SBI Foundation has launched two corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects worth ₹10 crore in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The launch took place in Port Blair on October 31, 2026, according to TheCSRUniverse.
One project focuses on cancer screening and prevention, and the other on reducing conflict between people and saltwater crocodiles.
Key points
- Two CSR projects worth ₹10 crore have been launched in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Two mobile medical units will screen 50,000 people for breast, cervical and oral cancers.
- In South Andaman, 2,100 safety kits will be given to community members at risk from saltwater crocodiles.
- The partners are Ashray Foundation for cancer care and Dakshin Foundation for crocodile conflict.
Cancer care initiative
Under the SBIF Cancer Care initiative, two dedicated mobile medical units will be deployed across the islands.
They will screen 50,000 people for breast, cervical and oral cancers.
The project also aims to reach 2 lakh people through community awareness and cancer prevention sessions.
People found to be at high risk will be helped to get referrals to advanced cancer care facilities.
The programme will also support eligible patients in using government healthcare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat.
The project is being carried out with Ashray Foundation.
Reducing conflict with saltwater crocodiles
The second project is called SBIF CONSERW: Reducing Human–Saltwater Crocodile Conflict in the Andaman Islands.
It is being run with Dakshin Foundation.
It aims to improve safety for communities that depend on fishing and other livelihood activities in crocodile-prone areas of South Andaman.
As part of this, 2,100 safety kits will be distributed to community members.
Awareness and outreach workshops will also be held so that residents understand safety measures and respond in an informed way if a human–wildlife conflict situation arises.
What officials said
The projects were launched in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Sharma, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and G.S.
Rana, DMD (HR) and CDO of State Bank of India.
Representatives of SBI, SBI Foundation and the partner organisations were also present.
Dr. Sharma said the true measure of development lies in building a healthy and secure society while protecting the natural environment.
He said the cancer initiative seeks to strengthen early detection, awareness and access to timely treatment, while the fishermen safety initiative aims to protect lives and livelihoods and promote coexistence with wildlife.
He commended SBI Foundation and its partners.
Mr. Rana said that by expanding its CSR work in the islands, State Bank of India reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive, accessible and sustainable society.
He said the work in these remote areas is in line with the efforts of the Government of India.
Swapan Dhar, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, said the Foundation continues to expand across India by supporting locally relevant solutions to social and environmental challenges.
He said the cancer care work aims to improve access to screening, awareness and referral services.
Why it matters
For residents of remote island communities, mobile screening units can bring early cancer checks closer to home, and referral support can help those at high risk reach further care.
For fishing families in South Andaman, the safety kits and workshops are meant to lower risks from saltwater crocodiles while their livelihoods continue.
