"First and foremost, we believe in having an atmosphere of mutual trust between the Management and Workforce. A healthy workforce is the biggest asset for the Company Which maintains high morale. We see this as the biggest Long-term benefit for the Company.

Also, a healthy workforce means less absenteeism that translates in to better productivity, which could be ascribed to the success of the programme. Implementation of National Public Health Programme at the community level in ideal fashion will not only bring satisfaction of being an active partner in welfare but also serve as a replicable model for the others."

Mr. Rahul Bajaj
Chairman Bajaj Auto.

The Bajaj Group is a family-led business of 27 companies with interests in two and three wheelers, insurance, domestic and industrial electricals and steel. Bajaj Auto Limited(BAL) is one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of two and three wheelers in India. Operating from 1960, BAL commands a 35% market share with an annual turnover of US$ 2.5 billion approximately for 2006-07.

The Bajaj Auto-YCMH Anti Retroviral Therapy Center

The Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation-run Yashwantrao Memorial Hospital (YCMH) was inaugurated by Mr Madhur Bajaj, Vice – Chairman of Bajaj Auto Ltd, in the presence of Mr Rahul Bajaj, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Chairman of Bajaj Auto Limited (BAL), on the 13th August 2008, in Pune.

The Public-Private Partnership model for establishing such Centers in India was initiated by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Bajaj Auto Ltd came forward to establish this Center in an area which has a sizeable population of HIV afflicted individuals. Mr Rahul Bajaj is the first Member of Parliament to have established such a Center in India.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Rahul Bajaj said that the Centre, which will function under the guidance of National Aids Control Organisation (NACO), had brought a ray of hope for HIV positive people. NACO will be supplying drugs of first line of treatment, free of charge, to the Center. The YCMH would be taking care of the laboratory testing and the treatment of opportunistic infection for the patients who would receive ART treatment. The Centre has been set up at a cost of more than Rs 31 lakh. The company will be funding this Centre with recurring expenses of Rs18 lakh annually, apart from other incidental expenses.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr Madhur Bajaj said, "BAL is committed to various social and environmental issues both within and outside the Company. With this initiative, Bajaj joins hands with Yeshwanrao Chawan Memorial Hospital (YCMH) and National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) in this fight for control of AIDS. Earlier also, as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, BAL has been instrumental in designing and launching the HIV Workplace Intervention Policy and Social Code of Conduct to be adopted by CII members".

14 industry organizations, members of CII, were invited to the inaugural function. The Mayor and the Municipal Commissioner, besides other local dignitaries, were also present.

HIV / AIDS Prevention & Care: -

BAL recognised the seriousness of the spread of HIV / AIDS in 1990 when the media reports brought the problem to the forefront in India, and particularly Maharashtra, which was experiencing a rapid rise in HIV rates. BAL was quick to recognize future implications of this rapidly growing threat on the very fabric of the society.

The scope of HIV prevention and care activities was expanded through information, provision and counselling.

The Company's strategy is based on National Strategy and Action Plan for HIV prevention and Control. The activities were developed and are being implemented in partnership with the communities themselves, the employees, trade union and NGOs. The activities are carried out for all the vulnerable age group.

Training Programmes commenced in 1990 by integrating with Family Welfare Training Programmes. 290 + such programmes have been conducted covering 15,000 members. Each session is for one day, with about 40 trainee-couples. Special focus is on TTAs (Technical Trade Apprentices) who formed the group of adolescents, usually with a rural background and who are exposed to the urban life for the first time.

The Company promotes voluntary testing for HIV free of cost at the Company's medical centre. Written consent is obtained from employees undergoing test after appropriate counselling by well trained professional counselors. Through peer educators special attention is given to individuals practising high risk behaviour. These individuals are then encouraged to undergo counselling and voluntary testing. Confidentiality of HIV Positive individuals is strictly maintained. As the disease progresses, a close follow-up is maintained.

The counsellors at BAL provide support to HIV positive persons throughout the course of illness including liaison with the treating doctors, ensuring access to the services. Such individuals enjoy the same privileges including dining etc. Attention is paid to adjusting the work load in proportion to the physical ability of the persons.

The Company provides financial assistance for investigations, anti-retroviral therapy and hospitalisation for HIV positive individuals up to 80% of the expenses involved. Adjustment to work is a policy which is followed.

BAL is one of the few leading companies to have adopted and implemented a successful HIV / AIDS Policy in 1995. It clearly states Company's commitment towards the various issues involved

BAL has made efforts to link HIV / AIDS prevention activities with other outreach programmes through Samaj Seva Kendra and JBGVS. Trained and competent resource persons from the other organisations and NGOs such as Prayas, NARI etc. as well as staff, conduct awareness and training sessions. These sessions are carried out with communities - urban and rural - surrounding the Bajaj Plant women's groups, health clinic attendees, couples and adolescents.

Rural Programme commenced in October 2005 in Ander Maval, Karla area covering 15000 population residing in 22 villages.In the first phase of the programme involvement of political leaders, teachers, Women's Self Help Groups, adolescents were targeted besides coverage of the general population. HIV testing by Tri-dot method yielded 16 HIV positive individuals.

In the second phase of the programme, urban slums around Bajaj Auto factory and rural population of Khed taluka are being covered with a very good success.

It is felt that generation of awareness in all the sections of society followed by provision of HIV testing facility is very rewarding approach.

BAL is a part of the Indian Business Coalition and campaign for HIV / AIDS prevention and care. Mr. Rahul Bajaj, BAL's Chairman is the founder member of the Prime Minister's National Business Trust for HIV / AIDS Prevention and Care activities. Vice Chairman Mr. Madhur Bajaj was the Chairman of the National Population and Health Committee of the Social Development & Community Affairs (SDCA) of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) He was instrumental in designing and launching the HIV Workplace Intervention Policy and Social Code of Conduct to be adopted by CII members in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

BAL is an active member of the Technical Resource Group set up by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO ) of the Government of India. BAL is member of Global Business Coalition (GBC), also collaborates with ILO, UNDP and WHO for developing National responses and strategies for Workplace Intervention and reaching out to the unorganised sector; for up-dating its own technical base; as well as for sharing experience / information with other business houses. BAL proposes to further strengthen partnership with Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACs).