Claiming it to be a unique initiative taken by any urban transport authority in India, JCTSL chairman and managing director Ajitabh Sharma said the company intends to transform its business strategy in line with ESGP.
“We adopted ESGP and a disclosure framework in our last board meeting. The framework has been developed in a tabular form covering different aspects of environmental, social and governance issues that impact JCTSL’s operations and its external stakeholders, including the passengers,” said Sharma.
Bbhavyata Ssoni, the first CSO of JCTSL, said the adoption of the policy is in line with the company’s long-term strategic objectives and commitment to sustainable growth. The policy deals with several aspects of company’s management like a code of conduct for employees, protection of stakeholders’ interests, and JCTSL’s commitment to provide safe, secure, reliable and environment-friendly services to commuters.
“ESGP has several aims. It aims at minimising the company’s carbon footprint and implementing measures to reduce emissions from its vehicles and facilities. It would establish a grievance redressal mechanism to let employees voice their concerns and complaints without fear and give the rights of employees greater respect, including the right to freedom of association,” said Ssoni.
After ESGP was adopted in JCTSL’s board meeting on June 12, the company started gathering information on the 35 tables mentioned in the policy. It would publish the information as a booklet.
Simran Grover, the CEO of Centre for Energy, Environment and People (CEEP) that helped JCTSL formulate the disclosure framework, described ESGP as a “radical initiative” designed to deliver accountability and transparency in its governance.
“The policy strives to play a critical role in shaping the future of Jaipur City. It is designed with commuters and the organisation’s employees at the centre. It commits itself to maximising its social utility while reinventing itself as an environment-friendly and low-carbon transport utility,” said Grover. Industry experts said the appointment of CSOs and implementation of ESGP are positive new trends among both private corporations and state-owned PSUs. In 2020-21, several firms appointed CSOs.
