A Location-Focused CSR Approach: The Need of the Hour – Rusen Kumar

“To truly transform India, a location-focused CSR approach is essential—one that addresses the unique needs of each community and fosters sustainable development.” – Rusen Kumar

PATNA (India CSR): Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a powerful development concept that bridges the gap between businesses and society. However, the current project-centric approach often dilutes its potential to create transformative impacts. Rusen Kumar, Founder of India CSR and a leading thinker in the CSR and sustainability space, advocated for a location-wise transformation model during the 4th International Conference on CSR held in Patna on December 6-7, 2024.

Organized by CIMP with the support of NITI Aayog and India CSR, the conference shed light on the importance of reimagining CSR for sustainable socio-economic development in backward regions like Bihar.

From Projects to Locations: The Need for a Paradigm Shift

Transform Villages, Blocks, and Districts

Rusen Kumar emphasized that CSR initiatives should move beyond isolated projects and adopt a location-centric approach. By focusing on transforming villages, aspirational blocks, and districts, companies can address socio-economic challenges holistically. This model ensures that development is not fragmented but integrated, paving the way for sustainable growth.

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For instance, targeting backward regions like Bihar through comprehensive CSR programs can uplift entire communities. Companies should prioritize such areas, bringing meaningful and sustainable solutions to challenges like education, healthcare, sanitation, and employment.

Why Location-Focused CSR Matters

Addressing Regional Inequalities

India’s socio-economic challenges are often concentrated in specific regions, such as aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog. A location-based CSR approach aligns corporate efforts with the most pressing needs of these underserved areas.

Amplifying Impact

When CSR initiatives are concentrated in a specific location, the impact multiplies. A holistic approach creates a ripple effect, improving infrastructure, livelihoods, and community well-being in a sustained manner.

Transparency and Accountability in CSR

The Call for Quarterly Data Release

In his address, Rusen Kumar also advocated for the government to release quarterly data on CSR spending. Such transparency would help stakeholders understand trends, track the effectiveness of initiatives, and ensure accountability. Regular updates would empower businesses, policymakers, and communities to make informed decisions and course corrections.

The Role of Data in Strategic CSR

With data-driven insights, companies can identify high-impact regions and sectors for CSR investments. This strategic alignment maximizes returns on social investments and ensures equitable development across India.

The Responsibility in CSR

Bridging Business and Society

CSR is more than just a compliance mandate; it is a bridge that connects businesses with the society they operate in. The term “responsibility” signifies the shared commitment to foster development, reduce inequalities, and contribute to nation-building.

By adopting a location-focused CSR model, companies can fulfill their responsibility in a way that resonates with local communities and aligns with national priorities.

Unlocking Bihar’s CSR Potential: A Call for Collaborative Impact

Amrit Lal Meena, Chief Secretary of Bihar Govt underscored Bihar’s emerging institutional framework and its vast untapped potential for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to uplift local communities. He emphasized that despite accounting for 10% of India’s population, Bihar receives less than 1% of national CSR expenditure. Meena called on companies to tailor their CSR efforts to align with Bihar’s unique developmental needs, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes. He further advocated for the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) to serve as a knowledge partner, supporting the Bihar government in driving strategic and meaningful CSR engagement across the state.

The conference was inaugurated in the distinguished presence of Chief Guest Amrit Lal Meena, IAS, Chief Secretary of Bihar; Guest of Honour Binay Kumar Sinha, CGM, NABARD; Rusen Kumar, Founder, India CSR; Prof. Sapna Narula, Director, NIAM; and Dr. Rana Singh, Director – CIMP and Kumod Kumar, Chairperson of Centre for CSR, CIMP.

Launch of CSR-Centric Books

As part of the event, two significant books focusing on CSR were unveiled. The first book, “Role of AI in CSR – Connecting SDGs with Technology for Impact,” authored by Kumod Kumar, CAO of CIMP, and Ms. Priya Nath, Founder of Chitrakaya.com, explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in driving sustainable development goals.

The second book, titled “Prioritizing Health, Welfare, and Sustainable Development through CSR: Preparing for ESG,” is an insightful compilation edited by Prof. Senapati, Associate Professor at CIMP, Kumod Kumar, CAO of CIMP, and Director Prof. Rana Singh. This book highlights the pivotal role of CSR in advancing health and sustainability as foundational pillars for ESG preparedness.

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You learn

Rusen Kumar’s vision for CSR as a location-driven initiative challenges the status quo and offers a roadmap for meaningful development. By transforming villages, blocks, and districts, businesses can create a legacy of sustainable change. Prioritizing backward regions like Bihar can uplift communities and bridge regional disparities.

The release of quarterly CSR data would further enhance transparency and enable strategic decision-making, ensuring that CSR evolves as a dynamic and impactful development tool. As Kumar aptly highlighted, CSR is not just a corporate obligation; it is a shared responsibility to create a brighter future for India.

In his powerful words at the conference, Rusen Kumar reminded us, “Responsibility is the bridge between business and society. Let us strengthen this bridge by focusing on locations that need it the most.”

(India CSR)