Union Minister advocates clubbing of MPLADS, CSR funds

Hyderabad, Nov 29 (INN): The Two Day National meet, held on theme 'Sustainability for inclusive growth' organized by New Delhi based NGO Greentech Foundation, concluded Saturday night here in HICC.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Y.S. Chowdary was the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony. He later presented the Greentech Lifetime Achievement Award to CMD of Neyveli Lignite Corporation Sarat Kumar Acharya.

Addressing the gathering, Y.S. Chowdary said anything sustainable is an important issue. The new companies act made 2 per cent after tax as mandatory to be spent on CSR by certain companies depends on their turnovers. Which means, effectively 2.6 per cent is the out flow to the company, since it is after the tax. So must be made us a expenditure, he said.

Chowdary suggested that MPLADS funds, coupled with the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds of the corporate companies, be directed towards implementation of government schemes. These combined efforts will create sustainable organization he said.

Corporate India needs to focus on four key areas for development of rural areas, such education, health care, employment and agriculture, Chowdary said, Government schemes have not been 'sustainable' over the years, as evident through the BPL figures in the country.

India is a developing country. It has all facilities, but only in its urban pockets. Its rural part is still languishing in poverty and deprivation, and the CSR activity should be directed towards addressing, he said. Once healthcare is addressed production will go up.

He also suggested that the Service industry which has potential in our country, should come under CSR.

Taking example of education it is well funded in many developed countries. They are self sustainable. But, that is not the case in our country. Take for instance, universities at least in Andhra Pradesh, he said despite decades of existence, they still depend on government for budgetary support, while in the West, universities are run through corporate endowments, he said. NGOs have huge potential to engage in delivery of service, and women should come forward to lead such initiatives, he added.

R. K. Dubey, Former CMD, Canara Bank, Dr. R. K. Suri, Former Director, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India also graced the closing function.

Speaking to the occasion Kamleshwar Sharan, President, Greentech Foundation said Like Car Free Day observed in Delhi and Car Free Thursday in Hyderabad, we can have 'Once in a week, three Hour No Current and No AC usage' concept .

The Conference had a mix of 200 specialists, professionals and practitioners from across India. During the two day's conference the participants discussed on the topics: Best Practices; Water and Wastewater Treatment; Waste Prevention & Recycling; Solid Waste Treatment & Disposal; Emissions Control Technologies; Natural Resources Conservation; Challenges in CSR Implementation; CSR : Measuring Impact; Strategic CSR and Competitive Advantage.