ACCOLADES Tata Sponge wins BE Star Award Tata Sponge was recently honored with the prestigious BE Star Award as Leader in the Customer Management category. It is a national level recognition instituted by the CII and Institute of Quality to recognize best practices on the various facets of Business Excellence. It may be pertinent that Tata Sponge was the only company to receive this award in this category, which validates company's resolute commitment to provide delight to its customers through good quality products and superior service standards. In a formal function organized at th Bangalore on 25 November, 17, Tata Sponge was presented with the coveted trophy in presence of Mr R Mukundan, Managing Director, Tata Chemicals and National President, CII IoQ with several other dignitaries from top corporates. Tata Sponge Crosses the 600 Barrier in TBEM Mr R Somnath & Mr MK Sheshadri receiving the BE Star Award Mr R Somnath, Chief (CS,S&BE) along with Mr MK Sheshadri, Chief(Marketing & Sales) received the trophy on behalf of the company. Application of Tata Business Excellence Model (TBEM) is relevant to all Tata Group companies to create awareness on the importance of the value of quality and the need for total customer satisfaction in all areas of operations within Tata Group of companies. It is also aimed at achieving and maintaining continuous excellence and consistent leadership in the market. To have its pursuit on business excellence validated, Tata Sponge underwent an on-site external assessment of its excellence practices, during the first fortnight of November. The assessment was diligently carried out by a team of 9 assessors, from various Tata companies. The assessment revealed several strengths and opportunities for further improvement on this journey on excellence, and placed the company at a new height of 618 marks which brings the company a step closer to the summit point of 650 marks where the Tata Companies are presented the coveted JRD-QV Award. Message from our MD on crossing 600 Score in TBEM Dear Colleague, Our company was awarded a score of 618 points in the recently concluded TBEM assessment which is an improvement of 37 points over the previous assessment. The score puts us amongst the league of Tata companies which have been able to establish matured systems & processes. It's a matter of pride and immense happiness for the Tata Sponge family. I would like to convey my deep appreciation & congratulation to each & every employee who have been a part of our journey for excellence. We should continue our effort with similar zeal & rigor to further improve our BE standards, and aim at receiving the coveted JRD QV award by crossing 650 marks. My best wishes to you & your family, The TBEM Assessors appreciate online equipment monitoring system in Kiln Control Room at TSIL Works Regards, Sanjay Pattnaik th 9 November 2017 Managing Director Page - 1
ACCOLADES Kalinga Safety Award 2016 Safety has been at the forefront of all company operations at Tata Sponge. This is testified by company's history of safe operations over the years. In this journey, company was recently awarded with Kalinga Safety Award 2016 for its excellent track record in safety standards and practices. Tata Sponge came out as the Winner in the category 'Sponge / Ferro Alloy Industry'. In a formal event organized by the Institute of Quality and th Environment Management Services on 10 November 2017, the prestigious trophy was presented to the company by the Hon'ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Senayangba Chubatoshi Jamir at the Odisha State Conclave 2017. Mr SK Mishra (CFO) along with Mr Jagannath Khillar, President (TSSS) received the award on behalf of the company. Hon'ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Senayangba Chubatoshi Jamir presenting the award to Mr SK Mishra (CFO) & Mr J Khillar, President (TSSS) during the occasion Special Recognition by BSE It is a matter of great pride for Tata Sponge family that the Company has been recognized by BSE Limited (one of leading Stock Exchanges of India) as a part of top 300 listed Companies in India. The equity shares of the Company have been moved to 'Group A' category with effect from July 17, 2017. This evaluation is done by BSE Limited for all the listed companies to assess the entities who fare well in the aspects such as Market Capitalization, Market Turnover, Corporate Governance, Compliance and Sustainability. Holistically, it enables the shareholders to make responsible investment decisions. Tata Sponge is the only listed company within the Tata Steel group (except Tata Steel) which has been elevated to the prestigious category of Group A by BSE Limited. BSE is one of the leading Stock Exchanges in India Page - 2
Engagement Score - Tata Sponge Overall Engagement Score Engagement Distribution N Engagement Score 0 20 Bottom Quartile Tata Sponge 2012 395 79% 40 Tata Sponge 2017 377 60 Modarato Zone 67% Top Quartile Industry** Top Quartile 69% 79% 79% 81% 81% 67% 79% 69% 80 BE India 2017 100 Tata Group* 3% 9% 5% 6% 24% 16% 16% 15% 42% 48% 45% 42% Engaged 38% 33% Actively Disengaged Passive Moderately Engaged Highly Engaged Average score <3.5 Average score Average score >=3.5 and < 4.5 >=4.5 and < 5.5 Average score >= 5.5 Engagement ratio Tata Sponge 2012 Fence Sitters Tata Sponge 2017 Industry Top Quartile** 22% BE India 2017 16:1 27:1 7:1 13:1 37% *Tata Group includes data of organizations from the Tata Group Surveyed using Aon engagement methodology over the last 3 years **Industry Norm : Metals & Mining Empower Results*
