ACCOLADES

Page - 1 SPONGE TIMES

Tata Sponge Crosses the 600 Barrier in TBEM

Application of Tata Business Excellence Model (TBEM) is relevant to all Tata Group companies to create awareness on the importance of the value of quality and the need for total customer satisfaction in all areas of operations within Tata Group of companies. It is also aimed at achieving and maintaining continuous excellence and consistent leadership in the market.

To have its pursuit on business excellence validated, Tata Sponge underwent an on-site external assessment of its excellence practices, during the first fortnight of November. The assessment was diligently carried out by a team of 9 assessors, from various Tata companies.

Tata Sponge wins BE Star Award

Tata Sponge was recently honored with the prestigious BE Star Award as Leader in the Customer Management category. It is a national level recognition instituted by the CII and Institute of Quality to recognize best practices on the various facets of Business Excellence. It may be pertinent that Tata Sponge was the only company to receive this award in this category, which validates company's resolute commitment to provide delight to its customers through good quality products and superior service standards. In a formal function organized at

thBangalore on 25 November, 17, Tata Sponge was presented with the coveted trophy in presence of Mr R Mukundan, Managing Director, Tata Chemicals and National President, CII IoQ with several other dignitaries from top corporates. Mr R Somnath, Chief (CS,S&BE) along with Mr MK Sheshadri, Chief(Marketing & Sales) received the trophy onbehalf of the company.

Mr R Somnath & Mr MK Sheshadri receiving the BE Star Award

The assessment revealed several strengths and

opportunities for further improvement on this

journey on excellence, and placed the company at a

new height of 618 marks which brings the company a

step closer to the summit point of 650 marks where

the Tata Companies are presented the coveted

JRD-QV Award.

The TBEM Assessors appreciate online equipment monitoringsystem in Kiln Control Room at TSIL Works

Message from our MD on crossing 600 Score in TBEMDear Colleague,

Our company was awarded a score of 618 points in the recently concluded TBEM assessment which is an improvement of 37 points over the previous assessment. The score puts us amongst the league of Tata companies which have been able to establish matured systems & processes. It's a matter of pride and immense happiness for the Tata Sponge family. I would like to convey my deep appreciation & congratulation to each & every employee who have been a part of our journey for excellence. We should continue our effort with similar zeal & rigor to further improve our BE standards, and aim at receiving the coveted JRD QV award by crossing 650 marks.

My best wishes to you & your family,

Regards, Sanjay Pattnaik

th9 November 2017 Managing Director

ACCOLADES

Page - 2SPONGE TIMES

Kalinga Safety Award 2016

Safety has been at the forefront of all company operations at Tata Sponge. This is testified by company's history of safe operations over the years. In this journey, company was recently awarded with Kalinga Safety Award 2016 for its excellent track record in safety standards and practices. Tata Sponge came out as the Winner in the category 'Sponge / Ferro Alloy Industry'.

In a formal event organized by the Institute of Quality and th

Environment Management Services on 10 November 2017, the prestigious trophy was presented to the company by the Hon'ble Governor of Odisha,Dr. Senayangba Chubatoshi Jamir at the Odisha State Conclave 2017. Mr SK Mishra (CFO) along withMr Jagannath Khillar, President (TSSS) received the award on behalf of the company.

Hon'ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Senayangba Chubatoshi Jamir

presenting the award to Mr SK Mishra (CFO) & Mr J Khillar,

President (TSSS) during the occasion

Special Recognition by BSE

It is a matter of great pride for Tata Sponge family that the

Company has been recognized by BSE Limited (one of

leading Stock Exchanges of India) as a part of top 300

listed Companies in India. The equity shares of the

Company have been moved to 'Group A' category with

effect from July 17, 2017.

This evaluation is done by BSE Limited for all the listed

companies to assess the entities who fare well in the

aspects such as Market Capitalization, Market Turnover,

Corporate Governance, Compliance and Sustainability.

Holistically, it enables the shareholders to make

responsible investment decisions. Tata Sponge is the only

listed company within the Tata Steel group (except Tata

Steel) which has been elevated to the prestigious category

of “Group A” by BSE Limited.

