INDIACSR organizes CSR of Mining & Power Seminar at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh
INDIACSR News Network
RAIGARH: INDIACSR (India’s Largest CSR Network) organized a seminar (www.seminar.indiacsr.in) focused on Corporate Social Responsibilty (CSR) of Mining and Power sector at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh on 20 July 2012. More than 70 participants from 26 big corporate houses from various part of the country participated in the seminar and discussed their view points and shared best practices on CSR of their organization towards a goal for the betterment of community and surrounding of their production facilities. All the participant appreciated the seminar and contents. Quality driven one day seminar themed “CSR of Mining and Power” raised awareness about the emerging trends in Corporate Social Responsibility and helped to understand how these can be implemented as a tool of socio-economy development of the region, particularly in Raigarh, a one of the most admired industrial area in the state of Chhattisgarh, a fastest growing state in the country. Now business policies of mining & power firms clearly address wider social justice objectives, employment, human rights, sustainable livelihoods, culture and heritage, the need for undertaking social impact assessments, ethical practices and stakeholder and community consultation.
Relevant Report : Seminar on Mining and Power or visit www.seminar.indiacsr.in
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Inaugural Session
Distinguished guests Dr BK Sthapak, Principal Director of OP Jindal Institute of Technology-Raigarh; Navneet Jagatramka, Editor in Chief Ispat Times; RS Dabas, Senior Vice President (HR&CSR) of Jindal Steel & Power Ltd; BK Sriwastwa, Head (CSR,Corporate Communications and Corporate Affairs) of Bharat Aluminum Company Ltd; Panch Ram Miree, Patron of INDIACSR and Rusen Kumar founder & Director of INDIACSR inaugurated the seminar by enlighten the lamp. During the inaugural session P Ram Mohana Rao, Senior Manager (CSR, Rehabilitation & Resettlement and Land Acquisition of Patel Engineering; Sharon Weir , Founder, 4th Wheel; Renuka Singh, Assistant Manager (CSR) of Vedanta Aluminum were present. Rusen Kumar welcomed the guest and speakers by presenting the bouquet.
Rusen Kumar
Director
INDIA CSR
Rusen Kumar, Director, INDIACSR in his welcome note said that it is an exciting time for INDIACSR, as we continue to grow and prosper, keeping ourselves adaptable, motivated, responsive and open to new ideas. He highlighted the objective of the seminar and shared his journey to this achievement. He said that one day quality driven seminar will raise awareness about the emerging trends in Corporate Social Responsibility and to understand how these can be implemented as a tool of socio-economy development of the region, particularly in Raigarh, a one of the most admired industrial area in the state of Chhattisgarh, a fastest growing state in the country. He further added that both the mining & power sectors are major contributor of socio-economic progress of the country. While mining industry is fueling the industrial growth and functioning, power industry is accelerating development in terms of infrastructural development, employment creation, enhancing habitats, flourishing of many other industries and technological advancements. He emphasized that, “mining industry directly affects communities, their resettlement and rehabilitation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of this sector do have more challenges to be effective in all manner and to be more committed to the society, in order to provide sustainability to this industry, in an increasingly competitive business environment. He said that well designed and effectively implemented CSR programs would help Mining & Power companies to safeguard their license to operate, contribute to improve reputation and enhance stakeholder goodwills, including employee engagement and community relations.
