L&T Infotech's aptly-named 1Step CSR programme invests efforts in community support and skill development. A major initiative of 1Step this year was organising two free skill development courses in association with the Chamber of Small Industry Association (COSIA) for underprivileged educated youth viz. Computer Hardware & Networking and Accounts Assistance & Tally Operating.

Successful trainees obtained jobs in the COSIA-developed network of small scale industries. L&T Infotech contributed towards setting up a Training Lab with the relevant software for both courses, and our employee volunteers conducted a session on interview preparation.

In rural Satara, most of the women from the lower socio-economic strata did not work due to illiteracy, lack of opportunity, family restrictions and social conditions. Realising that the women were skillful in papad-making at home, 1Step invested in setting up machinery and a dryer for commercial papad production. Now, the output is up by 50%, and consistent quality is ensured.

The women were trained to sell papads, and health camps and awareness programmes were conducted to impart knowledge on healthy food and living habits. All our efforts have led to a sustained source of income for the women.