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Q. Please elaborate the CSR initiative taken by your organization in detail.

Response - Cognizant extends technical and financial assistance as part of its corporate social
responsibility (CSR) efforts. These initiatives aim to encourage social engagement among its
employees, strengthening their connections with each other and the organization. The
Cognizant Foundation collaborates with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in
sectors including Health, Education, Technology empowerment, and women's empowerment
to achieve these goals.
Analysis -
In the four years since its establishment, the Cognizant Foundation has been committed to
delivering quality education and healthcare to underserved communities. It has prioritized
promoting computer literacy among disadvantaged individuals in its educational efforts. In
healthcare, the Foundation has aided both government and non-governmental organizations in
offering affordable life-saving medical services. Currently, the Foundation is gearing up to
collaborate with State Governments and national-level NGOs for sustainable, medium-term
projects in education and healthcare.

Q. Which are the target groups covered in your CSR initiatives?

Response - Selected in consultation with NGOs

Analysis - NGOs are becoming increasingly important in today's business environment,


representing a non-market influence that addresses various issues. Their role in the corporate
world is more extensive than ever, serving as a crucial source of information for consumers
concerned about a company's actions.
Q. How do you implement your CSR initiatives?

Response - Through NGO network

Analysis- NGOs have the expertise needed for successful CSR initiatives, offering valuable
guidance to corporations. They excel in managing financial aid programs and assisting
businesses in achieving various goals.

Q. Did you receive support from any government, trade or local body?
Response - Yes

Analysis - Assisting businesses in reaching sustainability goals also advances the objectives
of local and national governments. Governments develop strategic plans to promote
sustainability, uplift citizens, empower marginalized communities, and build a better future.
When government interests align with corporate initiatives, it often results in greater benefits
and the efficient achievement of lasting outcomes.
Q. If Yes, please name the institution/body?

Response- Yes. Government of India.

Analysis- Cognizant Foundation rendered extensive support to Government and not-for-profit


institutions to help alleviate the stress on the country’s health system.

Q. What do you think could be the main benefit of the adoption of measures for social
responsibility?

Response-To support the need in education and Health which indirectly helps the country's
economy.

Analysis -The development of a nation and its society relies on education, leading companies
to allocate part of their CSR budget to promote educational growth in rural and urban areas.
This commitment aims to support underprivileged children in these areas and provide access
to quality healthcare for those in need.

Q. Whether the CSR projects of the company are formulated in consultation with the
identified stakeholders?

Response - Yes

Analysis - Corporate social responsibility emphasizes the importance of responsible


strategies that address social issues and highlights the significance of meaningful stakeholder
involvement. This engagement, particularly in the context of managing CSR, represents a
unique way to resolve conflicts of interest and build trust between the company and its
stakeholders.

Q. What initiatives have been undertaken by the company to tackle the COVID-19
pandemic?
Response: Vaccination Drives, Health awareness programs

Analysis: Cognizant steadfastly supported its associates and the communities in which they
reside and operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiatives carried out can be broadly
categorized into three portfolios:

• Philanthropic Endeavors

Cognizant pledged $10 million to provide immediate and long-term assistance to communities
grappling with the effects of COVID-19. In 2021, it allocated $2.5 million to aid global
communities impacted by natural disasters and the pandemic.

• Vaccination Efforts

Cognizant funded over 300,000 COVID-19 vaccinations for its associates, their dependents, and
contingent staff, including contract workers and security personnel along with their families. The
company strongly advocates for and promotes COVID-19 vaccination as the most effective
means to safeguard employees, their families, and clients.

Q. Does your company fulfil the criteria, mandated by the Companies Act (2013), of
spending at least 2% of net profits in CSR activities?

Response: Yes
Analysis: Cognizant has unveiled a substantial commitment of $250 million for CSR
endeavors set to span the next five years. It's noteworthy that, considering the company's
2021 net profits, which amounted to roughly $2.2 billion, this commitment translates to an
annual investment of approximately 2.2% of their net worth. Brian Humphries, the CEO,
emphasizes that this initiative, aimed at bolstering access to education, healthcare,
technology, and promoting diversity and inclusion on a global scale, aims to establish an
environment conducive to people's well-being. This substantial investment underscores the
company's unwavering dedication to CSR activities.

Q. Do the employees get any benefits, like getting paid leave, while engaging in CSR
activities?

Response - No

Analysis - The Participation is 100% voluntary from the employees.

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