CSR activities in India amongst corporate are laudable

Author: Jenny Jonson

Roughly, India has more than two million non profit organizations –one for every 600 people. Nonprofits have significantly risen over the past decade. This trend has been triggered by a combination of increasing wealth, a growing entrepreneurial spirit, and rising social inequality. As wealth increases, the need for charity increases

Rise of NGO’s in India: The most significant factor contributing to the rise of NGOs is the entrepreneurship boom. People in the non-profit sector are no longer happy to be cogs in a wheel in big companies and are keen to start their own organizations. Entrepreneurs are increasing in the corporate world, and the same is happening in the social sector, where people find more meaning. The growth of NGOs is a boon in disguise for the social sector as more and more non-profit organizations come forward and do good work for the society.

Suggested activities under CSR: The government's suggested CSR activities in India include measures to eradicate hunger, promote education, environmental sustainability, protection of national heritage and rural sports, and contributions to prime minister's relief fund. Corporates implement these CSR activities on their own, through their non-profit foundation or through independently registered non-profit organizations that have a record of at least three years in similar activities.

Tata Motors has adopted affirmative action policy of Tata Group, which focuses on inclusive growth. The community development programs ensure inclusive growth by involving marginalized sections of society, the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The sustainability initiatives of Tata Motors are classified into health, drinking water, education, skill development and environment.

Companies taking part in CSR activities: There are many foundations in India that help encourage CSR activities. Indian Oil has a concerted social responsibility programme to partner communities in health, family welfare, education, environment protection, providing potable water, sanitation, and empowerment of women and other marginalized groups. Indian Oil has always been in the forefront in times of national emergencies. PepsiCo India continues to strengthen its Solid Waste Management initiatives in partnership with Exnora, an environmental NGO. This award winning, income-generating partnership provides a clean environment to more than 450000 people across Pammal, Chennai, Nagapattinam, Tenkasi and Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, Sangareddy in Andhra Pradesh and Panipat, Haryana.