HAPPINESS Annual Picnic Tata Sponge township is blessed with a picturesque landscape and is a hot favorite for nature lovers during the pleasant winter months. The much cherished company picnic was organized beside the beautiful Swan Lake recently. All employees gathered to have a great time enjoying a multitude of tasty delicacies under the cozy winter sun. The annual event was successfully organized by association of various company departments and willing volunteers. The picturesque swan lake, a popular picnic destination Employees enjoy picnic under the winter sun Tasty delicacies savored by all picnickers Adieu Friends In its long journey, the company has evolved from a congregation of employees to a large, close knit family. However, with natural progression of time, the family has also gone through the pain of departing members. In last few months, several of its beloved employees retired from the company after a rewarding service tenure. Sponge Times, on behalf of the whole Tata Sponge family, wishes them the best of health & wellbeing, fortune and happiness in many days to come. The Head (HRM) along with Union Officials & Sr Executives presenting a parting gift to SK Safuruddin at the ERC (Late) Rushi Nath Behera Mr Dillip Kumar Behera Mr Shyamal Kumar Ray Mr Purna Chandra Behera Mr Dhiren Kumar Mohanty Mr MVR Murty Mr Sibabrata Ganguly SK Soffuruddin Employees who retired in recent months Mr Nilamber Das Mr Parikshita Mahanta Mr Khetrabasi Behera Mr Md Quamuruddin Mr P Krishna Rao Mr Manoranjan Dutta Mr Rabindranath Panda Mr Bishnu Mohan Padhi Mr Madhabananda Piri Mr Pravash Chandra Mohanty Mr N Balakrishnan Mr Basant Kumar Khillar Mr Prasant Kr Das Ms Kuntala Ghosh Page - 4
HAPPENINGS FeelGood Exhibit 2018 The much awaited annual FeelGood Exhibit was organized at the Employee Recreation Club during 26-27 January 2018. The event showcases notable accomplishments by individual company departments in an elaborate exhibition format. Spokespersons from various departments presented their achievements with pride, as the Chief Guest, Managing Director accompanied by the COO (SB), CFO, CHRM, Union President & General Secretary with others visited each departmental presentation. The exhibit has evolved through the years in its look, format and presentation, this year the center of attraction being a rotating pentagonal light box, developed in-house, and featuring various innovative employee engagement initiatives. FeelGood Exhibit 2018 at the ERC Social Group Activity The Social Group teams formed under MILAN are continuously striving to improve the quality of life in our Works and beyond Works area. Last quarter, the teams organized a variety of interesting events. While the employees and the families enjoyed the ongoing TSPL Cricket Tournament every Sunday by Champions, the Navrang cultural group organized Inter block Antakshari and Karaoke Night at the ERC. The Sanjeevni group organized informative Quiz & Drawing Competitions during the World Diabetic Day along with free medical camps on Diabetics Screening & Dental care. Veteran's Cricket Match organized at the township From the Editor As the scientists closely watch the South African metropolis Cape Town preparing to shut off the taps to 4 million people by late spring, the inhabitants of this mega city may soon have to stand in line surrounded by armed guards to collect rations of the region's most precious commodity, drinking water. Population growth and a record drought exacerbated by climate change is sparking one of the world's most dramatic urban water crises, and the need of the hour for all of us is to act responsibly now. The current issue of Sponge Times covers stories on employee engagement, promotion of science education, organizational journey to excellence and walking that extra mile to make a difference in the lives of the unprivileged residing around us. Happy reading! Rajesh Das, Editor rajeshdas@tatasponge.com Page - 5
INCLUSIVE GROWTH Prarambh: Promoting preschool children Tata Sponge has been actively working towards improving preschool education under its Prarambh initiative. In this direction eleven model Anganwadi centre buildings have been constructed. The facilities have been specially modified with child friendly features to stimulate the cognitive learning process of the young children. The entire classroom and outside of the buildings are painted with various images based on the preschool syllabus. Each facility also includes an office room, a kitchen-cum-store room, toilets and a boundary wall to ensure children safety. The Kitabeda AWC at Deojhar GP & Dandaguta AWC at nd Anseikala GP were inaugurated on 2 November 2017 by Dr Damodara Rout, (then) Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture And Farmers' Empowerment, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Public Enterprises, Smt. Sakuntala Laguri, Hon'ble MP, Lok Sabha, Keonjhar, Mr Debasis Nayak, Hon'ble MLA, Bari & Mr Sanjay Pattnaik, Managing Director in presence of Mrs Renubala Swain, CDPO (Joda) & several other guests. The Chief Guest & other eminent guests being given a traditional welcome by the villagers at Kitabeda village The Chief Guest appreciated the company's efforts towards education and the Prarambh initiative for preschool children living in the surrounding villages. Free Eye Care Camp Dr Damodara Rout, Smt Sakuntala Laguri, Mr Sanjay Pattnaik, Mr Bari, Mrs Renubala Swain & others during the inauguration A free eye care camp was organized for people in and th around the company, on 24 November 2017. The program was inaugurated by Mr SK Mishra, CFO at the Employee Recreation Club. Dr BP Singh, (Eye Specialist) & Mr PC Mohapatra (General Physician) with pharmacists from Jamshedpur conducted the eye camp. Around 210 patients from surrounding villages with various eye ailments were examined during this session. 