Recognising children as the most important national asset Unicef reiterated its commitment to identify, protect and promote child rights. On Wednesday they committed it during a consultation on ‘Child Rights and Role of Business’ in Ranchi.
Orgainsed by Unicef the consultation was attended by representatives of ASSOCHAM, CCl, Jindal Power & Steel, Aditya Birla Group, Bhushan Power & Steel, Usha Martin, HEC, HDFC, PNB, Adhunik Group, ICICI, KGVK, NBJK, CINI, Vikas Bharati, XISS and others. Principal Secretaries of Department of Industries and Social Welfare, Women & Child Development were the representatives of the government..
The plenary discussed as to how the activities undertaken by various corporate houses under their Corporate Social Responsibility can be more helpful in protecting and promoting child rights. Job Zachariah Chief, Unicef Jharkhand said, “CSR funds would come to about an estimated Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 crores in India every year. The funds to be utilized in Jharkhand may come to about Rs. 300-400 crore every year. Unicef can act as a link between the corporate houses and the government in the area of CSR activities, besides providing support to companies on effective use of CSR funds.”
A 10 point Child Rights and Business Principals (CRBP) developed by Unicef, Global Compact and Save the Children was released at the event. Ruchira Gujral, Unicef Corporate Engagement Officer called upon business houses to contribute to elimination of child labour and use marketing and advertising that respect child rights and ensure protection and safety of children. Mridula Sinha, Principal Secretary, Department of Women & Child Development urged the corporate houses to use their potential to support the Government in achieving desirable results of child development.
She said, “Companies Act lists out activities which may be undertaken by companies under their CSR. Some of these activities are reducing child mortality and improving maternal health.” “There are certain gaps in government child welfare efforts which need to be filled by business houses. There is a need for greater synergy among the corporate houses, the government, NGO partners and other stakeholders,” she added.
A P Singh, Secretary, Industry highlighted the role of corporate houses in promoting child rights. He said, “Most corporate houses undertake their CSR activities through their own NGOs and are limited to health camps and subsidized schools for their employees. There is a need to look beyond and create models villages with 100% literacy, full immunisation, open defecation free, etc.”