Category: News

As an endeavour to do service to the society, the NGO Pararthya Sustainable Development & Environment Conservation Society, supported by Viraaj Ventures and funded by Realty Assistant conducted “Project Rahat”, a Social Development drive for CSR 2020-21

As an endeavour to do service to the society, the NGO Pararthya Sustainable Development & Environment Conservation Society, supported by Viraaj Ventures and funded by Realty Assistant conducted “Project Rahat”, a Social Development drive for CSR 2020-21 in which they distributed clothes, organized donation drive, and did various activities in the different parts of the capital region to help those severely affected by winter season in a pandemic stricken environment.

The initiative themed Rahat was dedicated to bringing relief to the migrants of Delhi and NCR region who lost their jobs succumbing to the deadly blow of COVID-19. The project was aimed at making people aware of the importance of following personal hygiene amidst the winter doubly hit by the life taking impact of COVID-19.

According to the IMD, in the past decade, the country has seen 506 per cent increase in cold waves which accounted for more number of deaths due to cold waves as compared to the heat waves. The major reason for death is the unavailability of shelter and clothing to shield one from the cold waves.

As part of the endeavour, four teams visited areas massively populated by people living on roadside, taking refuge at shelter homes or setting up their own jhuggis during the seven days drive. Soaps, sanitisers, masks and water bottles were distributed that was perfectly complemented by providing them with guidance for proper sanitizing practices, the correct way to wear a mask and how to effectively practice social distancing.

“Continuing the humanitarian legacy, at Pararthya we were determined to extend our support to the suffering working section of the society for which ‘Project Rahat’ was incepted to save the lives lost due to the extreme winters,” said Mr Ankit Aditya Pradhan, Founder & CEO, Realty Assistant.

Along with this, as part of the donation drive, 200+ blankets, 500+ warm clothes, 500+ soaps, 300+ sanitisers, 500+ masks, 100+ bread packets, 2 cartons of 120 biscuit packets and 10 toffee packets were also distributed.

The Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association (HYSEA) organized the Fourth CSR Summit in Hyderabad on January 21 with a theme “Volunteer to make a difference” and explored volunteering opportunities for corporate employees in three key areas of Education

The Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association (HYSEA) organized the Fourth CSR Summit in Hyderabad on January 21 with a theme “Volunteer to make a difference” and explored volunteering opportunities for corporate employees in three key areas of Education, Environment and Health and Well-being.

While many corporate employees want to contribute to society, they often do not know where or how to start or are concerned about balancing work, home and society. The summit helped them to understand the different avenues available to volunteer was also an excellent opportunity to interact with several participating NGOs in the EXPO.

Paul Raddon, Head of Operations, Global Service Centers, HSBC delivering the Keynote address said, “Giving back to the society is at the core of HSBC corporate philosophy and a way of life at GSC India”. He also added, “HSBC has launched more than 70 projects benefiting over 2.94M people, and HSBC Skills for Life, an INR 100 crore flagship initiative is benefitting 1.3 M. Over 21400 beneficiaries have got access to WASH facilities across 17 villages in India and more than 3100 youths trained and employed in the last year, despite the pandemic”, he said.

Delivering the mentor note Venkatesh Murthy, Founder and Chief Mentor, Youth for Seva, said, “I truly appreciate HYSEA’s decision to take ‘Volunteering’ as the theme for this conference. Employee volunteering programs, if well designed, can be very impactful. I hope HYSEA will provide a model for collaboration and co-creation of effective volunteering programs in Telangana”.

Bharani K Aroll, President, HYSEA welcomed the participants to the summit and said “HYSEA has been committed to CSR for more than a decade and a half now, with our focus primarily on Education and Environment. Our education initiative DDI (Disruptive Digital Intervention) has now reached more than 12000 students in 30 schools statewide. HYSEA has had tree plantation drives in HITEC City and Gachibowli regularly since 2009 and has been an active partner for Haritha Haram”.

