The government of Kerala has formulated an appropriate monitoring mechanism for strict adherence to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) laws. Through CSR, companies give something back to society. CSR includes projects or programmes on eradication of hunger, poverty and malnutrition, promoting gender equality, promoting education, empowering women, ensuring environmental sustainability, protecting national heritage, etc. Provisions of the Companies Act govern CSR, 2013 (Act) and Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 (CSR Rules).
Some significant CSR activities undertaken by public sector enterprises and corporations are of academic importance and should be a research subject.
Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd.
Corporate Social Responsibility in KSIDC is the organisation’s commitment to operating economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. While focusing on the overall economic development of Kerala through industrialisation, the corporation intends to consistently contribute to improving the quality of life of its employees, the community, and society.
The objectives of CSR policy in KSIDC are to define CSR projects or programs that KSIDC plans to undertake and that fall within the purview of the Companies Act, 2013, The Companies [CSR] Rules, 2014. Modality of execution of such CSR projects or programmes and monitoring process of such CSR projects or programmes.
Kerala Startup Mission
Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is a nonprofit entity registered under the Society Act 1956. Kerala Startup Mission (Technopark TBI ) is an Incubator approved by the Department of Science and Technology’s National Science and Technology Ent repreneurship Development Board (Ministry of S&T, Govt. of India)
The government of Kerala has supported the Kerala Startup Mission as a state nodal agency since 201. As per the general circular from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (general circular no. 21/2014), government-sponsored incubators are eligible for corporate CSR funds.
The government has introduced several provisions under the Companies Act 2013, enabling corporations to contribute their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to approved TBIs and registered not-for-profit entities that can act as start-up supporting entities in specific areas. Corporates can support KSUM startups through CSR donations and grants. Corporates can deploy their CSR funds towards supporting an innovative idea through KSUM.
Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited
Social and Environmental responsibility has always been at the forefront of KMML’s operating philosophy, and as a result, the company consistently contributes to socially responsible activities. KMML is located amidst a dense population comprising lower and middle-class families, and the functioning of a Chemical Plant demands maximum involvement in CSR activities. Through active CSR programs, the company plays a key role in improving society by engaging in social, environmental, and ethically responsible activities in its governance.
As a responsible corporate entity, KMML regularly contributes to social and environmental causes. The company adopts a long-term sustainable approach while planning various CSR activities. It shall extend the project management and monitoring skills available to a company to the local administration agencies for implementing multiple CSR projects.
