The city has seen two programmes on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of business houses over the last couple of days. Though different in every way, both meets sent out the same message - the need for greater synergy between corporate houses and the Government for effective and result-oriented implementation of CSR policies.
After Unicef discussed 'Child Rights & Role of Business' on Wednesday, the Indian Chamber of Commerce held the CSR Conclave Jharkhand on Thursday.On the occasion, Principal Secretary (Industries) AP Singh said corporates and NGOs should combine their CSR resources with Government funds meant for welfare schemes.
This, he believed, would synthesise synergy between private partners and Government agencies."You can do this in the areas of your operation. With your CSR funds, support welfare activities the Government has already taken in those areas. let us combine, cooperate and synergise," said Singh.He explained, "The Government has to take care of all regions in the State. But your area of operation is small and we can cooperate there."
The Principal Secretary urged chamber director Kamal Sahi to engage with Unicef and present corporate houses' perspective while preparing the list of CSR activities where Government and private houses might cooperate.Sahi expressed hope that the new Government - under "able" leadership of Hemant Soren - would take measures to facilitate implementation of corporate houses' CSR plans and achieve great heights.
Indian Institute of Management-Ranchi director MJ Xavier hoped business houses would consider CSR as their duty and not charity. He reminded them that the market and its impact on lives of the common man had undergone radical transformation in recent years."Earlier, the market didn't play major role in deciding the course of society. But now, it is mindlessly exploiting society resources. This exploitation has cost our society a lot. The common man has been marginalised. Corporate houses need to make up for that," he added.