This is the second part of a 3 part series on Shahi’s road to recovery from the gruesome COVID-19 pandemic. In this series, we speak to our employees about their experiences of dealing with the pressures of the pandemic and…
A background on CSR in India In 2013, India became the first country in the world to legally mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with the introduction of Section 135 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013. CSR was introduced to make…
Shahi is a lovely organization to work — professionally driven, wonderful work culture, respect for human values, and strong CSR initiatives.
Water Intensity:
We are researching, developing, and introducing new technologies to become more water efficient and reduce consumption. Some of our recent initiatives include:
Water Recycling:
Our ongoing commitment has been to consistently decrease our reliance on freshwater by implementing state-of-the-art effluent and sewage treatment technologies in our pursuit of self-sufficiency through:
Read about our water optimization measures in Denim washing and finishing.
Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC):
We have been active contributors to ZDHC since its inception in 2011 and follow the regularly updated AFIRM/AAFA RSL. Our facilities were the first in India to be ZDHC audited by two brands and a third party in 2012-13. We have also developed a single-window chemical purchase procedure to prevent the entry of restricted (priority) chemicals in our operations.
Alternative Dyes & Chemicals:
Our procedures for handling chemicals ensure the minimization of the use of hazardous chemicals and prevent them from entering our manufacturing process.
We are constantly researching and finding ways to reduce and substitute chemical use in washing.
Proper Storage and Handling:
Our Chemical Management Policy and Chemical Purchase Policy govern our effective chemical management. Our processes are in alignment with ZDHC TIG (Technical Industry Guidelines).
Sustainably sourced materials:
Our material sourcing strategy prioritizes acquiring raw materials from partners within sustainable supply chains, specifically considering environmental and social factors. We continuously work on testing newer sustainable alternatives to conventional materials and actively market them to our customers.
Read more about how we created India’s first woven Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold product.
Renewable Electricity:
We have set up solar power plants and windmills in Karnataka with total capacities of 92.5 MW.
These generate 70% of Shahi’s total electrical energy consumption. Know more about Shahi’s journey to 100% renewable energy.
Clean Energy:
In Shahi’s efforts to reduce carbon footprint, we have taken a bold step toward a greener and cleaner future by completely phasing coal out from our garmenting units.
Emissions:
Shahi is reducing carbon emissions by:
Energy Efficiency:
Our measures taken for reducing energy intensity include:
STITCH: Supervisors’ Transformation Into Change Holders
In 2016, Shahi partnered with Good Business Lab (GBL) to design a 6-month soft-skills program tailored for line-level supervisors, which encompasses sessions on topics ranging from problem-solving and coaching to gender sensitivity and improving workplace culture.
GBL’s research shows that STITCH enhances supervisors’ stock of soft skills, reduces turnover, and increases the workers’ productivity in their lines, thus raising incomes and the probability of receiving incentive bonuses. Know more about STITCH.
PULSE: Promoting Upcoming Leadership at Shahi Exports
An 8-month immersive curriculum in leadership through personal and interpersonal growth. This program equips participants to embody Shahi’s vision and cultivate a positive and productive work environment.
Captain Program:
An upskilling program designed to elevate the work environment by promoting holistic skills in candidates chosen to become Captains. Candidates undergo comprehensive training to manage sewing lines.
Gap Inc. P.A.C.E.:
A comprehensive life skills training crafted for female garment workers, encompassing communication, time, stress management, legal awareness, execution excellence, and more.
With the Good Business Lab, we studied the business impact and found a positive return on investment, which has created a powerful business case for extending the program to every worker:
GBL’s research shows P.A.C.E. beneficiaries are:
– 20% more productive
– Likely to get promoted up to three times quicker
– More likely to enroll in further skill development courses
– Increased confidence and self-esteem
– Stronger communication skills
– Greater financial awareness and goal-setting
– More likely to save for their children’s education
– More likely to take advantage of state-sponsored pension and health schemes
Training Centers
States
Skills for Employment:
Skill Development is a potent instrument for personal and societal advancement. As a project implementation partner since 2013 for the Government of India, we offer training programs to underprivileged youth and women.
