Communication On Progress (COP)

The 140 plus years’ history of the Company stands witness to the sustainability quotient of Balmer Lawrie. The Company’s membership of Global Compact movement has furthered this quotient. It has provided us a platform to further our efforts at remaining a socially responsive Company, pursuing the Principles of Global Compact both in letter and spirit.

The COP FY ’09 – ’10 is a testimony to the continued journey of the Company on the path of long term sustainability. A focused pursuit of the principles of global compact has motivated us not only to increase our engagement with the society at large but also to do this with greater purpose. Company’s efforts under the BLISS & SAMBAL programmes during the year are indicative of this fervour.

The Company, during the year also made great strides in improving its corporate governance process as under, thereby ensuring that several principles of global compacts are thus adhered to:  

1. The Whistle Blower Policy:- The policy provides a framework to promote responsible and secure ‘whistle blowing’, ensuring comprehensive immunity to the Whistle Blower.
2. The Fraud Prevention Policy:- The Policy provides a system for detection, reporting and prevention of fraud, whether committed or suspected. The objective is to promote a zero tolerance culture to fraud and/ or fraudulent conduct. 

The Company, as hitherto before, pledges to uphold human rights, adhere to the rights and dignity of labour, promote and encourage greater environmental responsibility. It also places a very high premium on promoting ethical values of integrity and transparency in all its business dealings.

All of us in Balmer Lawrie reiterate our commitment to pursue a policy rooted in social and environmental responsibility. We once again reaffirm our resolve to support the principles of Global Compact.

(Swapan Kumar Mukherjee)
Managing Director

5th May 2010