NEW DELHI: The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) organised the first edition of Indo-French CSR Forum on 14 April 2016 at Taj Palace, New Delhi.
“With the outline of the new Companies Act by the Indian Parliament, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a key constituent for companies in India. As per a recent statement by Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley, in 2014-15 almost 76% of CSR budgets have been utilized by corporates. IFCCI’s aim was to create a platform through this event to exchange and discuss the best practices of CSR amongst the Indo-French Business Community in India”, said Payal S. Kanwar – Regional Director, IFCCI.
The forum was attended by the about 60 Indo-French business leaders. The event witnessed some very good insights from the famous personalities from the CSR segment. The key note speaker for the event was Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee – DG & CEO, IICA, under the aegis of Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Dr. Chatterjee requested enterprises interested in implementing CSR to come up with Committees with at least three or more directors out of which one should be independent and formulate & recommend a CSR policy to the board. They must also recommend activities and the amount of expenditure to be incurred and lastly monitor the CSR policy stringently. Top 10 sectors discussed were as follows:
The Guest of Honor for the event was the CEO of Bharti Foundation, Vijay Chadda. Chadda shared some great practices being initiated by the Bharti Foundation and inspired and educated the attendees with his insights. Some of the initiatives discussed in the presentation were: Transforming India, One village at a time. The Bharti Foundation caters to Education (for 84,000 students, 3000+teachers, 777 schools in 2000+ villages in 9 states) and Sanitation with 12000+ toilets, 63000+beneficiaries in 500+ villages impacting over 1 million lives in a year!
The panelists consisted of one of the following:
- Anjali Patil, Head – Brand & Communications, BNP Paribas India
- Gazal Misra – Deputy CSR Leader, Capgemini India
- Charlotte Feroul – President, Main Tendue Charity Action, Delhi
- Shrikant Sinha – CEO, NASCOMM Foundation
- Manish Kumar Sharma – Partner, Singhania & Partners LLP
- Moderator: Mathieu Jouve-Villard, Founder, Wedge Consulting
The successful session was concluded with a presentation by the D. R. Sarin, Chairman & Managing Director of ALIMCO, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (a Govt. of India Undertaking). Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) is a non-profit making organization, working under the aegis of Govt. of India, under the ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. It was incorporated in 1972 to take up manufacture and supply of artificial limb components and rehabilitation aids for the benefit of the physically handicapped and started production in 1976.
Objectives: The main objectives of the Corporation are:
- To maintain the status of largest manufacturer and supplier of rehabilitation aids in India.
- To maintain the status of largest ADIP implementing agency through camp activity, headquarters activity, ADIP – SSA activity, special camp activity and limb fitting centres activity.
- To ensure all aids & appliances supplied under ADIP scheme must bear ISI – mark and must be durable, modern, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured.
- To enhance export of quality rehabilitation aids to help disabled persons abroad to achieve self-dependence.
- To carry out continuous research & development work to improve design of existing aids and develop new assistive aids at affordable prices.
The Corporation produces 355 different types of quality aids and appliances required by orthopaedically, visually & hearing handicapped persons. ALIMCO has been in the forefront in providing innovative and appropriate solutions to the problems facing the disabled.
The product range includes Orthotic and Prosthetic appliances for Upper & Lower Extremities, Spinal Braces, Cervical Collars, Traction Kits, Rehabilitation Aids like Wheel Chairs, Crutches and Tri Wheelers etc. The Corporation also provides special tools and equipments required for fitment of Orthotic & Prosthetic assemblies by the Limb Fitting Centres.
The event was supported by ALIMCO, Verma Import & Export & Knowledge Partners, Singhania & Partners LLP.
A second edition of the event is soon to be planned in the second half of the year.