28 patients among the above were further recommended for eye surgery. Free medicines as per prescription were distributed among the patients. The program was successfully organized with assistance of 8 women volunteers from the township, who were well supported by 2 village youths. The villagers appreciated company's noble initiative by conducting the free eye camp. Mr SK Mishra, CFO inaugurating the camp with Dr BP Singh, (Eye Specialist) & Mr PC Mohapatra (General Physician) & other guests at the ERC Page - 8
INCLUSIVE GROWTH Residential Bridge Course Tata Steel opened a Residential Bridge Course (RBC) Centre at Tata Sponge Township, Bileipada on May 29, 2017. Ms Parul Patawari IAS, Sub-Collector, Champua graced the occasion as Chief Guest and inaugurated the centre in the presence of Mr Ashok Pandit, Mr DP Deshpande (Ex-Managing Directors) and Mrs Neelima Pandit, Mrs Madhavi Deshpande (Ex-Chairpersons, VSN), Mr SK Mishra CFO, Mr Tanmay Ku Kar, Unit Head (TSRDS), Mr. Samrendra Pattnaik Chief (HRM), Mr SN Nanda Head (CSR), Aspire NGO & VSN members. Promotion of education has been a major focus area for the company, being one of the important aspects of the Affirmative Action program. The Sub Collector inaugurates the RBC Centre at the township The program is an endeavour to mainstream those children from the underprivileged section of society who were either never enrolled into a formal school or had to drop out due to certain socio economic reasons. In the first phase, 50 students will benefit from the centre being groomed by 3 full time residential teachers. During the event, the children put up a small cultural presentation in honour of the guests. The Sub Collector appreciated the RBC initiative and encouraged the children to take maximum benefit from the program. The Residential Bridge Course Centre at the township Samvaad Tribal Conclave Tata Sponge CSR team recently participated in Samvaad - A Tribal Conclave at Jamshedpur. The program was organized by Tata Steel Tribal Cultural Society during 15-19 November 2017. 17 villagers from surrounding villages attended the program organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legend, Birsa Munda & the Foundation Day of Jharkhand state. The theme for current year was 'Youth Leadership among Tribal Communities'. The program was attended by hundreds of participants from all other the country, representing various tribal & ethnic communities. The participants of Samvaad Tribal Conclave pose for a group photograph alongwith Mr.Biren Bhuta(in the centre), Chief of CSR, Tata Steel, during the event Page - 9
INCLUSIVE GROWTH School Annual Sports Saraswati Shishu Mandir Bileipada conducted their Annual Sports during 29-30 November 2017. Tata Sponge extended its support to the institution with provision of its football ground, sports equipment, prizes and other support. Mr SK Mishra, CFO inaugurated the event in presence of all school students, teachers, guests and spectators who came from all over the region to witness the event. The talented young sportspersons of the school displayed their sporting skills and won several prizes. The event was supported by several volunteers. Swabhiman Mr SK Mishra, CFO along with several guests during inauguration of Saraswati Shishu Mandir School Annual Sports In line with nation's battle against open defecation, Tata Sponge's Swabhiman initiative has been a key driver to achieve the above goal in the surrounding community. In this direction, World Toilet Day was observed at Karansahi th on 19 November 2017 to raise awareness towards the cause and to mobilize the society against open defecation. Our implementation partner of Swabhiman Project, Gram Vikas, organized community meetings and campaigns. Others who were present during this occasion were the members of Jala O Parimal Committee from Karansahi, Bhagalpur, Mutuda and Lahanda. Program on Diabetes The number of people with diabetes worldwide has more than doubled during the past 20 years. One of the most worrying features of this rapid increase is the emergence of type 2 diabetes in children, adolescents, and young adults. Joining the global battle against the pandemic, Tata Sponge recently conducted a 2 day Free Diabetic Screening and Awareness programme at the Employee Recreation Club during 15-16 November 2017. The program was organized by our Sanjeevani Health Club with support from the CSR department. Experienced doctors from the Diabetes Specialty Center, BBSR examined the patients and counselled them on benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle while keeping a tab on the growth of the killer disease. Patients from all over the periphery villages visited the venue to benefit from the free program. Tata Sponge's Swabhiman initiative being discussed among villagers on World Toilet Day program at Karansahi village The Chief (HRM) inaugurates the Diabetes camp at the ERC Page - 10
