First Regional Conclave on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) organised

The first Regional Conclave on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is being organised by the CSR Hub in collaboration with Cochin Shipyard at Cochin in India on January 16, 2012. It is being chaired by Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) D.R.S. Chaudhary. This Conclave is the first of a series of Regional Conclaves being organised with Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) located in each region, in the next couple of months.

The Regional Conclaves on CSR aim to engage various stakeholders in an interactive discussion on further evolving CSR activities in a synergetic manner for inclusive growth and development of the society. All CPSEs will be required to participate in these conclaves to highlight the CSR activities being undertaken by them, share their views and experiences and give suggestions on making the CSR guidelines more clear, robust, effective and in tune with the trends and best practices in the fields.

A host of other issues are also slated for discussions in the regional workshops. Constitution of regional groups of CPSEs and formulation of a strategy for evolving a rapid response mechanism in case of emergencies and disasters is one such issue likely to come up for discussion. A Core Committee comprising of Director, CSR Hub and the CSR Heads of nine CPSEs, like, ONGC, GAIL, NTPC, BHEL, CIL, NMDC, OIL, Goa Shipyard and the Cochin Shipyard has been constituted to assist DPE in compiling and coalescing the suggestions that will crystallize from the discussions of the Regional Workshops.

The Secretary, DPE has also written to the Chief Secretary of every State to ensure active participation of the States in the Conclave. The State Governments play a vital role as stakeholders in CSR activities and also as facilitators in their selection, planning and successful implementation. An important issue on which the views of the State Governments are eagerly solicited is the evolving of a transparent and effective consultative mechanism between CPSEs and State Government/District Administrations for identifying developmental activities to be undertaken under CSR by the public sector.

CSR is an integral component of good governance. Although many CPSEs have done commendable work in CSR, some CPSEs have been found wanting in the desired level of initiative in this regard. Director, CSR Hub has informed the DPE that so far only 4 CPSEs have registered their CSR activities with the Hub. Even those CPSEs which have done considerable work in CSR have not registered their activities. The CSR guidelines of DPE clearly stipulate that all CSR/activity undertaken by a CPSE are to be registered with the Hub so as to be considered part of rating the performance of the CPSE for their annual MoU evaluation. The DPE has informed the CPSEs that it would not be in a position to give credit to any CSR activity not registered at the Hub, and as advised, all CPSEs to register and update their activities accordingly.