Mini Muthoottu: Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility is a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns into their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders (employees, customers, shareholders, investors, local communities, government), on a voluntary basis.

Mini Muthoottu seeks to be a good corporate citizen in all aspects of its operations and activities. To this end we have brought together a series of operating principles under the broad heading of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to serve as a guide to employees in all aspects of their work for the company. The principles cover all areas of our operations and have been developed with reference to the Corporate Social Responsibility Voluntary Guidelines 2009 issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This policy is formulated to guide our strategic planning and provide a roadmap for our CSR initiatives.

We respect the interests of, and are responsive towards all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, society at large etc and create value for all of them. We value the principles of accountability, honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our policy is to conduct our business in a manner which ensures:

• Fair treatment of all employees and customers
• Transparency of our policies and practices
• Ethical business practices throughout our operations

We recognize that the involvement of our employees is the key to the future success of the business. To succeed in delivering the best possible service to our customers, every employee is expected to adhere to the company’s core values and to uphold them in the workplace. Employees are expected at all times, to exercise the highest ethical judgment and comply with laws applicable to their duties.

In the event that an employee discovers a breach of company policy there is a facility for him/her to report that breach in confidence either directly to the Chairman or to any other specified authority and he/she will also be rewarded suitably.

We provide a workplace environment which upholds the dignity of employees. We also provide all employees with access to training and development of necessary skills for career advancement, on an equal and non-discriminatory basis. We do not employ child or forced labour of any kind. We adhere strictly to the laws governing labour standards. All employees are entitled to work in an environment which respects their personal dignity and which is free from harassment or any other type of intimidation. We provide and maintain equality of opportunities and aim to provide each employee with a safe place to work.

We encourage the use of low energy lighting and aim to reduce the consumption of energy and will also strive to ensure that the office premises use energy in as efficient a manner as possible. We respect human rights for all and avoid complicity with human rights abuses by any employee or by third party.

Even from the beginning of our business concern we undertook activities for economic and social development of communities, particularly in the vicinity of our operations targeting at disadvantaged sections of society.

At the commencement of each fiscal year the Board will agree an amount which should be allocated for CSR activities and support for good causes. We will aim to grow this core amount over time and depending on the profitability of the Company.

The amount allocated is administered as per the directions of the Board. The Board will consider proposal for the use of the funds. Our focus areas include – Education, Health care and other social causes. The proposals may come from Chairman, other board members, employees, customers, etc. Each proposal will be considered on its merits.

We partner with non profit making organizations to route the financial support extended for the medical facilities of children. We have also been involved with local charities, schools and educational authorities in most of the locations where we have offices. We also felicitate and recognize academic brilliance among children of our employees at class 10 and 12 levels. Employees will be updated on these activities on a regular basis and will be given the opportunity to propose new ventures.