SURAT: It has reported that the Department of Human Resource Development (DHRD) at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) is all set to start a masters programme in corporate social responsibility (CSR) from this academic session. The course was approved by the university’s academic council at a meeting held here recently.
According to the media report, any graduate will be eligible to apply for admission in the one-year postgraduate diploma (PGD) in CSR for which no age limit has been prescribed. At present, DHRD offers five postgraduate diplomas with specialization in different HR subjects. DHRD authorities claimed that the course on CSR has been launched considering the need of the industries in the region.
“South Gujarat has highest number of industries in western India and CSR as a domain is expanding. Industries need trained professionals for the job. There are enough employment opportunities for freshers and advance study options for those employed,” said DHRD head Kiran Pandya.
Help of experts working in CSR field was taken by the department to design the course. “Experienced industry people working in the field of CSR will teach the students. We plan to rope in industry experts so that students get an in- depth knowledge,” Pandya added.
The course fee is yet to be approved by the VNSGU syndicate but the department wants to keep it between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 per annum. Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara is the only other university to offer a PGD in CSR in the state.
“The department will offer consultancy services to industries in CSR. Through these, we will be able to give first-hand experience to our students,” Pandya said.
(Times of India, 11 June 2014)
