Empowering Communities: The Deesan Group's Transformative Initiatives

In a world where sustainable development is not just a goal but a necessity, the Deesan Group stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Since 2007, the Deesan Group has spearheaded a community initiative aimed at transforming the barren and obscure tribal region of Shirpur in Maharashtra into a thriving hub of economic growth and social development. This initiative embodies the essence of inclusive development, touching the lives of thousands and setting a benchmark for sustainable practices.

Driving Economic Growth and Employment

At the core of Deesan's commitment is the drive to create sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. The Deesan Group, a people-centric business, has empowered rural communities by providing gainful employment within its textile production enterprise. This enterprise integrates processes ranging from cottonseed acquisition to garment production, employing over 15,000 people in Shirpur. Notably, the garment section boasts a 40% female workforce, with comprehensive support for their needs, including transportation. Additionally, approximately 12,000 farmers benefit directly from the cotton seed agriculture scheme linked to the garments factory, fostering a robust farming economy.

Ensuring Access to Essential Services

Water Supply: Addressing the critical need for clean drinking water, the Deesan Group has established a water purification plant that supplies approximately 60 million liters of water weekly to every household in Shirpur. This initiative ensures that the community has access to safe and reliable water resources.

Education: Education is a cornerstone of Deesan's community initiative. With the establishment of 95 schools and colleges, the group caters to over 35,000 rural students, including 13,000 who receive free education. Four ashram schools provide free education, meals, clothing, and medical attention, ensuring that children in Shirpur have the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.

Healthcare: The Deesan Group has significantly enhanced healthcare facilities in Shirpur by establishing a 3,000-bed Cancer Research Institute and renovating a rural hospital with ultra-modern equipment. These facilities ensure that residents have access to quality healthcare and are conscious of health and sanitation.

Environmental Stewardship

The Deesan Group's commitment to sustainability is evident in its environmental initiatives:

Neem Plantations: Treated wastewater from factories is used for neem plantations, with over 500,000 neem saplings planted in Shirpur.

Solar Powered Operations: Most operations are powered by solar energy, reducing the carbon footprint and conserving resources.

Shirpur Water Management Pattern: Check dams constructed on every stream enable sustainable irrigation, increase cropping, and minimize soil erosion. This innovative approach has transformed barren land into fertile ground, supporting close to 40,000 farmers and providing drinking water to approximately 90,000 residents.

Rainwater Harvesting: Over 500 check dams preserve rainwater, preventing wastage and ensuring a stable water supply for agriculture.

Widening & Deepening Waterways: Projects to widen and deepen waterways have reduced drought risk and ensured continuous cultivation by raising the water table.

Embracing Technological Advancements

Deesan's textile production enterprise is at the forefront of Industry 4.0, integrating advanced technologies to optimize logistics and supply chains. The use of the internet and cloud environment enables secure and efficient data management, enhancing productivity and fostering growth. With 1,800 looms and plans to construct additional factories, Deesan envisions making Shirpur an economically advanced textile industrial center.

Governance and Evaluation

The initiative is governed by a multidisciplinary team of entrepreneurs and philanthropists from 18 different partners of the Deesan Group, under the leadership of the Managing Director. To ensure transparency and accountability, an independent agency will evaluate the impact of the initiatives, focusing on sustainable finance reporting, impact investing reporting, and environmental and social responsibility.

Conclusion

The Deesan Group's community initiative in Shirpur is a testament to the power of collective effort and sustainable practices. By fostering economic growth, ensuring access to essential services, and embracing technological advancements, Deesan is transforming Shirpur into a model of inclusive and sustainable development. This initiative not only brings prosperity and opportunities to the people of Shirpur but also sets a precedent for other regions to follow.

Join us in celebrating this remarkable journey and stay tuned for more updates on our continued efforts to empower communities and drive sustainable development.

Recognized by:

The United Nations - Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Sustainable Development --- Fostering socio-economic development through community initiatives