VIDYA SHAKTI NIYAS : Winds of Change Children's Day at Shishu Prem School Children's Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the toddlers of Shishu Prem Nursery School likewise every year. The little children gathered to celebrate the much awaited day at the school premises. The contestants presented themselves in a variety of impersonations depicting common & known personalities from history & present times. A panel of judges rated the young contestants scoring them on costume, confidence & presentation. The teachers, school staff & volunteers helped organize the entire event. Guests present during the event were Mrs Rosalie Mishra, Secretary (VSN), Mrs Dash, Mr AC Nayak & Mr Mahesh Rathi, Trustees (VSN), several parents, volunteers and guests from the township and nearby villages. A talented student presents his act during the event World AIDS Day Program at Lahanda World AIDS Day was marked with a general awareness camp on the dreaded disease in the village of Lahanda. The highly informative program was attended by around 38 village residents, mostly young and elderly ladies. Dr Arabinda Panda, the resource person, conduced an informative session on the causes, symptoms, remedies & precautions of the killer disease. Preventive measures to check spread of HIV was explained. A question & answer session encouraged the audience to test their knowledge on the subject with instant prizes for the correct responses. Mrs Rosalie Mishra, Secretary (VSN), Mrs S Tripathy, Trustee (VSN), Mr Satyanarayan Nanda, Head CSR (TSIL), Mr Rajesh Das, Sr Officer CC (TSIL), several VSN volunteers & staff attended the program. World AIDS Day program being conducted at Lahanda village Panchananpur Annual Sports Promotion of rural sports forms an active part of VSN's strategy to strengthen rural education system. In this regard, it extended its support in organizing Annual Sports of Panchananpur UP High School on 14th December 2017. School children competed in various sporting events like running race, discuss throw, javelin throw, traditional 'puchi' etc. Spectators included ladies, children & men from nearby villages. The event concluded with prize distribution among the winning students. Remaining students were given appreciation prizes. All prizes were provided by Vidya Shakti Niyas. Important guest during the event included Mrs Rosalie Mishra, Secretary (VSN), Mrs S Tripathy, Mrs Jolly Pattnaik (both Trustees) and other volunteers. Girl students competing in running race at Panchananpur Page - 11
VIDYA SHAKTI NIYAS : Winds of Change Skill Development Orientation Program Skill development of rural youth is one of the key focus areas Vidya Shakti Niyas. In this direction, a special orientation program was recently organized at the Learning & Development Centre in association with Tata Sponge. The orientation program intended to mobilize eligible women to opt for Industrial Sewing Machine Operators training program at Bhubaneswar. The program being a residential training course conducted in collaboration with Shahi Exports Pvt Ltd. Around 50 girls belonging to nearby villages participated in the program. Mrs Rosalie Mishra, Secretary, Mrs JP Mishra, Administrator, Mr AC Nayak, Mrs Jolly Patnaik and Mrs Snigdha Tripathy (Trustees) attended the program along with Mr SN Nanda, Head (CSR) as resource person for the program. The classroom session being attended by ladies Medical Camp at Jeet Fly Ash Products Vidya Shakti Niyas organized a free medical-diagnostics th camp at Jeet Fly Ash Products factory at Bileipada on 13 December 2017. The camp focused on diagnostic test of JFAP employees for common ailments with blood grouping. 63 persons benefited during the above event. Vidya Shakti Niyas distributed free basic medicines to patients as per doctor's prescription. Dr Arabinda Panda & Mr Subham Sahu (Medical Technician) conducted the camp. Mr Rosalie Mishra, Secretary (VSN) Mr Samarendra Pattnaik, CHRM (TSIL), Mr JP Mishra, Administrator (VSN), Mr Mahesh Rathi, Mrs Jolly Pattnaik, Mrs Snigdha Tripathy, all Trustees (VSN) & other volunteers attended the program at JFAP premises. Medical camp in progress at Jeet Fly Ash Products Inter School Speech Competition To promote all round development of nearby school children, Vidya Shakti Niyas organized an Inter-School th Speech Competition on 16 December 2017, at the VSN Training Hall, Bileipada. Eight schools from the periphery villages participated during the event. Around 24 children contested in the event with best students taking away the winners' prizes. A panel of judges evaluated the performance of the candidates. The panel included Mr Trilochan Palei, Dy Mgr (CSR), Mrs Snigdha Tripathy (Trustee), Mrs Sabitri Moharana. Prominent guests present during the event included Mrs Rosalie Mishra, Secretary (VSN) & other volunteers. All other contestants received participation prizes during the event. The students, teachers, Jury members & other dignitaries assemble for a group photograph after the event Page - 12