And for a Friday in Mumbai as a Panelist at the 13th International Conference on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)….. some thoughts…..
With Justice Kurian Joseph – Former Judge Supreme Court – Chairman Selection Committee
The new Companies Act mandating 2% of Profits for Social projects by all Profit making Companies is a unique Indian Law, very relevant for a Socialist Economy transcending into a Market Economy. Corporates in India not only have the Resources and Technology, but much higher level of efficiency, discipline, skills and competences of its committed Employees to help in supporting various Social causes – tribal education, skill development, water and environment protection, women empowerment, village and poor upliftment. As Honourable Justice Kurian Joseph very aptly elucidated, Corporates must discharge their debt to Society beyond statutory compulsions. All of us must be concerned of the LEAST, the LOST and the LEFT OUT of our fellow Indian citizens.
It was very refreshing to hear of from the Addl. Chief Secretary of Maharashtra about the unique VSTF (Village Social Transformation Foundation). CSR, large corporates, film personalities and the Govt of Maharashtra together have identified 1000 most backward tribal villages. The Collector of the Districts coordinates all Central and State Govt welfare schemes, the Gram Sabha is empowered, more than 700 Corporate Executives seconded on 3 year incentivised assignments and last Mile bridging funds, 10-20 lakhs from Private sector at discretion and all outcomes monitored on Balanced Score card. WOW….. modern management principles in action. Results will come, has to come and at scale….. model others can follow.
India is changing. CSR is one more venue. Let us all support the changes, the transparent way, the Ethical way, the SEEGOS way.