Monthly Newsletter VOL IV March, 2015 CSR...

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Monthly Newsletter CSR Committee

VOL IV March, 2015

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Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM), a national campaign by the Government of India, seeks to achieve the goal of Clean India in next five years. We need to make Mahatma Gandhi’s wish of making India - A clean and hygienic India come true by working proactively.

“Ek Kadam Swachhta ki Or”- With this objective CSR Committee of PHD Chamber co-partnered with India CSR and organized Indian Sanitation Summit on 6 Feb 2015 at PHD house, New Delhi. Among the dignitaries present were Shri. HK Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RDPR), Govt. of Karnataka; Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder; Sulabh International Social Service Organization who delivered the key note address. Mr. Tushar A Gandhi, Managing Trustee Mahatma Gandhi Foundation and other prominent thought leaders marked their presence and shared their valuable thoughts.

To guide corporate and NGOs about technical procedure CSR work implementation and execution a session named - A Talk on CSR was organized on 18th Feb, 2015. Mr. Prashant Mukund Das, Vice President Operations at ISKCON Food Relief Foundation and Prof. Ramesh Bhat, Professor, IIM Ahmedabad was the main speakers of the lecture session.

Apart from the social responsibility, corporate are liable to spent 2% for CSR activity out of their profits. Therefore it becomes a important activity for the corporate sector.

You are requested to give the articles/case studies on CSR projects and I look forward to your guidance and recommendations.

Dr. Suresh Goyal

Chairman

CSR Committee

PHD Chamber

Chairman’s Message

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While announcing the Budget 2015, Finance Minister, Shri. Arun Jaitley announced 100 percent tax exemption in Corporate Social Responsibility activities related to Clean

Ganga Fund and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. This exemption is provided to the corporate and PSUs for their enhanced and motivated involvement in all the activities related to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Clean Ganga campaign. Till now only the donations to Prime Minister's

National Relief Fund were under exemption. So far only 1.4 % contribution has been reported in the CSR activities which is very less as was expected. The companies were asked for detailed reporting of the CSR activities done by them along with the money spent. The

government has realized that the expenditure for CSR activities was not utilized for the Business growth but for the welfare of the society and hence it should be made tax free completely. In October 2014 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Clean Ganga

Mission were launched under social welfare works. The plan of providing deduction in the tax was done for sustainable and prolonged involvement of the companies for societal good. PM n 2 October, 2014. PIB

Under The Companies Act, 2013 the companies are required to spend 2 per cent of their net profit on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. But the Income Tax Act does not provide for any incentives for such expenditure.

Tax exemption for contribution in Swachh Bharat, Clean Ganga

In October 2014 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Clean Ganga Mission were launched under social welfare works. The plan of providing deduction in the tax was done for sustainable and prolonged involvement of the companies for societal good.

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Adarsh Gram Yojna

Page 3

Nellore district to become a CSR center for 40 industries

The district officials in Nellore have started discussions with several industries which are interested in boosting up their CSR activities in

the Nellore district with regard to Smart Village and Smart Ward concept. Government has targeted around 40 industries which will support the developmental activities financially. Discussions about the future initiatives are also under consideration. However some of the existing industries are already working for

activities like drinking water supply, medical and health camps, distribution of medicines and so on in the district. Furthermore ,these industries will now spend in basic infrastructure in the rural areas in activities like school infrastructure, development of roads, school facilities, roads and expansion of drinking water supply in the area.

These industries are engaged in the areas like edible oils, refined vegetable oils, steel, biomass, footwear etc.

In Nellore the State Government has targeted around 40 industries which will support the developmental activities financially. Discussions about the future initiatives are also under consideration.

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Gujarat CM released 'Small but meaningful: CSR in practice' book

With the increasing importance of Corporate Social

Responsibility, Chief Minister of Gujarat Smt Anandiben Patel released a book titled ‘Small but meaningful: CSR in practice’. This book written by retired IAS officers Shri Maheshwar Sahu and Shri Jeevan Prakash Mohanty provided the details of various CSR activities followed by big corporate in India.

Smt Anandiben Patel also spoke about the significance of CSR for the development of a nation/state like Gujarat. She shared that one has to understand his responsibility towards society with regard to education, nutrition, hygiene and health of people. Imparting good habits among children is equally important.

She emphasized on the need of three upcoming areas which would lead to progress of state and people both viz: coming up with automated kitchens under Akshay Patra, building 100% toilets across the state in next three years and ensuring eradication of malnutrition from Gujarat.