Dr BK Sthapak,
Principal Director
OP Jindal Institute of Technology-Raigarh
Well-known educationalist Dr BK Sthapak, Principal Director of OP Jindal Institute of Technology-Raigarh congratulated the organizer of the seminar for choosing a very-very important aspect CSR of Mining and Power, which is occupied the prime position not only in Chhattisgarh but all over the world. Being an educationalist Dr Sthapak gave some views on fundamental aspects of conceptualization of CSR in India. In his inaugural speech Dr Sthapak gave brief historical background of industrialization in the country and involvement of corporate in the development of the nation. He expressed his views on corporate responsibility. Dr BK Sthapak emphasized on corporate success and CSR Sustainability. He said that, the sustainability is essential and very relevant for mining and power sector. Raigarh has attracted investment particularly in mining and power. This is a good time to discuss on corporate responsibility towards community in the perspective of Raigarh. However, the mining in India is also infamous for human right violations and coal based power sector is being criticized for air pollution. He further added that the topic of the seminar is very relevant for Raigarh, which is one of the best place for industrialization. Dr BK Sthapak given wider aspect of suitability issues to the gathering. He also talked about how global warming is effecting badly to human lives. He said that the three elements of nature earth, water and air which has been disturbed by Industrialization all over the globe. Basic urge of the people is to bring about the society up gradation and enhancement of quality of lives. Unfortunately, because of the ever increasing population in the country which we have been faced. This efforts could not be very very perceptible. Dr Sthapak said that CSR is human face of the Industries. Let this face keep on shining. Let this face keep on nurturing.
RS Dabas
Sr. Vice President, Human Resource & CSR
Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, Raigarh
RS Dabas, Sr. Vice President, Human Resource and CSR, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, Raigarh talked on “Leadership in CSR”. He said that companies get transformed from good to great by people and so does our society and the nation at large. The big question, however, is “how do you get people to become visionaries who recognise the larger good over smaller self centered goals. If we understand Industry as a means to serve the interests of our larger communities, then obviously it must be driven by values where CSR is not an activity that is to be undertaken if & when there is profit, but a compulsory business process. When you start this process, people will tell you that the environment is too difficult, corruption is too rife, people are all self centered and the administration does not feel empowered etc. He said, “Well, I wish to tell you that the need is to encourage people who believe in change that facilitates upward mobility, people who will build coalitions, people who believe in pursuing the larger interest rather than simply look out for themselves…. Simply said the real leaders.” A well known motivator and HR expert Mr Dabas highlighted the quality required for true CSR leaders. He pointed out that leadership is about five things- balancing the short & long term, confronting the issues, believing & assuming the responsibility to change, building a team of the “best” people and borrowing great ideas shamelessly & sharing the best practices willfully. Mr Dabas also share about best practices of Jindal Group in Raigarh. He informed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of JSPL has been recognized at the national level. The presentation on CSR activities of JSPL ‘Asha-The Hope’ was commented as Exemplary, and was selected among best three cases which were screened in the CSR case study competition organized by the All India Management Association, New Delhi.
Sharon Weir
Founder
4th Wheel, Ahmedabad
Presentation of Sharon Weir, Founder, 4th Wheel, Ahmedabad was focused on “Where does Corporate India stand in the new age of enlightened Corporate Responsibility?”. She said, the Indian model of CSR commenced with philanthropy which primarily was driven by religious sentiments, family traditions and voluntary contributions, driven by personal motives. With the change in the business environment and increase in FDIs in the liberalization period, the philanthropy model started getting integrated into strategic thinking. “Companies realized that merely by just doing ‘good’ and donating money to social initiatives implied a waste of shareholder’s money. In the new market economy this arrangement is not sustainable in the long run and shareholders will quickly lose interest if their money does not give them tangible results”. Companies realized that corporate success does not only depend on altruistic CSR but development of the local environment through developing appropriate infrastructure, designing the right types and quality of education to future employees, co-operation with local suppliers, development of quality institutions and so on.
Robins Duncan
Director
Habitat for Humanity India, Mumbai
Robins Duncan, Director, Habitat for Humanity India, Mumbai talked about “social welfare and affordable housing”.
He said, housing and the availability of safe and decent structures of shelter which promote healthy living standards besides enabling better education and livelihood opportunities is a challenging need and necessity that confronts our other social welfare measures.
He educated that Habitat for Humanity, believes a simple, decent, affordable home is key to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Each year, Habitat for Humanity builds homes, communities and hope by building and improving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.
