CSR Meet – Odisha

INDIACSR News Network

BHUBNESWAR: India is widely regarded as a country in which corporate social responsibility has long played an important role much before the global awakening. National and international nongovernmental organisations and UN agencies are involved with the public debate with the business community and the media for the CSR initiative. However, the involvement of the business community is focussed among a few of the long established family owned companies that contribute a significant value in the CSR activities.

Recently, to promote CSR activities in India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India had launched Corporate Social Responsibility Voluntary Guidelines in 2009. In December 2012, the voluntary guidelines evolved into an Amendment in The Companies Bill, 2011, passed by the Lok Sabha, which on its enactment will allow the country to have a modern legislation for growth and regulation of corporate sector in India. According to the Amendment in Clause 135 in the Bill, certain companies have to spend 2% of their profits for CSR activities in a more effective and sustainable way.

On 29 January 2013, Confederation of Indian Industry has organized for a CSR Meet – Odisha in the Hotel Hindustan International. The Meet was inaugurated by Shri Surya Narayan Patro, Minister – in – Charge, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Government of Odisha.

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Minister said, “CSR is not a standalone issue, it is very much associated with the modern day business policies. A corporation cannot thrive unless it has taken the surrounding communities and people into account”.

He also said, “The State Government is very keen to involve the Corporate Sector into CSR activities across Odisha and it’s my firm belief that together they could bring the change that we all aspire.” Mr Suresh Thawani, Chairman, Odisha State Council & Managing Director, Tata Sponge Iron Ltd had said, “Globalization of Indian economy has led to a paradigm shift in the way corporate social responsibilities were performed in India.

It has moved away from the domain of state owned public sector giants to players of private sector. The way companies used to look at CSR activities has also changed from a philanthropic activity to more professional activity. CSR activity has become more of a responsibility and compulsion to Indian corporate from all perspectives of their existence. CSR activity has moved up the ladder from ethical beliefs of the founding fathers to a part and parcel of corporate strategy for existence of each player”. Mr M K Gupta, Vice Chairman, Odisha State Council & Managing Director, Gupta Power Infrastructure Ltd, presented the formal vote of thanks to the Minister and present delegates.

The Inaugural Session was followed by one interactive session between the Corporate Members and NGO and/or Civil Societies present in the Meet, “Aalochona: Strengthening Industry NGO Partnership – The Way Ahead”; and a Workshop on Millennium Development Goals.