Manisha Saboo, AVP and DC Head, Infosys Pocharam Campus and HYSEA CSR Forum Leader, said, “We aspire to make volunteering as a way to build a cohesive society”. She invited all NGOs, Corporates and Volunteers to make use of HYSEA Volunteering platform https://volunteer.hysea.in, an end-to-end solution for volunteering.

Leading bread manufacturer Harvest Gold today announced a special edition bread in 700 grams in north India to thank its team members for serving people amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. The special edition bread will feature 30

Leading bread manufacturer Harvest Gold today announced a special edition bread in 700 grams in north India to thank its team members for serving people amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

The special edition bread will feature 30 photographs and 250 names of team members.
Harvest Gold is the largest manufacturer of bread in north India, and supplies 6 lakh loaves of bread every day, serving equal number of families daily.

“Titled #ThanksTeam, the program acknowledges the selfless and passionate efforts of the Team of Harvest Gold,” the company said in a statement.

The team members have worked hard with dedication and ensuring that the bread is produced under high safety and hygiene standards and delivered fresh every day at all neighbourhood stores, it said.

These represent associates from various departments like from manufacturing, purchase, R&D, sales, marketing, distribution, finance, human resources and information technology.

“Working day and night with production of bakery products and their distribution to the consumers, Team Harvest Gold reinvented safety and hygiene measures to ensure that there were no lapses and only the healthiest and safest product was delivered,” Harvest Gold Executive Director Sales Vikas Gupta said.

Even extra efforts were taken to provide doorstep delivery to the elderly who could not step out.

From working round-the-clock with precision, focus and perseverance, to getting out onto the field to deliver fresh bread to various shops and homes, the Harvest Gold Team has truly proved its mettle beyond doubt, he said.

“Their commitment to quality, safety and hygiene has been universally appreciated and applauded – they are truly Sabki Bread ke secret superstars,” he added.

According to the company, the team members have always put their best foot forward in making Harvest Gold the most loved bread of Delhi NCR, whether they are working from home, from office or on the field.

The last few months have been specially trying, putting everything and everyone to test.
During the lockdown, Harvest Gold served the people of Delhi NCR and other parts of North India with its products that includes breads and buns, flat bread varieties such as roti, kulcha and pizza base, and rusk, it added.

Direct selling FMCG firm Amway India has so far conducted sanitization and disinfection drive in the premises of 12 NGO partners across India, nine Anganwadi centers in Delhi, 15 villages in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu

Direct selling FMCG firm Amway India has so far conducted sanitization and disinfection drive in the premises of 12 NGO partners across India, nine Anganwadi centers in Delhi, 15 villages in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu.

The drive covered an approximate area of 1,30,000 square feet benefiting the lives of more than 3000 less-privileged children and adults, the company said in a statement.

In Delhi, the sanitization drive was done at nine Anganwadi centrs in North-West Delhi’s Kirari Suleman Nagar covering 5,000 sq.ft. area of their premises under Amway’s Power of Five campaign.

Commenting on the initiatives, Gursharan Cheema, Senior Vice President, North and South, Amway India said: “Amway India has always been committed to supporting the community by coming forward in the face of adversity. These testing times are not just a trial of our strength and resilience, but also an opportunity for us to demonstrate the might of collective effort.”

During the unprecedented lock-down period, Amway India had stepped up its efforts by supporting its NGO partners in their initiatives towards training, education, skill development and assessments of the beneficiaries through various digital tools to ensure consistency in their learning and development.

Amway facilitated MAMTA-Health Institute for Mother and Child and conducted bulk message service to spread awareness, counter myths and misconceptions among the community members of the project area. Over 10,000 beneficiaries are receiving the health and nutrition related advice every week.

The company also has identified and trained over 170 individuals from the targeted community called ‘Poshan Mitras’ who are sustaining the program on-ground. They are playing a critical role in sensitizing and educating the community.

MAMTA Executive Director Sunil Mehra said, “With this support we could integrate hygiene and sanitation along with addressing malnutrition in the intervention area – these two are the most evident determinants of COVID-19.”

