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 from various Government PSUs as well as Private sector companies for the development of a CSR fund and optimum utilization of this CSR fund through a sustainable mechanism.
5) Channelizing the CSR fund in line with the sectoral priorities of the Government.
6) Channelizing CSR funds for the development of backward talukas and vulnerable groups in Goa.
7) Ensuring full CSR compliance as per Section 135, Companies Act 2013 for all Companies contributing to the CSR fund The Goa State government has inked many agreements with corporate entities and institutions to actively support and engage in initiatives across various sectors in Goa, such as education, skill development, social welfare, environment, and health.
Recently, discussions have begun for a possible tie-up with CSR Times to highlight the achievements of the Goa CSR Authority.
The Goa CSR Authority formalized Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent organizations, including the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Aether Energy, Central Institute for Indian Languages (CIIL), and Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII).
Chief Minister of Goa Shri Pramod Sawant emphasized the establishment of the CSR Authority to streamline and oversee Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, ensuring their effective and timely execution with the collaboration of corporate entities and institutions both within and outside Goa. He commended Goa for emerging as a frontrunner in CSR activities, positioning the state as a potential flag bearer for such initiatives across the country.
Underlining the significance of these partnerships, Sawant announced that NIMHANS would extend support in stress management, teacher education, and life skills in alignment with the new education policy (NEP) of 2020.
Expressing enthusiasm for collaboration, Chief Minister Sawant expressed a desire to collaborate with CSR TIMES to showcase and highlight CSR activities in Goa, as well as the achievements of the Goa CSR Authority. Prashant Das, the Consulting Editor of CSR TIMES, affirmed a commitment to providing comprehensive coverage of the CSR initiatives led by the Goa CSR Authority.
