VLE CSR
VLE and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
What is CSR? According to the UNIDO3, “Corporate Social Responsibility is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns into their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders. CSR is generally understood as being the way through which a company achieves a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives (Triple-Bottom-Line Approach), while at the same time addressing the expectations of shareholders and stakeholders. In this sense it is important to draw a distinction between CSR, which can be a strategic business management concept, and charity, sponsorships or philanthropy. Even though the latter can also make a valuable contribution to poverty reduction, will directly enhance the reputation of a company and strengthen its brand, the concept of CSR clearly goes beyond that.”
With the passage of the Companies Act, 2013 the mandate for corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been formally introduced to the dashboard of the Boards of Indian companies.
Every single major policy initiative in India has been driven with a perspective that an overwhelming concern for the disadvantaged and marginalised, a multidimensional view of poverty and human deprivation, the focus on our fundamental rights and the need to expand opportunities while ensuring its equal distribution are fundamental for achieving strong human development. But disparity, inequality and the growing divide in our societies define our existence today. The inclusion of the CSR mandate under the Companies Act, 2013 is an attempt to supplement the governments efforts of equitably delivering the benefits of growth and to engage the Corporate World with the country’s development agenda.
According to Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, a minimum of 6,000 Indian companies will be required to undertake CSR projects in order to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 with many companies undertaking these initiatives for the first time. Further, some estimates indicate that CSR commitments from these companies may amount to as much as 20,000 crore INR.
The CSR rules will take effect from 1 April 2014 and they will apply to companies with at least Rs 5 crore net profit, or Rs.1,000 crore turnover ,or Rs.500 crore net worth. Such companies will need to spend 2 per cent of their three-year average annual net profit on CSR activities in each financial year, beginning the next fiscal, 2014-15.
The estimate of CSR obligation looks big, but in reality it will be a small fraction, about 2.5 per cent, of the government spending on social initiatives.
VLE has ongoing CSR projects with the likes of ONGC, ACC Cements, CVR, etc. ……….