Amway India also contributed Rs 2.36 crores towards the PM CARES FUND, Tamil Nadu CM’s public relief fund, Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh CM’s public relief funds and support for government’s on-ground health and sanitation services.

Additionally, the funds also provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, shoe covers, head covers, masks, respirators, and eye protection gear to public health service workers through the company’s NGO partners.

Further as part of the fight against COVID-19, Amway India also developed ‘Personal Hand Sanitizer Gel’ to support the frontline workers, it added.

Central Bank of India today said it has in collaboration with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance donated 1,000 raincoats to the Maharashtra Police to protect from monsoon rains. In a statement, Central Bank of India Managing Director and CEO

Central Bank of India today said it has in collaboration with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance donated 1,000 raincoats to the Maharashtra Police to protect from monsoon rains.

In a statement, Central Bank of India Managing Director and CEO Pallav Mohapatra said the small contribution is an attempt to express gratitude to the “unwavering hard work of the Maharashtra police”.

Bajaj Allianze General Insurance Head (Bancassurance) Alpana Singh lauded efforts of the police department during the COVID-19. “We are with them and will be there to support in any manner possible.”

Thanking the two companies for goodwill gesture, Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Sangramsinh Nishandar said the raincoats will be a great aid in keeping the force dry as they follow out there duties through the rain riddled season.

“Central Bank of India has always been a great supporter to the Maharashtra Police Department and we look forward to strengthening bonds in the future as well,” he said.

Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, LG Electronics India today announced a donation of Rs 1 crore to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) for the welfare of war widows and disabled servicemen. The company, in a statement, said the fund will be

Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, LG Electronics India today announced a donation of Rs 1 crore to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) for the welfare of war widows and disabled servicemen.

The company, in a statement, said the fund will be contributed as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative ‘Kar Salaam’ that was started three years ago to salute the soldiers’ spirit of generous contribution and service towards the nation.

Under this initiative, LG Electronics will donate 1 crore to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) under the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) Secretariat, it said.

AFFDF is dedicated towards welfare of war widows, children of martyr’s, war disabled soldiers and ex-servicemen.

Commenting on the initiative, LG Electronics India Managing Director Young Lak Kim said: “Through this initiative, we at LG Electronics pledge to stand in gratitude with the Indian Armed Forces for assuring a fearless and safe life for us, while protecting our borders.

“By contributing to Armed Forces Flag Day fund, we contribute towards the welfare of the dependents of our brave martyrs and their families. This is a small step on behalf of LG Electronics, this Independence Day, saluting the brave armed forces of India.”

KSB Officiating Secretary Captain (IN) Rakesh Shukla said, “We are thankful to brands like LG Electronics for extending this generous support. Every effort counts and we would urge more corporates to come forward and join the cause.”

Drug maker Lupin spent Rs 34.2 crore on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the 2019-20 fiscal, only about 62 percent of the prescribed CSR budget. During the year, the company ought to have spent Rs 55.51 crore on CSR activities

Drug maker Lupin spent Rs 34.2 crore on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the 2019-20 fiscal, only about 62 percent of the prescribed CSR budget.

“During the year, the company ought to have spent Rs 55.51 crore on CSR activities. The actual spend was Rs 34.2 crore,” the company said in its annual report.

Despite best efforts, the company has been unable to execute its ambitious plan of setting up a state-of-the-art JCI and NABH accredited hospital in Mumbai as it could not identify a suitable plot, it said.

Lupin however said “it aims to continuously increase its CSR spend and is constantly exploring new areas/activities, particularly deeper sustainable projects to accelerate the spend.”

During the 2020-21 fiscal, the company will also make CSR spends towards the relief efforts for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic, including contributions to the PM CARES Fund, it added.

The company is implementing CSR initiatives through Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF) which was established in 1988. It focuses on economic, social, infrastructure development and natural resource management.

LHWRF has a presence in 4,546 villages located in 63 blocks of 23 districts spread across nine states in India. It operates through 20 centers.

