Jamshedpur: A study on 'Benchmarking Corporate Social Responsibility Activities', by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), finds Tata Steel creating a benchmark in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The study has been based on 'Organisation Dynamics'. The purpose of the study was to identify the best practices in CSR activities available in Tata Steel, and to enable GAIL to undertake the interventions more effectively and in a more focused manner.

Tata Steel is a pioneer in the concept of CSR. It believes that the loyalty and commitment of its employees depend upon the quality of life they are provided with at work and at home. Consistent with the group purpose, Tata Steel has declared in its vision statement that it will constantly strive to improve the quality of life of the communities it serves through excellence in all facets of its activities.

The company has received a number of awards in recognition of its CSR efforts. The most recent testimony to Tata Steel's contribution is The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) Award conferred on it in recognition of corporate leadership for good corporate citizenship and sustainable initiatives. Tata Steel is the only Indian company to have pledged to translate the Global Compact principles on human rights, labour and environment into practice. It was conferred the Global Business Coalition Award for Business Excellence in the Community for HIV /AIDS.

Over the years, the nature of the company's involvement with the community has undergone a change. It has moved away from charity and dependence, to empowerment and partnership. The many facets of Tata Steel's efforts are medical and health services in the rural and semi-urban areas, sports, women's health and education, water harvesting and tribal development, relief and rehabilitation and income generation, among others.