre, being the first ‘all girls’ centre of GAIL, is breaking barriers in education, encouraging more women to pursue careers in the field of science, especially in Medical.”
What methods does GAIL use to evaluate CSR success, and can you share key outcomes?
GAIL employs a multifaceted approach to measure our CSR initiatives’ impact, focusing on qualitative and quantitative assessments. Our Kaushal program has made many youths employable and economically independent. Similarly, under our ‘Arogya’ program, we have successfully deployed 48 Mobile Medical Units across 12 states, reaching almost 10 lakh individuals mainly in remote areas.
What major challenges does GAIL face with health projects like Khushi Clinic and MMU Van, and how are these addressed?
A: Implementing health education and awareness projects in remote and underprivileged areas comes with challenges such as community engagement and stigma reduction. Our success with the ‘Khushi Clinic’ and ‘MMU Van’ initiatives lies in our innovative approach towards community engagement and continuous evolution of our programs based on feedback and observed needs.
What are GAIL’s plans for CSR, especially in new challenges and technology use?
GAIL is committed to expanding its CSR initiatives to address emerging social and environmental challenges, focusing on leveraging technology and forging strategic partnerships. Areas such as digital education, renewable energy, and water conservation align with global sustainability goals. We aim to continue utilising technology to enhance the reach and effectiveness of our programs and engage with both governmental and non-governmental organisations to foster a collaborative approach towards sustainable development.