FMCG firm Godrej Consumer Product Ltd (GCPL) has spent Rs 19.49 crore on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the 2019-20 fiscal year, about 23 percent lower than the mandated amount of Rs 25.34 crore

FMCG firm Godrej Consumer Product Ltd (GCPL) has spent Rs 19.49 crore on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the 2019-20 fiscal year, about 23 percent lower than the mandated amount of Rs 25.34 crore.

The CSR provision requires affected companies to spend at least 2 percent of their average net profits made in the preceding three years on CSR.

GCPL’s CSR spending stood at Rs 21.87 crore in the 2018-19 fiscal year.

In its annual report, the company said its average net profit in the last three fiscal years was Rs 1,267 crores and prescribed CSR budget was Rs 25.34 crore for the 2019-20 fiscal.

“A total of Rs 19.49 crore was spent, against the mandated amount of Rs 25.34 crore. The unspent amount is Rs 5.85 crore,” the company said.

The CSR Committee has approved that the unspent funds be carried forward to the 2020-21 fiscal in addition to the prescribed 2 percent CSR budget for 2020-21, it said.

According to GCPL, projects worth this amount had been sourced and committed, with signed MoUs and deliverables agreed during the financial year itself.

“In order to ensure proper utilization of funds and high-quality results from our CSR initiatives, we believe in funding projects on tranche basis. The whole grant is not given upfront in advance and is instead given in stages when certain milestones are achieved,” it said.

This led to an underspend of Rs 5.85 crore during the financial year. The Company is committed to spend the unspent funds specifically for the selected projects in 2020-21, it added.

The company spent CSR funds on livelihood enhancement projects, promoting preventive healthcare, rural development projects, environment sustainability, education and traditional arts during 2020-21.

About 80 per cent of GCPL’s product portfolio comprises health, hygiene, and value for money product.

The industry should not shy away from spending its CSR fund as it would help make India a better place for present and future generations, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur said today. He also said that the government

The industry should not shy away from spending its CSR fund as it would help make India a better place for present and future generations, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur said today.

He also said that the government has made several changes in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) law to de-criminalise certain provisions.

Without taking name, Thakur said that a multi-national company which had not spent close to Rs 500 crore in the last two years as part of its CSR activities was issued notice earlier after which it was “happy” to spend that money at that time.

But now when the government has de-criminalised certain provisions, it is “running away again from spending that money”.

“On one hand, we help the corporate so that they do not need to go through this pain of criminal sections, but on the other hand.. if the companies are making millions, not only millions but billions out of India…why they do not want to spend that money on the Indians,” he said in a Ficci webinar on CSR.

“So that is why at times the government is forced to bring in such kind of sections into the CSR. So my request to all of you is that it is our responsibility towards our nation, towards our public, and I am sure all of you, who have contributed immensely, will contribute more and bring more people out of poverty and make India a better place for present and future generations,” he added.

The minister also requested the industry to create more awareness to contain pollution of rivers and also help the government in its fight against coronavirus.

On rising pollutant levels in rivers like Yamuna and Ganga post lockdowns, the minister said that lesser pollution in rivers in the last two months showed that it is the industry which was the main source of pollution.

He said it is a sign from the nature so the focus should not be only on making profits but also on contributing in a different manner.

“Start affluent treatment plants, do not throw waste into the rivers or fields. This is putting more burden on hospitals….it is not good for India,” Thakur added.

The Minister also said that CSR is an opportunity to work with like-minded partners for the betterment of the society at large. Business cannot be successful if the society around you does not prosper.

A well planned and well-executed CSR activity can help in fostering a strong bond between the company and its people. It also helps in developing a deeper human connection, he said, adding that consumers now are also aware and they like to align with companies that invest their time, money and efforts in creating a sustainable environment for all.

Thakur said that CSR is the most pertinent means for corporates to connect with their audience. Setting up a plant at any location, not only helps the immediate locality but the country at large by the industry’s contribution in uplifting and helping the poor.

He added that corporate from diverse sectors have been recognized and rewarded today for contributing towards social good.