Social and Labor Convergence Projects (SLCP):
Since 2019, we have proactively participated in the Social and Labor Convergence Projects (SLCP).This has mitigated audit fatigue by saving 1,728 hours while establishing a uniform assessment framework for our factories.
Read more about SLCP here.
Empowering Worker Voice:
Worker voice is indispensable at Shahi. The key drivers of effective worker voice are
Building our ability to listen through a variety of channels and enabling workers to transparently utilize channels and witness the journey that their participation takes.
According to the report ‘Our Common Future’ by the World Commission on Environment and Development, responsible corporate activities can lead to more significant sustainable development. The importance of corporate social responsibility and its connection to our core values has grown at Shahi. Strategic planning and incorporation into daily operations form the foundation of our corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Through our programs, Shahi ensures the creation of efficient strategies to alleviate societal, environmental, and economic issues. It caters to some of the most vulnerable communities (largely women from low-income backgrounds), children, farmers, and migrant workers. It supports local government authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to build communities for the better. With over 22,867 beneficiaries benefitted, Shahi has progressed towards making its CSR approach more resourceful, ethical, and sustainable.
The Government of India’s Census Data states that India has a population of 1.38 billion people, 67% of whom live in rural areas, most of which lack infrastructure and essential services. In this light, CSR has the power to change, alleviate, and even eliminate many common challenges faced by communities in India. CSR works to address the needs and aspirations of communities by building commitment to the development and upliftment of communities.
In the India Philanthropy Report 2022, Poverty Alleviation, Healthcare & WASH, Education & Skills, and Rural Development emerged as the highlighted theme areas that account for 70% of India’s overall CSR budget. Compliant and accountable CSR has ensured that rural development and other facets of our society have made considerable strides in the right direction.
In the past year, Shahi has undertaken a variety of projects in the areas of Environmental Protection, The Welfare of Migrants, Health, Education and School Infrastructure, Covid Support along with Rural Development.
Environmental sustainability at Shahi is committed to the responsible use of natural resources and environmental protection.
Shahi has conducted a tree plantation drive with Give Me Trees Trust (GMTT) to increase green cover and improve local air quality. GMTT is India’s largest community-based voluntary tree planting and conservation movement in India. The environmental charity strongly believes in planting native species of trees (like Peepal, Neem, Pilkhan, and more) as they are the most beneficial trees suited for the environment and provide additional medicinal benefits.
Shahi has partnered with GMTT to plant trees on barren land in Delhi and convert it into a dense forest. The plantation drive is based on the Miyawaki Method, involving planting two trees per square meter to make a biodiversity hotspot in the city.
Shahi partnered with Saahas on the Sada Suchittva Arekere Program, within which Shahi established a sustainable Solid Waste Management (SWM) model in an identified area near Arekere Lake Bengaluru to reduce dumping waste into the lake. This initiative aligns with the Clean India Campaign’s goal to build a cleaner and healthier environment for local communities.
Shahi further partnered with Tanga Charitable Trust to launch the Biomass Sustainability Project. The program provided livelihood opportunities and extra income to local farmers in the Raichur region for farm waste collection. This effort prevents stubble burning and reduces carbon emissions in the region by extracting and converting crop residue into biomass.
The Welfare of Migrant Workers
At Shahi, we recognize the challenges faced by migrant workers when relocating to new urban environments. Shahi joined hands with Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) to launch the Migrant Support Center.
With 900 registered migrants, this initiative intends to provide migrant workers with social, informational, functional, and psychological support and services to promote their integration into new urban surroundings.
Health
The Swasth Parivaar Project is a health intervention program for the vulnerable population of the Peenya Region in Bangalore, Karnataka. Under this project, Shahi jointly worked with the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) to set up a satellite clinic to provide preventive and curative services for sexual and reproductive health.
The services include Family planning (Intrauterine devices, injectable and oral hormonal contraceptives, male and female condoms, emergency contraception), Maternal and child health services (Antenatal and postnatal care, treatment of minor illness and immunization), Prevention and management of sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections including HIV.
