India’s leading conglomerate Bajaj Group has pledged to donate an amount of Rs 100 crore for the fight against COVID-19.
The chairman of the Bajaj Group, Rahul Bajaj announced the various measures they have taken to tackle the deadly disease which has claimed a number of human lives globally.
“Through the last 130 years, Bajaj Group has stood strong with communities, government and local authorities to make a positive difference to society. In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, we all need to come forward in ways more than ever before, to ensure that all citizens of our country have access to healthcare and other necessities of life,” he said.
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“Today we pledge Rs 100 Crore to the fight against COVID-19. Working with the government and our network of over 200 NGO partners, we will ensure these resources reach those who need it the most,” he added.
“In Pune, we will support upgradation of key healthcare infrastructure required to tackle COVID-19 and the aid will support the government and identified private sector hospitals to upgrade ICUs, procure additional equipment and consumables including ventilators and personal protection equipment, enhance testing, and set up isolation units. These interventions will support communities in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and rural areas of Pune,” he further added.
He also said that they are working with various organizations in various places to extend immediate support to the daily wage workers, the homeless and street children and they will support initiatives on food supply, shelter and access to sanitation and healthcare.
“In the last few weeks have seen reverse migration to the villages.We are thus committing a significant portion of our support towards an economic aid programme in rural areas which includes a direct survival grant, followed by a livelihood intervention using a revolving fund mode,” he said.
“The family pays back the loan from the earnings of the livelihood intervention, leading to 80 per cent of funds provided to the family being returned to a community fund for further deployment to others in need within the community,” he added.
Bajaj also said that they are working with authorities and partners towards creating awareness on COVID-19 and strengthening health infrastructure in rural areas including supporting and strengthening diagnostic centres and isolation facilities.
The chairman also appreciated the health care, sanitation and emergency support workers and local police for working tirelessly in curbing the spread of coronavirus.