As Joint CEO, what are your key responsibilities within the Goa CSR Authority?
The Joint CEO, plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing a Goa Government CSR strategy which involves a broad range of responsibilities that require strategic vision, operational management, and stakeholder engagement.
The Joint CEO is the de facto head of the administration of the Goa CSR Authority. The Joint CEO shall have control of the affairs of the society and shall have the authority to exercise and discharge his duties according to the aims and objectives of the society.
The Joint CEO regularly tracks the progress against goals and identifies areas for improvement; he also prepares and presents detailed CSR reports to the government and ensures various compliances as mandated by the legal framework are adhered to.
The Joint CEO is also responsible for channeling the CSR contribution from various government PSUs as well as private sector companies for the optimum utilization of the CSR funds through sustainable mechanisms. As a leader, the Joint CEO provides leadership and guidance to the CSR Authority and other departments involved in CSR activities.
How do you collaborate with corporations and NGOs to ensure the successful implementation of CSR initiatives in Goa?
Collaborating with corporations and NGOs to ensure the successful implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives involves strategic planning, clear communication, and effective management. The government created the Goa CSR Authority to enable corporations to channelise their CSR funds through the authority. Since the formation of the Goa CSR Authority, it has been making all-out efforts in the creation of its own identity. It has been striving hard to reach out to various corporations/PSUs, central government institutions, etc. to motivate them to contribute CSR funds towards various sectors of the economy across the state.
The Goa CSR Authority has been closely coordinating with corporations and institutions involved in environmental and social sectors of development and has been successful in getting corporations and institutions on board to invest in environmental and social issues.
The Goa CSR Authority has been successful in getting CSR projects approved and executed through various corporates, PSUs, and central government institutions. The Authority has organized a Goa CSR Conclave, which was witnessed and participated in by more than 100 corporate houses, PSUs, government institutions, and private sectors.
The conclave started producing acceptance and contribution from the corporations and government institutions for the noble cause in the areas of education, skill, entrepreneurship, environment, health, and energy within a month from the date the conclave was being held.
Also, various corporations, PSUs, and central government institutions approach the Goa CSR Authority to explore the possibilities of contributing its CSR funds to the socio-economic development of the state.
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with corporate houses and institutions to participate in education, skill development, social, environmental, and health sectors, among others. These MoUs shall have a positive impact across diverse fields, with visible results expected in the coming years.
What is your long-term vision for CSR in Goa?
The Goa CSR Authority is mandated for the optimum utilization of the CSR contributions from government PSUs and private sector companies for the development of the state and to benefit the people at large. The government has always strived towards all-round development of the state, covering various spheres in the fields of education, agriculture, women empowerment, skill development, and health, cutting across various social strata reflecting human-centric progress to ensure that the fruits of development reach the last mile, i.e., Antyodatya, Gramodaya, and Sarvodaya. The government contends with making Goa a model state for sustainable development.
What are the challenges you face in promoting and implementing CSR activities in Goa?
The Companies Act, 2013, mandates that eligible corporations allocate 2% of their profits towards CSR initiatives. Being a small state and having limited industries, alignment across all levels of an organization, and finding a suitable company to fund a particular type of project can be challenging. Over the years, numerous companies based in Goa and outside Goa have been consistently working shoulder to shoulder with various departments in Goa administration and collaborating with local NGOs and various clubs. They have been mainly working in the fields of health, especially during the COVID outbreak, education, women’s empowerment, skill development, and health. All these works worth crores of rupees are being done in a piecemeal manner, and no account of such assets is kept in one place.
Therefore, a proper institutional arrangement was made under the government so that assets created under the CSR initiative are taken care of at both the stages of implementation and maintenance. The Goa CSR Authority has been receiving quality responses from reputed central government institutions, banks, industry, and other corporations.
Also, measuring the impact of CSR initiatives can be complex, especially for social and environmental outcomes that are not easily quantifiable. Developing accurate metrics and methodologies can be challenging.
How important are partnerships with private companies in achieving the Authority’s CSR goals?
Private Companies are the most important partners in the journey of development. Partnerships with private companies play a crucial role in achieving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals. These collaborations can amplify impact, provide valuable resources, and foster innovation. The dedication and commitment of private players towards social responsibility are truly commendable. Corporate Social responsibility is not merely a legal obligation or a checkbox for corporations or institutions; it is a powerful tool for social change.
CSR offers a bridge between corporate growth and community well-being. When institutions invest in the welfare of the community, they not only enhance their brand reputation but also contribute to the social and economic upliftment of the regions they operate in. The Government is committed in providing the necessary support, whether it be through facilitation, clearances, or partnerships, to ensure that CSR investments yield meaningful and lasting outcomes.
Together, we can build a nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and every community is empowered to achieve its full potential.
What upcoming initiatives or projects can we expect from the Goa CSR Authority shortly?
The Goa CSR Authority has a clear mandate to channel CSR initiatives effectively and has been instrumental in driving various initiatives across the state. From education and healthcare to environmental sustainability, women empowerment, and infrastructure development, the Goa CSR Authority has been working relentlessly to ensure that every rupee spent through CSR makes a tangible difference in the lives of our people.
The following projects have been submitted for consideration to various corporations/PSUs and central government institutions, such as the Construction of residential hostel & School building for children with intellectual disabilities with all modern amenities. Procurement of medical equipment, including ophthalmic equipment; upgrading of the pediatric neurorehabilitation center (PNRC); Procurement of ambulances; Setting up of an intensive care unit; setting up of a center of Excellence in Endoscopic skull base surgeries. Setting up of STEM Labs, Astronomy labs, and Computer labs in Government Schools and establishment of a talent center in Goa under Green initiative, installation of a solar roof Panel for all Government Institutions and buildings, Setting up a charging station for EV vehicles, Setting up of capacity-building training center for skill training and Entrepreneurship Development for Women and Youth of Goa, Upgradation of all Government ITIs under Skill Development and installation of floating trash barriers to arrest plastics and other trash in the rivers of Goa.