BSE is one of the leading Stock Exchanges in India

Engagement Score - Tata Sponge Overall

Engagement Score Engagement Distribution

Engaged

42%

5%3%

67%

69%

79% 79%

81%

9%6%

16%

16%

24%

15%

48%

45%42%

38%33%

22%

ActivelyDisengaged

Bottom Quartile

ModaratoZone

Top Quartile

Average score <3.5 Average score >= 5.5

Engagement

ratioEngagement

Score

N

Tata Sponge2012

Tata Sponge2012

395

79%

377

81% 67% 79% 69%

Tata Sponge2017

Tata Sponge2017

Industry TopQuartile**

Industry**Top

QuartileBE India

2017

BE India2017

TataGroup*

16:1 27:1 7:1 13:1

Average score>=3.5 and < 4.5

Average score>=4.5 and < 5.5

Passive ModeratelyEngaged

Highly Engaged

37%

Empower Results*

*Tata Group includes data of organizations from the Tata Group Surveyed using Aonengagement methodology over the last 3 years

**Industry Norm : Metals & Mining

0

100

20

40 60

80

FenceSitters

Page - 4SPONGE TIMES

Annual Picnic

Tata Sponge township is blessed with a picturesque landscape and is a hot favorite for nature lovers during the pleasant winter months. The much cherished company picnic was organized beside the beautiful Swan Lake recently. All employees gathered to have a great time enjoying a multitude of tasty delicacies under the cozy winter sun. The annual event was successfully organized by association of various company departments and willing volunteers.

HAPPINESS

Adieu Friends

In its long journey, the company has evolved from a congregation of employees to a large, close knit family. However, with natural progression of time, the family has also gone through the pain of departing members. In last few months, several of its beloved employees retired from the company after a rewarding service tenure. Sponge Times, on behalf of the whole Tata Sponge family, wishes them the best of health & wellbeing, fortune and happiness in many days to come.

Employees who retired in recent months

(Late) Rushi Nath Behera

Mr Dillip Kumar Behera

Mr Shyamal Kumar Ray

Mr Purna Chandra Behera

Mr Dhiren Kumar Mohanty

Mr MVR Murty

Mr Sibabrata Ganguly

SK Soffuruddin

Mr Nilamber Das

Mr Parikshita Mahanta

Mr Khetrabasi Behera

Mr Md Quamuruddin

Mr P Krishna Rao

Mr Manoranjan Dutta

Mr Rabindranath Panda

Mr Bishnu Mohan Padhi

Mr Madhabananda Piri

Mr Pravash Chandra Mohanty

Mr N Balakrishnan

Mr Basant Kumar Khillar

Mr Prasant Kr Das

Ms Kuntala Ghosh

Employees enjoy picnic under the winter sun

The picturesque swan lake, a popular picnic destination

Tasty delicacies savored by all picnickers

The Head (HRM) along with Union Officials & Sr Executives

presenting a parting gift to SK Safuruddin at the ERC

Page - 5 SPONGE TIMES

HAPPENINGS

FeelGood Exhibit 2018

The much awaited annual FeelGood Exhibit was organized at the Employee Recreation Club during 26-27 January 2018. The event showcases notable accomplishments by individual company departments in an elaborate exhibition format. Spokespersons from various departments presented their achievements with pride, as the Chief Guest, Managing Director accompanied by the COO (SB), CFO, CHRM, Union President & General Secretary with others visited each departmental presentation. The exhibit has evolved through the years in its look, format and presentation, this year the center of attraction being a rotating pentagonal light box, developed in-house, and featuring various innovative employee engagement initiatives.

Social Group Activity

The Social Group teams formed under MILAN are continuously striving to improve the quality of life in our Works and beyond Works area. Last quarter, the teams organized a variety of interesting events. While the employees and the families enjoyed the ongoing TSPL Cricket Tournament every Sunday by Champions, the Navrang cultural group organized Inter block Antakshari and Karaoke Night at the ERC. The Sanjeevni group organized informative Quiz & Drawing Competitions during the World Diabetic Day along with free medical camps on Diabetics Screening & Dental care.

