The award, an initiative of the Mahatma Foundation hosted by Liveweek Group, recognises the community development work undertaken by the Crompton CSR Foundation (CCF), particularly through its Project Jal Jeevan and Project Saksham.
The recognition highlights CCF’s approach to addressing community needs through sustained interventions, partnerships with local stakeholders and measurable outcomes. Its initiatives cover water conservation, skills development, education and community care, with an emphasis on strengthening community resilience and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Project Jal Jeevan focuses on addressing water insecurity in Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra and Sirohi and Pali in Rajasthan. These regions face challenges arising from declining groundwater levels and variable rainfall, which affect agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
The programme combines water harvesting, rejuvenation of existing water structures, groundwater recharge, participatory water budgeting and improved agricultural practices. Water Security Committees, women farmers and self-help groups (SHGs) also participate in local planning and water management, helping strengthen community ownership and promote climate-resilient farming practices.
During FY 2024–26, Project Jal Jeevan rejuvenated 378 water structures and created a water storage potential of 27,315 lakh litres. The initiative brought an additional 2,253 acres under cultivation and reached 1.67 lakh farmers, including more than 50,000 women. It also involved 1,468 SHGs in its activities. According to the reported programme outcomes, household incomes in the intervention areas increased by 16%.
An independent third-party impact assessment reported improvements in groundwater availability and agricultural outcomes. Water became accessible in wells and borewells at depths 20–60 feet shallower, while crop yields increased by 100%.
The assessment further found that 84% of farmers diversified into higher-value crops. The proportion of households earning Rs.1.5–2 lakh annually increased from 13% to 25%. It also reported that seasonal migration stopped for 70% of the households covered by the assessment, indicating the relationship between improved water availability, agricultural productivity and livelihood resilience.
Alongside its rural development efforts, CCF is implementing Project Saksham to increase women's participation in electrical and technical occupations traditionally dominated by men. Developed in partnership with Tata STRIVE, the programme provides technical training, practical workplace exposure, certification and placement support to help women acquire industry-relevant skills and access employment opportunities.
During FY 2024–26, Project Saksham supported 102 women through Assistant Electrician training. Of these, 92 secured employment, representing a placement rate of approximately 90%. Based on their first-year salaries, these placements account for annualised income opportunities of Rs.1.01 crore.
The programme also supported 75 women employed at manufacturing facilities in Goa and Baddi, helping them strengthen their technical and supervisory capabilities through workplace upskilling.
Commenting on the recognition, Anita Pansare, Head - Innovation and ESG & Chief Technology Officer, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited, said, “At Crompton, we believe that meaningful social impact comes from addressing community needs through sustained interventions and practical solutions. Through Project Jal Jeevan, we are working to strengthen water security and support rural livelihoods, while Project Saksham is creating opportunities for women to develop technical skills and access employment in traditionally male-dominated occupations. Our focus remains on working closely with communities and implementation partners to build local capabilities, create sustainable livelihood opportunities and contribute to long-term development. We believe that empowering communities with the right resources and skills is essential to creating lasting, positive change.”
Through Project Jal Jeevan and Project Saksham, Crompton CSR Foundation is addressing two interconnected development priorities: environmental sustainability linked to rural livelihoods and women's economic participation. The Mahatma Award 2026 recognises the Foundation's contribution to community development through its sustained, partnership-led initiatives.
Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited has a brand legacy of more than 85 years and is India's market leader in fans and residential pumps. The company manufactures a range of products for modern consumers, including fans, pumps, lighting solutions, water heaters, air coolers and small kitchen appliances such as mixer grinders, air fryers, OTGs and electric kettles. Its portfolio also includes irons and built-in kitchen appliances.
The company has continued to invest in branding and innovation to better understand consumer requirements and promote energy efficiency. Its consumer business operates through an established distribution network supported by a strong dealer base, a wide service network and after-sales services across the country.
Beyond its consumer products, Crompton has a significant B2B presence in the lighting segment, providing advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, it became the first lighting company to receive GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its focus on sustainability and innovation.
The company has also entered the renewable energy sector through its solar rooftop business. Its solar portfolio spans lighting, pumps and rooftop solutions, marking its expansion into India's evolving clean energy landscape.
Crompton's focus on energy-efficient product development has earned it three National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power. The most recent recognition was presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in 2025 for the company's storage water heater. In 2019, Crompton received awards in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs.
The company was also recognised as one of India's Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and featured among India's Top 500 Companies 2022 by Dun & Bradstreet India. It was included in the Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020, released by WPP and Kantar. Additionally, Herald Global and BARC Asia recognised Crompton as the Brand of the Decade 2021 in the Consumer Electrical category.
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