In the unprecedented times of COVID-19, the Minister said the government has responded decisively with a strong approach and the need is to strengthen participation from the private sector.

“I would urge each one of you, to do your bit in this battle against coronavirus,” he added.

The Minister was speaking at the 18th FICCI CSR Awards virtual presentation ceremony where 8 companies were conferred with the FICCI CSR Awards and 18 finalists were acknowledged with an appreciation Plaque.

Speaking about the CSR awards, FICCI President Sangita Reddy said that the applicant companies showcased exemplary CSR projects being implemented in remote parts of India on issues ranging from skill development for marginalised youth, to digital and financial inclusion of women, to access to quality education for children with disabilities, creating livelihood through environmentally sustainable strategies.

“I am delighted to share that FICCI was the first business chamber in India to recognise the importance of CSR for inclusive and sustainable development of India in the background of a globalised world,” she added.

FICCI CSR & Community Development Committee and FICCI-Aditya Birla CSR Centre of Excellence Chairperson Rajashree Birla said that this is the time to focus on redesigning and creating market-based solutions to alleviate poverty.

“This is the time for new innovations, potentially transformative solutions that complement and tackle social issues, fuel economic growth and make a difference to the lives of 1.3 billion people,” she said, adding that coordinated effort amongst stakeholders is needed to emerge out of the pandemic situation.

Birla said the CSR platform, through leveraging the demographic dividend that the rural and urban poor offer, can be a good vehicle for this transformative growth trajectory.

“This way we could see that the goods are produced locally and consumed globally. In doing so, we will be aligning well with the Prime Minister’s call for the promotion of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” she added.

Mumbai-based tyre manufacturing company Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) today said it has reached out with relief material to 4 lakh affected people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic across the country. The company has distributed cooked meals

Mumbai-based tyre manufacturing company Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) today said it has reached out with relief material to 4 lakh affected people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic across the country.

The company has distributed cooked meals, daily needs packets, crucial hospital equipment and important preventative gear to front line workers in a bid to prevent the spread of the disease.

In a statement, BKT said it has distributed specially cooked meals to over 4,00,000 people in collaboration with the NGO Akshaya Patra. This activity was carried out by the BKT team members located in various parts of India with the help of BKT distribution partners as well as the local district administration.

In addition to the distribution of cooked meals, food aid and daily needs packets were provided by BKT in various parts of the country, including in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, it said.

More than 3,00,000 kg of wheat flour, 60,000 litres of cooking oil, 60,000 kg of lentils, 60,000 kg of salt, 1,20,000 kg of rice, 60,000 kg of sugar, 60,000 kg of spice bags and 60,000 bottles of soap were distributed.

BKT, in collaboration with SIN and Monte Bianco Apparel Brands, donated 25,000 PPE kits to medical staff treating COVID-19 patients, consisting of a protective suit with hood, a face shield, a mask, a pair of gloves and shoe covers.

BKT alos supplied 12 number of Hemodynamic monitors at a total cost of Rs 1,15,20,000 to Tata Memorial Hospital. These monitors are an important part of the ventilators, which are the lifesaving critical equipment used for patients suspected or diagnosed with COVID19 infections.

The staff of BKT provided concrete support to the relief funds by gifting a day’s salary and raising Rs 10,000,000. This amount was doubled by the Chairman of the board, Arvind Poddar to ensure help for as many affected people as possible.

Speaking about the donation, BKT Joint Managing Director Rajiv Poddar said: “This is a time when humanity should triumph over everything else, and we have put in great effort to help ease the plight of people all over the country, so we can all come out stronger.”

Since its inception, BKT has actively donated to several noteworthy causes such as education, relief for farmers amongst others and will continue to do so actively and passionately.

The BKT group manufactures an extensive and modern range of off-highway tires specifically for vehicles operating in agricultural, industrial, earthmoving, mining, port, ATV and gardening industries. BKT’s innovative solutions entail over 2,700 different products sold in more than 160 countries worldwide.