Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), an oil and gas exploration and production company, received an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating report from ESG Risk Assessments & Insights Limited (ESGRisk.ai). The assessment provides an independent evaluation of the company’s sustainability performance across environmental, social, and governance parameters. ONGC clarified that the ESG report was prepared independently by ESGRisk.ai and was not commissioned or reviewed by the company. The assessment was conducted without consultation or input from ONGC, making it an external evaluation of the organisation’s ESG performance.
Independent ESG Evaluation
The ESGRisk.ai report assigns ONGC an overall ESG score of 49, placing the company in the “Adequate” performance category. The rating reflects a balanced view of the company’s sustainability initiatives while also identifying areas that may benefit from further improvement. Independent ESG assessments such as this help investors, stakeholders, and industry observers evaluate how organisations manage environmental responsibilities, social impact, and corporate governance.
Pillar-wise ESG Performance
The ESG rating is based on three core pillars that measure a company’s sustainability and governance practices – Environment: 45.47, Social: 67.01 and Governance: 36.02. Among these, ONGC recorded its strongest performance in the social pillar, reflecting its initiatives related to employee welfare, human rights, and community engagement.
Strengths in Social Responsibility
The report highlights ONGC’s strong performance in human rights protection, employment quality, and community engagement. These areas demonstrate the company’s ongoing efforts to support workforce development, maintain ethical labour practices, and contribute to the socio-economic development of communities around its operations. Such initiatives align with ONGC’s broader commitment to responsible energy development and inclusive growth.
Areas for Improvement
While recognising several strengths, the ESG assessment also identifies opportunities for improvement in governance practices and operational safety frameworks. Strengthening these areas could further enhance the company’s ESG profile and support long-term sustainability goals. Continuous improvement in governance transparency and operational risk management remains critical for energy companies operating in complex and high-impact environments.
Commitment to Transparency and Sustainability
Despite the independent nature of the ESG assessment, ONGC continues to emphasise transparency and sustainability in its operations. The company publishes its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR), which is reasonably assured by Bureau Veritas, a globally recognised certification body. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, through the BRSR framework, ONGC discloses its performance on environmental protection, social responsibility, and governance practices. This approach reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible business conduct, stakeholder accountability, and sustainable development.