Smt. Anandiben Patel shared that one has to understand his responsibility towards society with regard to education, nutrition, hygiene and health of people. Imparting good habbits among children is equally important.

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Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship has recently inaugurated a CSR Hub for skill training and promoting entrepreneurship and livelihood in the Northeastern region. The Union Minister of State for MSME, Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated the CSR Hub. Seeing the wide scope of development in the eight states Shri Giriraj

Singh invited several corporates for investments in various fields. There are many opportunities for economic development for the local entrepreneurs in resource-based sectors like food processing, sericulture and handloom and handicrafts of the North-East region.

Through the CSR hub the corporates both private and public sector could impart skill training, entrepreneurship building, support livelihood clusters, provide solar energy solutions, create model villages and promote rural entrepreneurs in the NER at local level to lead them towards the growth. Mr. Manoj Das, Director IIE, shared that IIE is already working on several CSR projects

with Oil India Ltd and with India Infrastructure Finance Corporation. Mr. Das also gave ideas where PSUs can spend like ‘one village one product model’ for simple elevation of rural entrepreneurship in one village. .

Through CSR hub the corporates both private and public sector could impart skill training, entrepreneurship building, support livelihood clusters, provide solar solutions, create model villages and promote rural entrepreneurs in the NER at local level to lead them towards the growth.

CSR HUB in NER – an initiative by Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship

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Four new categories in revised Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar plan

For enhancind involvement of coroprates in sports sector, the Sports Ministry has revised the scheme of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar. The scheme was launched in the year 2009 for promotion of involvement of corporate and sports boards in the development of degrading sports in the country.

As per the new plan the awards will be given based on the four categories given below:

Identification and nurturing of budding talent, Encouragement of sports through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures and Sports for Development

The amendments have been done in the Schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013 by adding Training to promote rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympic sports and Olympic sports. The CSR funds can be utilized for the 'Encouragement of sports through Corporate Social Responsibility' category

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Houses for migrants through CSR under “Housing for All” scheme The Central Government has decided to construct about two crores affordable houses for the poor spending around Rs 13 lakh crore by 2022 residing in towns and cities across India. Authorities have also planed to provide homes on rental basis for a large population of migrants residing in Delhi.

The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has approved this scheme with the rule that the local authorities including municipal bodies will take a charge of all the doings. Authorities have planned to provide separate houses for a period of 2-3 years for some families or dormitories having a monthly earning of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. For the urban areas at least two crore houses will be constructed amounting Rs 7.5 lakhs to Rs 6.5 lakhs each.

Centre will provide funding for one part of investment while one part will be allocated to the corporate under their CSR funds. However a facility of loan at minimal interest rates will also be made available for the migrants.

The ministry has allocated Rs 6,000 crore for this scheme

followed by a survey to get a brief idea about the needs of the

types of houses required. This scheme might be launched at a

larger level through PPP model at the later stage.

The important role of this platform is analysis of CSR spending on various projects along with the Sectoral data. The checking will be done only for those companies who have registered themselves under the Companies Act of 2013.

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Indian Sanitation Summit - 6 February 2015

L-R Mr. Rusen Kumar, Managing Director, IndiaCSR Group; Dr. Suresh Goyal, Chairman, CSR Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Ajay Chaudhary, OSD to Hon’ble LG Delhi; Shri. H K Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Govt of Karnataka; Shri H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Co-Founder of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and President of Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh); Dr. Rana Singh, Co-Founder & CEO, IndiaCSR Group; Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh International; Mr. Tushar A Gandhi, Managing Trustee, Mahatma Gandhi Foundation; Mr. Matteo Rizzi, Global Expertise & Authority, WASH Household Care, Unilever

Dr. Suresh Goyal, Chairman, CSR Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry

CHAMBER THIS MONTH

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CSR Committee in collaboration with India CSR organized a national level India Sanitation Summit with a theme: Sanitation for all – Toilet First at PHD House on 6

Feb 2015. Shri H K Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj

(RDPR), Govt. of Karnataka was the chief guest of the summit. More than 230 delegates

including experts from sanitation industry, CSR experts, entrepreneurs, NGO, NPOs,

corporate foundations, policy makers participated in the summit. Shri H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Co-Founder of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and President of

Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh) was the Guest of honor.