From the Editor

As the scientists closely watch the South African metropolis Cape Town preparing to shut off the taps to 4 million people by late spring, the inhabitants of this mega city may soon have to stand in line surrounded by armed guards to collect rations of the region's most precious commodity, drinking water. Population growth and a record drought exacerbated by climate change is sparking one of the world's most dramatic urban water crises, and the need of the hour for all of us is to act responsibly now.

The current issue of Sponge Times covers stories on employee engagement, promotion of science education, organizational journey to excellence and walking that extra mile to make a difference in the lives of the unprivileged residing around us.

Happy reading!

Rajesh Das, Editorrajeshdas@tatasponge.com

FeelGood Exhibit 2018 at the ERC

Veteran's Cricket Match organized at the township

Prarambh: Promoting preschool children

Tata Sponge has been actively working towards improving

preschool education under its Prarambh initiative. In this

direction eleven model Anganwadi centre buildings have

been constructed. The facilities have been specially

modified with child friendly features to stimulate the

cognitive learning process of the young children. The

entire classroom and outside of the buildings are painted

with various images based on the preschool syllabus. Each

facility also includes an office room, a kitchen-cum-store

room, toilets and a boundary wall to ensure children

safety.

The Kitabeda AWC at Deojhar GP & Dandaguta AWC at nd

Anseikala GP were inaugurated on 2 November 2017 by

Dr Damodara Rout, (then) Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture

And Farmers' Empowerment, Fisheries & Animal

Resources Development, Publ ic Enterpr ises ,

Smt. Sakuntala Laguri, Hon'ble MP, Lok Sabha, Keonjhar,

Mr Debasis Nayak, Hon'ble MLA, Bari & Mr Sanjay

Pattnaik, Managing Director in presence of Mrs Renubala

Swain, CDPO (Joda) & several other guests.

The Chief Guest appreciated the company's efforts

towards education and the Prarambh initiative for

preschool children living in the surrounding villages.

Free Eye Care Camp

A free eye care camp was organized for people in and tharound the company, on 24 November 2017. The

program was inaugurated by Mr SK Mishra, CFO at the

Employee Recreation Club. Dr BP Singh, (Eye Specialist) &

Mr PC Mohapatra (General Physician) with pharmacists

from Jamshedpur conducted the eye camp. Around 210

patients from surrounding villages with various eye

ailments were examined during this session. 28 patients

among the above were further recommended for eye

surgery.

Free medicines as per prescription were distributed

among the patients. The program was successfully

organized with assistance of 8 women volunteers from

the township, who were well supported by 2 village

youths. The villagers appreciated company's noble

initiative by conducting the free eye camp.

Page - 8SPONGE TIMES

INCLUSIVE GROWTH

The Chief Guest & other eminent guests being given a traditionalwelcome by the villagers at Kitabeda village

Dr Damodara Rout, Smt Sakuntala Laguri, Mr Sanjay Pattnaik,Mr Bari, Mrs Renubala Swain & others during the inauguration

Mr SK Mishra, CFO inaugurating the camp with Dr BP Singh,(Eye Specialist) & Mr PC Mohapatra (General Physician)

& other guests at the ERC

Page - 9 SPONGE TIMES

INCLUSIVE GROWTH

Residential Bridge Course

Tata Steel opened a Residential Bridge Course

(RBC) Centre at Tata Sponge Township, Bileipada on

May 29, 2017. Ms Parul Patawari IAS, Sub-Collector,

Champua graced the occasion as Chief Guest and

inaugurated the centre in the presence of

Mr Ashok Pandit, Mr DP Deshpande (Ex-Managing

Directors) and Mrs Neelima Pandit, Mrs Madhavi

Deshpande (Ex-Chairpersons, VSN), Mr SK Mishra CFO,

Mr Tanmay Ku Kar, Unit Head (TSRDS), Mr. Samrendra

Pattnaik Chief (HRM), Mr SN Nanda Head (CSR), Aspire

NGO & VSN members. Promotion of education has been a

major focus area for the company, being one of the

important aspects of the Affirmative Action program.

