Update Archives - CSR TIMES

GAIL INDIA LTD. CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF FLAGSHIP CSR PROJECT – ‘GAIL UTKARSH

January 5, 2025

In a world where opportunities often remain out of reach for the deserving, GAIL (India) Limited has taken a bold step to rewrite the narrative. Guided by its unwavering dedication to creating a brighter and more equitable future, GAIL has made education the cornerstone of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vision. Recognizing that quality education holds the key to unlocking potential and driving sustainable development, GAIL’s initiatives address the most pressing challenges faced by underserved communities— education, employment, and healthcare. At the heart of these efforts lies a flagship program that is nothing short of transformative: GAIL Utkarsh. GAIL Utkarsh: Igniting the Spark of Ambition Launched in 2009, GAIL Utkarsh is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for economically disadvantaged yet immensely talented students. By targeting aspiring engineers from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, this initiative opens the doors to India’s most prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs. Through

INTEGRATING SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS INTO THE CSR AGENDA IN 2025

January 3, 2025

In 2025, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as more than a moral compass; it is now a fundamental pillar of business strategy. With the world facing escalating challenges such as climate change, inequality, and dwindling natural resources, organizations are embracing their role as agents of change. This shift reflects a confluence of societal expectations, regulatory pressures, and the rising importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks alongside the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From philanthropy-driven origins, CSR has evolved into a sophisticated approach that integrates social and environmental priorities into the very fabric of business operations. Let’s explore how forward-thinking companies are using innovation to address global challenges while creating long-term value, supported by case studies of industry leaders setting benchmarks for sustainability. CSR’s Transformation in 2025 Historically rooted in charitable donations and community welfare initiatives, CSR has grown into a strategic necessity for businesses. In 2025,

Goa CSR Authority

March 22, 2024

A Bridge Connecting Corporations, Institutions, and Society The Goa CSR Authority was formed and set up by the Government of Goa with the noble ideal of filling in the gaps in the existing system of governance. In this journey, it wanted the corporate and public sector units and society to work together to achieve the desired objectives. The Goa CSR Authority was formed as a Society to undertake and facilitate CSR activities of Companies under Rule 4(2) (b) of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021. The area of operations of the society is restricted to the State of Goa. The aims and objectives of the society includes: 1) Bringing in adequate clarity on the new CSR regime and rules.2) Creation of a CSR Fund with the contribution of various companies.3) Ensuring the contribution of various companies as per the provisions of the Companies Act 2013.4) Channelizing CSR contributions

Goa CSR Authority: Interview with Shri Pramod Sawant

March 12, 2024

The Goa Government has undertaken a revolutionary step by creating a Goa CSR authority with all the relevant registration and government statutory requirements to enable corporations to donate their CSR funds through the authority. Speaking to CSR Times, the Honorable Shri Pramod Sawant explains the government’s thinking behind this move. Why was Goa CSR Authority formed?Over the years, numerous companies based in Goa and outside Goa have been consistently working shoulder to shoulder along with various Departments in Goa Administration and in collaboration with local NGOs and various clubs. They have been mainly working in the field of health especially during Covid outbreak, Education, Women Empowerment and Skill Development. All these works worth crores of rupees were being done in a piece meal manner and no account of such assets was kept at one place. Also, maintenance was always our concern. I therefore felt that a proper institutional arrangement should

Sustainability is the Core of Corporate Social Responsibility

March 8, 2024

As a child, all of us have been taught by our parents or grandparents at home that sustainability is based on a simple principle that everything we need for our survival and well-being depends, directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Once we grow as adults and begin to look for earning our livelihoods, we tend to dilute those basic principles, learnt as children, forgetting that sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. That is at the individual level. The same example can be applied to companies that grow for big corporate houses. By aligning CSR initiatives with global sustainability goals, businesses can contribute meaningfully to the well-being of all stakeholders and the world we inhabit. CSR acts as a guiding force, urging companies to generate value for

Representation of Women in Politics is Crucial

March 5, 2024

“In times to come, the representation of women in our political decision-making bodies shall play a crucial role in fostering and strengthening the democratic fabric of our nation. It shall ensure that women’s voices are duly heard and their issues are addressed.” Excerpts from an exclusive interaction with CSR Times Team Q1. What are the major achievements of NCW Under your leadership?Throughout my tenure at the National Commission for Women (NCW), I have had the privilege of spearheading numerous initiatives, each aimed at transforming the landscape of support for women across the nation. Among these endeavors, one particular initiative stands out for its profound impact: the establishment of a 24×7 helpline for women. This pivotal service has not only provided essential assistance to expectant mothers, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has also become a lifeline for women in need, ensuring that their grievances are heard

UN GCNI Organized the 18th National Convention

February 23, 2024

“Advancing Sustainable India: Driving Change with Forward Faster 2030”“Bringing up and highlighting the most prudent issues of our times and developing a roadmap for approaching the midpoint of the SDGs target in the Decade of Action” UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), a local arm of the United Nations Global Compact based in New York, convened its 18th National Convention in New Delhi. The convention, titled “Advancing Sustainable India: Driving Change with Forward Faster 2030,” aimed to address pressing issues and chart a course towards achieving the mid-point targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Decade of Action. With only 15% of SDGs currently on track for 2030, the event focused on key themes from the United Nations Global Compact’s Forward Faster 2030 initiative, urging businesses to take proactive steps towards effecting change and aspiring to higher ambitions. The convention’s plenary sessions highlighted corporate efforts to