Shahi also launched the Menstrual Health Project to improve knowledge of menstrual hygiene management and promote access and acceptance of menstrual cups as safe sanitary products. In collaboration with Kamakshi Trust and Shakti (Rare Enterprises), the project trained over 1,698 women on menstrual health management and distributed menstrual cups. Over 68% of these women accepted using the menstrual cups provided. Overall, the project created menstrual health awareness for 2,750 migrant women in Karnataka.
Further, Shahi, along with Save the Children, India (Bal Raksha Bharath), launched the program ‘Improving Maternal, Child Health, and Nutrition Services’ (MCHN) in Bengaluru (urban and rural), and districts of Hassan, Tumkur, Maddur, and Kolar in Karnataka. The focus is on providing quality maternal, child health, and nutrition care in Anganwadi and primary health centers in the targeted regions.
This capacity-building program allows accountability and engagement of local governments and communities to improve the use and quality of MCHN services. It addresses issues between pregnancy and a child’s second birthday, as this 1000-day period is a critical time to impact a child’s cognitive and physical development positively.
Shahi launched the STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning project in association with STEM Learning Pvt. Ltd and Kamakshi Trust. Under this initiative, 5 mini science centers have been established in schools for 8th-10th grade students, and 180 modules have been provided for teacher training in science, engineering, technology, and math. The project also supports children in preparing for state and national level exhibition competitive programs.
With Janodaya Trust, a social service organization working on social and community development, we provided free coaching classes and counseling sessions for 10th-standard students from economically weaker sections, including dropouts and failed students. More than 462 students have enrolled in the coaching program. Further, the school infrastructure development fund was utilized to construct toilet and water filter facilities, along with the provision of school bags and smart tablets for students.
Covid Support
At the peak of the pandemic, Shahi provided oxygen cylinders, beds, medicines, and first-aid boxes to primary health care centers and government hospitals in the regions of Kuppam, Mysore, and Hassan.
Many migrant workers were able to comfortably stay in Shahi’s residence halls during the first lockdown. Shahi provided food, sanitizers, masks, and round-the-clock medical assistance from Janodaya. Shahi distributed covid relief kits to front-line workers, including nurses, the local police force, and residents, to help maintain social distance. A ‘Doctor on Call’ program was also set up to curb misinformation and provide counseling for symptoms.
Shahi built infrastructural development in rural Karnataka by creating bus shelters in the rural areas of Maddur and Tumkur. Further WASH facilities, infrastructural development, and painting of government schools and Solar Street Lights were provided at Bydagi, Hassan, and Maddur in Shivamogga.
As a forward-thinking organization, we are proud of the community and environment-driven initiatives we have led so far. As we progress, we shall strive for our CSR efforts to be pertinent locally and nationally and guided by the principles of sustainable development. We are keen to scale our initiatives through like-minded collaboration.
According to the report ‘Our Common Future’ by the World Commission on Environment and Development, responsible corporate activities can lead to more significant sustainable development. The importance of corporate social responsibility and its connection to our core values has grown at Shahi. Strategic planning and incorporation into daily operations form the foundation of our corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Through our programs, Shahi ensures the creation of efficient strategies to alleviate societal, environmental, and economic issues. It caters to some of the most vulnerable communities (largely women from low-income backgrounds), children, farmers, and migrant workers. It supports local government authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to build communities for the better. With over 22,867 beneficiaries benefitted, Shahi has progressed towards making its CSR approach more resourceful, ethical, and sustainable.
The Government of India’s Census Data states that India has a population of 1.38 billion people, 67% of whom live in rural areas, most of which lack infrastructure and essential services. In this light, CSR has the power to change, alleviate, and even eliminate many common challenges faced by communities in India. CSR works to address the needs and aspirations of communities by building commitment to the development and upliftment of communities.
In the India Philanthropy Report 2022, Poverty Alleviation, Healthcare & WASH, Education & Skills, and Rural Development emerged as the highlighted theme areas that account for 70% of India’s overall CSR budget. Compliant and accountable CSR has ensured that rural development and other facets of our society have made considerable strides in the right direction.