The program is an endeavour to mainstream those

children from the underprivileged section of society who

were either never enrolled into a formal school or had to

drop out due to certain socio economic reasons. In the

first phase, 50 students will benefit from the centre being

groomed by 3 full time residential teachers. During the

event, the children put up a small cultural presentation in

honour of the guests. The Sub Collector appreciated the

RBC initiative and encouraged the children to take

maximum benefit from the program.

Samvaad Tribal Conclave

Tata Sponge CSR team recently participated in Samvaad -

A Tribal Conclave at Jamshedpur. The program was

organized by Tata Steel Tribal Cultural Society during

15-19 November 2017. 17 villagers from surrounding

vi l lages attended the program organized to

commemorate the birth anniversary of the legend, Birsa

Munda & the Foundation Day of Jharkhand state. The

theme for current year was 'Youth Leadership among

Tribal Communities'. The program was attended by

hundreds of participants from all other the country,

representing various tribal & ethnic communities.

The participants of Samvaad Tribal Conclave pose for a groupphotograph alongwith Mr.Biren Bhuta(in the centre),

Chief of CSR, Tata Steel, during the event

The Residential Bridge Course Centre at the township

The Sub Collector inaugurates the RBC Centre at the township

INCLUSIVE GROWTH

Page - 10SPONGE TIMES

School Annual Sports

Saraswati Shishu Mandir Bileipada conducted their

Annual Sports during 29-30 November 2017. Tata Sponge

extended its support to the institution with provision of its

football ground, sports equipment, prizes and other

support.

Mr SK Mishra, CFO inaugurated the event in presence of

all school students, teachers, guests and spectators who

came from all over the region to witness the event. The

talented young sportspersons of the school displayed

their sporting skills and won several prizes. The event was

supported by several volunteers.

Swabhiman

In line with nation's battle against open defecation, Tata

Sponge's Swabhiman initiative has been a key driver to

achieve the above goal in the surrounding community. In

this direction, World Toilet Day was observed at Karansahi th

on 19 November 2017 to raise awareness towards the

cause and to mobilize the society against open defecation.

Our implementation partner of Swabhiman Project, Gram

Vikas, organized community meetings and campaigns.

Others who were present during this occasion were the

members of Jala O Parimal Committee from Karansahi,

Bhagalpur, Mutuda and Lahanda.

Program on Diabetes

The number of people with diabetes worldwide has more

than doubled during the past 20 years. One of the most

worrying features of this rapid increase is the emergence

of type 2 diabetes in children, adolescents, and young

adults. Joining the global battle against the pandemic,

Tata Sponge recently conducted a 2 day Free Diabetic

Screening and Awareness programme at the Employee

Recreation Club during 15-16 November 2017. The

program was organized by our Sanjeevani Health Club

with support from the CSR department. Experienced

doctors from the Diabetes Specialty Center, BBSR

examined the patients and counselled them on benefits

of adopting a healthy lifestyle while keeping a tab on the

growth of the killer disease. Patients from all over the

periphery villages visited the venue to benefit from the

free program. The Chief (HRM) inaugurates the Diabetes camp at the ERC

Tata Sponge's Swabhiman initiative being discussed amongvillagers on World Toilet Day program at Karansahi village

Mr SK Mishra, CFO along with several guests duringinauguration of Saraswati Shishu Mandir School Annual Sports

Page - 11 SPONGE TIMES

VIDYA SHAKTI NIYAS : Winds of Change

Children's Day at Shishu Prem School

Children's Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm by

the toddlers of Shishu Prem Nursery School likewise every

year. The little children gathered to celebrate the much

awaited day at the school premises. The contestants

presented themselves in a variety of impersonations

depicting common & known personalities from history &

present times. A panel of judges rated the young

contestants scoring them on costume, confidence &

presentation. The teachers, school staff & volunteers

helped organize the entire event. Guests present during

the event were Mrs Rosalie Mishra, Secretary (VSN),

Mrs Dash, Mr AC Nayak & Mr Mahesh Rathi, Trustees

(VSN), several parents, volunteers and guests from the

township and nearby villages.

