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.
