Vodafone Essar releases "Footprints' - First Sustainability Report in India

Vodafone Essar Ltd. (VEL), one of India's leading telecom service providers, in line with its Group philosophy today announced the release of "Footprints 2010-11,' its first sustainability report for India. Sachin Pilot, Hon'ble Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Telecommunications & IT released the first copy of the report and appreciated this pioneering initiative by Vodafone. Samaresh Parida, Director 'Strategy, Vodafone Essar and T V Ramachandran, Resident Director 'Regulatory Affairs & Govt Relations, Vodafone Essar duly presented the first copy of the report to the Minister. "Footprints 2010-11' highlights Vodafone's endeavour to make a difference and embedding sustainability at the workplace, marketplace, environment and community. The report covers information on Renewable energy, Social Inclusion, Waste reduction, and health and road safety projects at Vodafone. To view the online version of the report, please visit www.vodafone.in

Commenting on the report, Marten Pieters- Managing Director & CEO, Vodafone Essar, said, "At Vodafone, sustainability is an integral part of the company's mission and strategy, shaping how we conduct our business everyday. We give immense importance to how we conduct ourselves responsibly towards our employees, our customers, our vendors & associates, the community we live in and the environment around us. We are very happy to have initiated this in India and we hope that it will help us further build upon people's love for the brand."

Speaking on the ocassion, Sachin Pilot, Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Communications & IT, said, "I am glad to see various initiatives taken by Vodafone India towards sustainability. While India Inc. has made us a force to reckon with globally, its equally important to contribute to the community and environment that are an integral part of the overall growth of the nation."

Vodafone's "Footprints 2010-11' outlines practices in the supply chain management, ethics, customer service and marketing in the Responsible Marketing section. The Eco efficiency section of the report highlights environmental initiatives and programs such as waste management, Green IT, Energy and Responsible Network Deployment. The Society segment of the report covers a bouquet of social responsibility activities undertaken by Vodafone at circles.