World AIDS Day Program at Lahanda

World AIDS Day was marked with a general awareness

camp on the dreaded disease in the village of Lahanda.

The highly informative program was attended by around

38 village residents, mostly young and elderly ladies.

Dr Arabinda Panda, the resource person, conduced an

informative session on the causes, symptoms, remedies &

precautions of the killer disease. Preventive measures to

check spread of HIV was explained. A question & answer

session encouraged the audience to test their knowledge

on the subject with instant prizes for the correct

responses. Mrs Rosalie Mishra, Secretary (VSN),

Mrs S Tripathy, Trustee (VSN), Mr Satyanarayan Nanda,

Head CSR (TSIL), Mr Rajesh Das, Sr Officer CC (TSIL),

several VSN volunteers & staff attended the program.

Panchananpur Annual Sports

Promotion of rural sports forms an active part of VSN's

strategy to strengthen rural education system. In this

regard, it extended its support in organizing Annual Sports

of Panchananpur UP High School on 14th December 2017.

School children competed in various sporting events like

running race, discuss throw, javelin throw, traditional

'puchi' etc. Spectators included ladies, children & men

from nearby villages. The event concluded with prize

distribution among the winning students. Remaining

students were given appreciation prizes. All prizes were

provided by Vidya Shakti Niyas. Important guest during

the event included Mrs Rosalie Mishra, Secretary (VSN),

Mrs S Tripathy, Mrs Jolly Pattnaik (both Trustees) and

other volunteers. Girl students competing in running race at Panchananpur

World AIDS Day program being conducted at Lahanda village

A talented student presents his act during the event

Page - 12SPONGE TIMES

Skill Development Orientation Program

Skill development of rural youth is one of the key focus

areas Vidya Shakti Niyas. In this direction, a special

orientation program was recently organized at the

Learning & Development Centre in association with Tata

Sponge. The orientation program intended to mobilize

eligible women to opt for Industrial Sewing Machine

Operators training program at Bhubaneswar. The program

being a residential training course conducted in

collaboration with Shahi Exports Pvt Ltd. Around 50 girls

belonging to nearby villages participated in the program.

Mrs Rosalie Mishra, Secretary, Mrs JP Mishra,

Administrator, Mr AC Nayak, Mrs Jolly Patnaik and

Mrs Snigdha Tripathy (Trustees) attended the program

along with Mr SN Nanda, Head (CSR) as resource person

for the program.

Medical Camp at Jeet Fly Ash Products

Vidya Shakti Niyas organized a free medical-diagnostics th

camp at Jeet Fly Ash Products factory at Bileipada on 13

December 2017. The camp focused on diagnostic test of

JFAP employees for common ailments with blood

grouping. 63 persons benefited during the above event.

Vidya Shakti Niyas distributed free basic medicines to

patients as per doctor's prescription. Dr Arabinda Panda &

Mr Subham Sahu (Medical Technician) conducted the

camp. Mr Rosalie Mishra, Secretary (VSN) Mr Samarendra

Pattnaik, CHRM (TSIL), Mr JP Mishra, Administrator (VSN),

Mr Mahesh Rathi, Mrs Jolly Pattnaik, Mrs Snigdha

Tripathy, all Trustees (VSN) & other volunteers attended

the program at JFAP premises.

Inter School Speech Competition

To promote all round development of nearby school

children, Vidya Shakti Niyas organized an Inter-School th

Speech Competition on 16 December 2017, at the VSN

Training Hall, Bileipada. Eight schools from the periphery

villages participated during the event. Around 24 children

contested in the event with best students taking away the

winners' prizes. A panel of judges evaluated the

performance of the candidates. The panel included

Mr Trilochan Palei, Dy Mgr (CSR), Mrs Snigdha Tripathy

(Trustee), Mrs Sabitri Moharana. Prominent guests

present during the event included Mrs Rosalie Mishra,

Secretary (VSN) & other volunteers. All other contestants

received participation prizes during the event.

The students, teachers, Jury members & other dignitariesassemble for a group photograph after the event

Medical camp in progress at Jeet Fly Ash Products

The classroom session being attended by ladies

VIDYA SHAKTI NIYAS : Winds of Change