KARACHI: SSGC's responsibility towards communities is driven by a strong sense of caring. Cynics might dismiss the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a mere public relations tool. They may question whether the corporate sector, whose main objective is maximising profits, can be trusted to work for the socio-economic well-being of the common people. The good news is that CSR today is now seen as among the key business objectives and one with a heavy dose of human touch.

Ever since early 2000s, when SSGC first started investing in CSR-related projects, responsible corporate citizenship is an integral part of the Company's operations. Being a responsible entity, SSGC is obligated by the regulatory body, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to allocate a reasonable sum to undertake CSR-driven projects.

Over the years, the company has dedicatedly invested in areas of education, health-care, environment, community development and noble causes. Before embarking on any project, the CSR Unit studies the proposals received, carries out required assessments and monitors the projects in terms of progress, delivery and impact on the beneficiaries. Need analysis, scoping, planning, site surveys and execution of each CSR-related project are carried out either on solo basis or through strategic local partnerships with key governmental, non-governmental, not-for profit, educational, health and environmental institutions. Cohesion, consistency and transparency are ensured in every CSR project.

Education: Spreading and promoting education has been SSGC's major CSR focus and hence it takes the biggest share of the budgetary pie. Provision of scholarships to meritorious yet financially weaker university students is the hallmark of the Company's CSR initiative. Over the years, the Company had supported scholarships to hundreds of less privileged students enrolled in reputed institutions such as IBA, LUMS, NED, IoBM, MUET, QUEST, Sukkur IBA, BUITEMS, BUETK and LUAWMS. Many such students now gainfully employed, following their passion and supporting their families with dignity.

To promote skilled-based education, the Company had aided technically bent institutions such as The Hunar Foundation and Behbud that specialises in this area. SSGC has also collaborated with institutions such as FESF, DEWA and Markaz-e-Umeed to make disabled and special children self-sufficient.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020