Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), India’s leading passenger vehicle maker, has received the prestigious CII-ITC Sustainability Award 2016 for its CSR initiatives.

The award, ‘Corporate Excellence – Commendation of Significant Achievement’ in CSR Domain Excellence, was a recognition for the Company’s exemplary performance in positively impacting the business and society by taking a strategic approach to CSR. The award is based on a detailed application form and field visit by assessors.

Committed to create a long-term stakeholder value and benefit millions of lives through its CSR programmes the Company strategically addresses issues and concerns that are of national interest and relevant to the local community.

As part of a well-rounded social strategy, it works to address road safety issues, create employable force by skilling youth in the automobile industry and undertake integrated water, sanitation and school upgradation programmes in village communities.

The award was received by Mr R C Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India, from Mr. Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Minister of HRD, Govt. of India at a function last evening.

CSR has always been an integral part of Maruti Suzuki’s business approach and strategy.

Road Safety: The Company’s main focus is driving training, as “driver fault” is identified as the major cause of road accidents. By supporting driving training of underprivileged youth, the Company is able to enhance their employability while making roads safer. Creating awareness among school children, and taking integrated measures on specific road stretches, are other ways in which the Company contributes to road safety. The Company has trained more than 3 million people in over a decade.

Skill Development: Maruti Suzuki strives to offer India’s youth skills relevant to the industry requirement through its ‘Skill Development’, a pan-India initiative. The Company works in partnership with over 140 Government ITIs to offer vocational training to the youth through a curriculum that is designed to address the skill gap existing in the industry. Thousands of youth across the country have found gainful employment under this initiative.

Community Development: The Company considers local community as the direct stakeholder group. Maruti Suzuki has taken various community development initiatives related to water and sanitation, education and infrastructure development. By adopting an inclusive and holistic approach the Company believes in implementing sustainable solutions resulting in long-term benefits to the communities.