Corporate Social Responsblity

Grid Gaps to Green Power: DRE Impact on Last-Mile Health Services

SELCO Foundation’s Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) project in Karnataka and Meghalaya is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery in underserved regions through sustainable energy solutions. SELCO Foundation partners with various stakeholders, including the National Health Mission, Rotary Club of Bangalore, and local communities, to implement and scale these energy solutions effectively. These collaborations ensure that the interventions are contextually appropriate and sustainable in the long term.

PopulationCouncil Consulting conducted impact assessment to understand the effectiveness of Foundation’s Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) program to the last-mile public health centres in Meghalaya and Karnataka. The assessment was done to examine the extent to which the DRE program has impacted the performance of public health facilities and factors contributing to the sustainability and institutionalization of the program.

The assessment was done using mixed-methods approach. The findings revealed that there were significant improvements in service delivery due to uninterrupted power supply in DRE health facilities as these are equipped with solar electrification. The improvements are particularly witnessed in OPD and IPD services; deliveries; immunization; ANC and PNC services; laboratory testing, emergency services and night time working hours. Compared to non-DRE facilities, DRE facilities appeared to have significantly reduced patient waiting time and the number of referrals to other facilities.

The study concluded that through this initiative, SELCO Foundation is not only providing clean energy but also contributing to the broader goals of health equity and sustainable development in Karnataka and Meghalaya.

Driving Water Equity: Impact and Insights from Piramal Sarvajal’s Implementation

Piramal Sarvajal, an initiative of the Piramal Foundation, is a mission-driven social enterprise committed to delivering affordable and safe drinking water to underserved communities across India. Guided by a well-defined Theory of Change, the initiative employs innovative solutions such as water ATMs and decentralized purification systems to tackle water scarcity and quality challenges in rural areas.

Operating through a micro-franchising model, Sarvajal has designed sustainable, market-based solutions by leveraging loan financing mechanisms. Franchisees are supported in establishing and operating local water enterprises, with financial linkages facilitated by Water.org, which provided access to affordable capital. In addition to enabling access to finance, Sarvajal plays a pivotal role in community engagement—driving grassroots awareness on the importance of clean and safe drinking water, conducting lead generation activities, and supporting franchisees to build viable and profitable businesses.

PopulationCouncil Consulting conducted an evaluation to assess the effectiveness of Piramal Sarvajal’s business model in Madhya Pradesh, India. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, complemented by a thorough desk review of program documents, the study generated critical insights to inform strategic redesign. The findings identified key gaps, reinforced areas of strength, and guided recommendations to enhance program impact. As a result, the Theory of Change was revised, and clear strategic directions were developed to support more effective and sustainable implementation.