Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives undertaken by Standard Chartered Bank have positively impacted more than 8.3 lakh people across Maharashtra over the last seven years, according to a statement highlighted by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The programmes have focused on key areas such as water security, healthcare access, livelihood generation, women’s empowerment and climate resilience, contributing significantly to the state’s inclusive development agenda.

The bank’s social development efforts have been implemented in 30 districts across Maharashtra, including nearly 75 percent of the state’s aspirational districts. Speaking about the initiatives, Fadnavis noted that collaboration between the government and private sector is playing a crucial role in ensuring that development benefits reach underserved and vulnerable communities. He emphasized that programmes related to water conservation, rural development, healthcare and women’s empowerment align closely with the state’s broader growth objectives.

One of the major focus areas has been water security. Standard Chartered reported that its interventions have helped create freshwater storage capacity of more than 1.06 billion litres. The bank has also established 45 Water ATMs in drought-prone regions, improving access to safe drinking water for local communities. These efforts have strengthened water availability in 271 villages, particularly in the water-stressed regions of Marathwada and Vidarbha. Additionally, over 8,000 farmers have benefited from water conservation measures and climate-resilient agricultural practices designed to improve productivity and sustainability. As part of its environmental commitment, the programme has also supported the plantation of around seven lakh trees.

The bank has also invested in livelihood enhancement and skill development. Through its employability programmes, 6,598 young people have received training aimed at improving job readiness and career prospects. According to the bank, 63 percent of these participants have successfully secured employment. Opportunities have been created in emerging and high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles, automobiles, artificial intelligence, electronics, banking and entrepreneurship. Beneficiaries have reported an average annual income of approximately Rs 1.66 lakh. Women account for 61 percent of participants in these programmes, reflecting a strong emphasis on gender inclusion. The initiative has further supported 758 women micro-entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance and opportunities to strengthen their businesses.

Healthcare remains another key pillar of Standard Chartered’s CSR strategy. Through its flagship eye-care programme, “Seeing is Believing,” more than 4.39 lakh citizens have undergone eye examinations, while over 38,600 eye surgeries have been facilitated. The bank has established 49 Vision Centres across the state, which now operate on a self-sustaining model and collectively generate an annual income of nearly Rs 1.6 crore. The programme has also been integrated with government initiatives such as the District Blindness Control Society and Ayushman Bharat to expand its reach and impact.

Karuna Bhatia, Head of Sustainability, India, at Standard Chartered, said the bank remains committed to improving the lives of underserved and marginalized communities. She added that the organisation’s long-term efforts in water security, healthcare and livelihood development demonstrate its commitment to creating sustainable social impact. Fadnavis stated that these initiatives have brought meaningful change to communities across Maharashtra while promoting social inclusion, sustainable development and women’s empowerment.