In the past year, Shahi has undertaken a variety of projects in the areas of Environmental Protection, The Welfare of Migrants, Health, Education and School Infrastructure, Covid Support along with Rural Development.
Environmental sustainability at Shahi is committed to the responsible use of natural resources and environmental protection.
Shahi has conducted a tree plantation drive with Give Me Trees Trust (GMTT) to increase green cover and improve local air quality. GMTT is India’s largest community-based voluntary tree planting and conservation movement in India. The environmental charity strongly believes in planting native species of trees (like Peepal, Neem, Pilkhan, and more) as they are the most beneficial trees suited for the environment and provide additional medicinal benefits.
Shahi has partnered with GMTT to plant trees on barren land in Delhi and convert it into a dense forest. The plantation drive is based on the Miyawaki Method, involving planting two trees per square meter to make a biodiversity hotspot in the city.
Shahi partnered with Saahas on the Sada Suchittva Arekere Program, within which Shahi established a sustainable Solid Waste Management (SWM) model in an identified area near Arekere Lake Bengaluru to reduce dumping waste into the lake. This initiative aligns with the Clean India Campaign’s goal to build a cleaner and healthier environment for local communities.
Shahi further partnered with Tanga Charitable Trust to launch the Biomass Sustainability Project. The program provided livelihood opportunities and extra income to local farmers in the Raichur region for farm waste collection. This effort prevents stubble burning and reduces carbon emissions in the region by extracting and converting crop residue into biomass.
The Welfare of Migrant Workers
At Shahi, we recognize the challenges faced by migrant workers when relocating to new urban environments. Shahi joined hands with Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) to launch the Migrant Support Center.
With 900 registered migrants, this initiative intends to provide migrant workers with social, informational, functional, and psychological support and services to promote their integration into new urban surroundings.
Health
The Swasth Parivaar Project is a health intervention program for the vulnerable population of the Peenya Region in Bangalore, Karnataka. Under this project, Shahi jointly worked with the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) to set up a satellite clinic to provide preventive and curative services for sexual and reproductive health.
The services include Family planning (Intrauterine devices, injectable and oral hormonal contraceptives, male and female condoms, emergency contraception), Maternal and child health services (Antenatal and postnatal care, treatment of minor illness and immunization), Prevention and management of sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections including HIV.
Shahi also launched the Menstrual Health Project to improve knowledge of menstrual hygiene management and promote access and acceptance of menstrual cups as safe sanitary products. In collaboration with Kamakshi Trust and Shakti (Rare Enterprises), the project trained over 1,698 women on menstrual health management and distributed menstrual cups. Over 68% of these women accepted using the menstrual cups provided. Overall, the project created menstrual health awareness for 2,750 migrant women in Karnataka.
Further, Shahi, along with Save the Children, India (Bal Raksha Bharath), launched the program ‘Improving Maternal, Child Health, and Nutrition Services’ (MCHN) in Bengaluru (urban and rural), and districts of Hassan, Tumkur, Maddur, and Kolar in Karnataka. The focus is on providing quality maternal, child health, and nutrition care in Anganwadi and primary health centers in the targeted regions.
This capacity-building program allows accountability and engagement of local governments and communities to improve the use and quality of MCHN services. It addresses issues between pregnancy and a child’s second birthday, as this 1000-day period is a critical time to impact a child’s cognitive and physical development positively.
Shahi launched the STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning project in association with STEM Learning Pvt. Ltd and Kamakshi Trust. Under this initiative, 5 mini science centers have been established in schools for 8th-10th grade students, and 180 modules have been provided for teacher training in science, engineering, technology, and math. The project also supports children in preparing for state and national level exhibition competitive programs.
With Janodaya Trust, a social service organization working on social and community development, we provided free coaching classes and counseling sessions for 10th-standard students from economically weaker sections, including dropouts and failed students. More than 462 students have enrolled in the coaching program. Further, the school infrastructure development fund was utilized to construct toilet and water filter facilities, along with the provision of school bags and smart tablets for students.
Covid Support
At the peak of the pandemic, Shahi provided oxygen cylinders, beds, medicines, and first-aid boxes to primary health care centers and government hospitals in the regions of Kuppam, Mysore, and Hassan.
