Weeks after Ratan Tata’s death Tata Trust the largest shareholder of Tata Sons has tightened its project monitoring processes impacting all its companies. The revised monitoring approach aims to better manage operational costs and enhance the on-ground impact of its funds. According to sources familiar with the decision the trust now conducts monthly reviews instead of quarterly ones and is considering prioritizing grants for direct implementation projects to reduce costs. Notably Tata Sons is the holding company of India’s largest industrial conglomerate the Tata Group. Major Steps Taken by Tata Trusts Enhanced Monitoring and Audits: After an extensive internal audit triggered by rising cost structures several discrepancies were identified. As a result the trustees have tightened monitoring systems and strengthened the audit framework. This now reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Cost Control Focus: An executive committee that was formed under the late Ratan Tata is going to closely monitor the costs. Rising Manpower Costs Tata Trusts funds its operations through dividend receipts. Recent involvement in several direct implementation (DI) projects has increased the companys manpower costs. These projects are directly executed through contractors as part of its philanthropic activities. It is worth noting that the Tata Trust holds about 66 percent of Tata Sons’ equity capital “The trust aims to control operating costs to ensure maximum funds are utilised for philanthropy rather than increased salaries and operational expenses” an official notification read. Challenges and Changes Traditionally focused on education health and rural development grants the trust’s operational costs have been scrutinised. This comes as global philanthropy shifts towards leaner and more cost-efficient models. After Rata Tata’s death Tata Trusts appointed Noel Tata as Chairman on October 11 to lead the philanthropic organisations controlling the Tata Group. This move highlights a strategic effort by the conglomerate to align with global trends ensuring efficient utilisation of its resources.