McWane/Xindia Help Local Communities

When McWane entered into a joint venture with Xindia Steels Limited in 2011, the long term plans were to expand the iron ore pellet plant into an integrated steel making facility, which would produce between 800,000 tons to 2.5 million tons per year in addition to ductile iron pipe. The company started Phase I production last year and this year is embarking on the construction of Phase II which includes ductile iron pipe.

Like McWane, Xindia Steels believes in contributing positively and improving the quality of life in the local community. To accomplish this, they are currently focusing on:

  • Sanitation and overall well-being
  • Education and Vocational Training
  • Medical Aid

Health and Overall Well-Being:

There is a direct relationship between water, sanitation and health. Drinking unsafe water and the lack of personal and food hygiene have been the major causes of many diseases in rural India. The high infant mortality rate is also attributed largely to poor sanitation. Xindia is working to help change this scenario for the local community by:

  • Providing a water filter plant for the drinking water for each village
  • Providing community toilets in each village (separate for male and female)
  • Aarogya Shivir (health check-up camps)

Education and Vocational Training

In April 2012, Xindia partnered with Government Polytechnic, Koppal to provide vocational training in electrical wiring, motor winding and machining and fitting for fifty local unemployed youth. Every year Xindia also provides school care kits for approximately 1,500 students. They are also working to create an enjoyable learning environment in local schools. As an initial step, Xindia has hired consultants to create modules to train teachers and supplement education.

Medical Aid - Aarogya Shivir (Health Check-up Camps):

On June 17, 2012, Xindia Steels Limited and India Educate Trust jointly organized free eye check-ups and a spectacle distribution camp.  More than 1,500 villagers attended the camp. It was determined that approximately 300 villagers needed spectacles, which Xindia is provided and 128 villagers are in need of cataract removal surgery in order to avoid vision loss.

Since its inception, Xindia has actively supported local communities and continues to play a large role in the community including, but not limited to, the following social and community functions:

  • Local panchayats for organizing mass marriage
  • Donations for food distribution
  • Computers, chairs, tables, fans, Almirahs, sports kits, microphones and other equipment for  local schools
  • Artificial limb pads and sticks for those in need
  • Wells and motor pumps to provide water for the Kunikere Thanda, Lachanakere and Chikbaganal villages as well as the Hirebaganal primary school
  • Plant to provide pure drinking water for the Chikbaganal and Hirebaganal villages
  • Compound wall for the primary school in Chikbaganal village
  • Dining area for primary school in Lachanakere village