Many migrant workers were able to comfortably stay in Shahi’s residence halls during the first lockdown. Shahi provided food, sanitizers, masks, and round-the-clock medical assistance from Janodaya. Shahi distributed covid relief kits to front-line workers, including nurses, the local police force, and residents, to help maintain social distance. A ‘Doctor on Call’ program was also set up to curb misinformation and provide counseling for symptoms.
Shahi built infrastructural development in rural Karnataka by creating bus shelters in the rural areas of Maddur and Tumkur. Further WASH facilities, infrastructural development, and painting of government schools and Solar Street Lights were provided at Bydagi, Hassan, and Maddur in Shivamogga.
As a forward-thinking organization, we are proud of the community and environment-driven initiatives we have led so far. As we progress, we shall strive for our CSR efforts to be pertinent locally and nationally and guided by the principles of sustainable development. We are keen to scale our initiatives through like-minded collaboration.
Prioritizing Employee Safety at the Workplace:
Our organization has a well-defined occupational health and safety management (OHSM) system per the Factories Act of 1948. The OHSMS is based on the standards prescribed by the International Labour Organization. Safety and Well-being Officers at each unit ensure these standards are upheld, and all safety measures are followed without compromise.
We have established our goals and are dedicated to:
– Complying with all relevant safety laws, regulations, and requirements
– Implementing process safety and management strategies, including safety committees, audits, risk assessments, and documenting safety-related data
– Creating a workplace free from injuries by fostering strong employee engagement
Training and Awareness:
We conduct extensive safety training, health camps, and awareness sessions to empower our workforce with the knowledge necessary to minimize risks. We reduce the likelihood of workplace fatalities by raising consciousness among our employees.
Employee Health:
Within all our facilities, we have established fully equipped medical centers with skilled medical teams comprising nurses and doctors to address primary injuries and provide direct medical care. Furthermore, our employees and workers benefit from coverage under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI). We organize several camps such as
– Anemia Detection Camps
– Audiometry Camps
– Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Camp,
– Eye Health
Post-Natal Care, and Creche Facilities:
We understand the challenges associated with balancing professional responsibilities and parenting duties. Our crèche care has been crafted to offer a secure and nurturing environment for the children of our employees aged below six years. We ensure that the crèche meets the highest hygiene and child development standards.
| Environmental Area | Goal | Target Year | FY 2021 Performance | Baseline Year Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Baseline year (2018-19) | To have 100% renewable electricity | FY 2026 | 68% | 47% |
| To have 50% energy consumption from carbon-neutral sources | FY 2026 | 35% | 31% |
At Shahi, we recognize the significance of energy's dire impact on climate change. Investing in Green Building principles minimizes our energy consumption significantly in the long run. Green Building Design.
| Environmental Area | Goal | Target Year | FY 2021 Performance | Baseline Year Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water and Wastewater Baseline year (2021-22) | To have 85% recycled water used for industrial purposes in garment units | FY 2024 | 80% | 2021-22 is the baseline year |
| To have 75% recycled water used for industrial purposes in textile mills | FY 2024 | 80% | 2021-22 is the baseline year |
Read more on our water efficiency in our Denim Operations.
A strong focus on sustainable material sourcing has enabled Shahi to achieve (FY 2021)
Read more about how we created India’s first woven Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold product.
Sr. GM – Operations
Shahi provides a great platform for learning and induces a sense of process ownership in all its employees.
Assistant GM – Human Resources
Shahi offers me complete autonomy in doing my job and achieving the targets set. The company has always appreciated my good performance and at the same time stood by me during tough times.
Chief Medical Officer
Shahi provides a great platform for learning and induces a sense of process ownership in all its employees.
Deputy GM – Organizational Development
Working with an organization which is founded by a lady and employing more than 70% females, is a real contribution to society — and I feel proud to be a part of it.
GM – Administration
Shahi has given me freedom to experiment with my creativity and has welcomed my new project ideas, which are now helping workers grow professionally and personally.
Budgeting
Savings
Responsible borrowing
Family discussion on finances
Links to local financial services