The distinguished guest and speakers in the first session were Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak,

Founder; Sulabh International Social Service Organization who delivered the key note

address; Mr. Tushar A Gandhi, Managing Trustee Mahatma Gandhi Foundation; Mr. Matteo Rizzi, Global Expertise & Authority, WASH Household Care, Unilever, UK; Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala, Trustee and CEO, Wockhardt Foundation, Wockhardt Ltd; Mr. Rusen Kumar, Managing Director, IndiaCSR Group; Mr. Rana Singh, Co-founder and

CEO IndiaCSR Group and Mr. KS Bhatia, Founder-Pumpkart.com ; Dr. Suresh Goyal, Chairman CSR Committee .

The main objective of organizing this summit at such a large level was to discuss and

highlight various issues related to the toilet and sanitation, health, education, women

empowerment and behavioral change for wider social good.

Shri H K Patil while addressing the rural and poor section of the society spoke about the

innovations done under his guidance and support in the state of Karnataka. He spoke

about the new plan of introducing ‘Right to Sanitation’ in Karnataka state. He discussed in

detail the action plan of making Karnataka an open defecation free state by 2018. He also

elaborated about a program called “Shouchalayakkagi Samara” which means crusade for

Toilet Construction initiated in his state which resulted in great results.

Dr. Suresh Goyal shared his thoughts about the importance of stakeholders. He said to

spread awareness NGOs, Corporate Foundations and academic institutions should also

show utmost concern in this endeavor.

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For promotion of new technologies an Exhibition was organized. A Cartoon exhibition on

Sanitation and toilets was also organized to create awareness and share innovative

thoughts of artists and students.

For promotion and appreciation of descent works did by major players in the CSR sector

who have worked in for Sanitation and Health were also awarded in the Award ceremony.

A Talk on CSR – 18 February 2015

Mr. Vinod Bansal Co- Chairman , CSR Committee presenting plant to Mr. Prashant Mukund Das ,Vice President

(Operations) ISKCON Food Relief Foundation

L-R : Prof. Ramesh Bhat, Professor, IIM Ahmedabad; Mr. Prashant Mukund Das ,Vice President (Operations) ISKCON Food Relief Foundation; Mr. Vinod Bansal Co- Chairman , CSR Committee; Mr. Alok B. Shriram, President, PHDCCI & Dr. Suresh Goyal, Chairman CSR Committee

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With a thought of imparting technical knowledge about Corporate Social Responsibility,

CSR Committee organized A Talk on Corporate Social Responsibility on 18 February 2015 at PHD House. The session was attended by 65 participants from various

companies. The participants included HR Directors, NGOs and students form Kashmir

University. Mr. Prashant Mukund Das, Vice President Operations at ISKCON Food

Releif Foundation & Director Strategy of ISKCON and Prof. Ramesh Bhat, Professor, IIM Ahmedabad were the main speakers and delivered their wise thoughts in the lecture.

Mr. Prashant Mukund shared various figures and facts about the current condition of

children and problem of malnutrition in India especially in slums and rural areas. He

discussed in detail about ISKON Food Relief Foundation that has been providing

quality food to the students through food made in 23 kitchens spread across India.

Prof. Ramesh Bhat spoke about the technical and law aspects of CSR. He

discussed in detail the four responsibilities of CSR viz; Economic, Philanthropic,

Legal and Ethical.

Mr. Vinod Bansal, Co- Chairman, CSR Committee deliberated on the role of CSR

professionals in improving the socioeconomic condition of the marginalized.

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For suggestions / queries please contact:

Dr. Jatinder Singh Senior Secretary , CSR Committee

[email protected]

Snigdha Bhushan Management Trainee, CSR Committee

[email protected]

PHD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY PHD House, 4/2 Siri Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi 110016

Tel: 91-11-26863801-04, 49545454 Fax: 91-11-26855450, 49545451 Website: www.phdcci.in E-mail: [email protected]

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Disclaimer

CSR Newsletter is designed to provide information of some recent activities happening in the field of CSR. The information shared in this is for informational and educational purpose only. None of the information should be considered for any kind of advisory services The opinions and interpretations expressed within are those of the author only and may not reflect those of other identified parties.

PHDCCI CSR Task force does not warrant the accuracy and completeness of this newsletter, nor endorse or make any representations about its content. In no event PHDCCI CSR Task force will be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of the use of or reliance on the contents of this newsletter.

Monthly Newsletter VOL IV March, 2015 CSR...

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