From correspondents in Gujarat, India, 04:32 PM IST

Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL), a Vedanta Group company, Sunday said it has bagged the 'Asian CSR Excellence Award-2008', a prestigious recognition in the field of corporate social responsibility.

The Singapore-based Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility gave the award to HZL for the 'Zinc Integrated Poverty Alleviation Programme (ZIPAP)' Saturday, a company statement said.

HZL associate vice-president for CSR Ahmar Sultan received the award from Noeleen Heyzer, undersecretary general of the UN and executive secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia.

The ZIPAP aims at sustainable change in the quality of life of people living below the poverty line (BPL). The programme is executed in four districts of Rajasthan - Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and Rajsamund, the statement said.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)