Renuka Singh
Asst Manager, CSR
Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Jharsuguda
Renuka Singh, Asst Manager, CSR, Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Jharsuguda presented a case study on “CSR & Women empowerment”. She said that Vedanta Jharsuguda is committed towards raising the quality of life of the communities where it operates through meaningful engagement with them. We aim to empower them economically and socially through our various initiatives. Approach to Empowerment is based on a four-pronged household strategy- empowerment of women through self-help groups; financial inclusion , leadership and Entrepreneurship. Vedanta’s Self Help Group has linked and trained different vocations for livelihood generation to enterprises like mushroom cultivation, poultry, goatry, puffed rice processing, vermi-composting, leaf plate-making, fish-farming and other initiatives. She informed that the women’s owned co-operative, Subhalaxmi Mahila Samabaya Limited (Vedanta Integrated Jan Jivika Yojana), was established with the objective of reaching out to 1,500 households and creating multiple opportunities for income generation and small business enterprises in the nine villages in the project. So far 1,265 members have also enrolled in the Subhalaxmi Cooperative.
Binod Kumar Sriwastwa,
Head CSR, Corporate Affairs & Communications,
BALCO, Korba
Binod Kumar Sriwastwa, Head CSR, Corporate Affairs & Communications, Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) in his presentation showed a overview of Corporate Social Responsibility projects both in Korba and Mines area at Mainpat, Kawardha and Dharmjaigarh Coal Block in Chhattisgarh. He informed that Balco CSR activities are spread over 117 villages of Korba, and more than 2 lakh people are getting benefited from the various sustainable development project in the four districts. Vedanta is investing Rs. 300 crore to establish a world class Vedanta Cancer Hospital and Research Center in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The project is under construction and this is perhaps the biggest investment by private industrial establishments in health services of state. He said that facility in the health sector is being done in Chhattisgarh but its positive impact will be nationwide. He also shared his experience of Vedanta Skill School. Skill School is extending vocational training to youth from state. Youths preferably from BPL families are getting training in the field of Hospitality, Industrial Sewing and Welding. This is the only centre in the CG state where job after training is guaranteed. Vedanta Therapy and Rehabilitation Centre has been established for differently able children. Mid Day Meal Kitchen concept has been launched first time in the state. Initiative is catering for 35,000 students of selected Schools at Korba. Establishment of a new Kitchen of the same capacity is in progress in Surguja. Several projects related to education, health, mother and child care, infrastructure development etc are servicing the community.
P. Ramamohana Rao,
Senior Manager (CSR/R&R/Social Environment),
Patel Engineering Ltd, Hyderabad
Aligned to the theme of the seminar P. Ramamohana Rao, Senior Manager (CSR/R&R/Social Environment), Patel Engineering Ltd, Hyderabad presented a paper titled “Good practices in CSR: A case study of Neyveli Lignite Corporation”. Through a real life case study of Neyveli Lignite Corporation in Tamil Nadu Mr. Rao highlighted how the company has been practicing CSR in its best form for around 6 decades, well integrated with its day to day business and focused on people and the planet. NLC is aware of the three dimensions of the CSR which are specific and conspicuous as natural corollary to its large scale Mining and Power Station Projects, namely The production and supply of electricity at low cost with minimum impact on the environment. The peripheral and community development by regular extra-business contributions to the society and focused individual family oriented economic development. He informed that the Impact of innovative CSR practices adopted by NLC on people, land and peripheral development in different fields education, health, support services, environment protection etc. is emulative worthy by other corporate bodies, both in public & private sectors. Uniquely, NLC Enables and Empowers the local Society for Partnership with the business being established by every New Project.
Navneet Jagatramka
Editor
Ispat Times, Raigarh
Navneet Jagatramka, Editor, Ispat Times, Raigarh in his presentation titled “CSR: What, How and Why” emphasized that corporates are integral part of society hence corporate should actively involved in the uplifment of the community where they have operation and business activities. Corporate are major consumer of natural resources in organized manner so they should share a certain part of the profit for the public services, community development and nation’s development. As a business man it is our duty to serve the society as possible. Mr Jagatramka said that the ethics is about morally correct behavior. Only Corporation can survive who is practicing ethical and transparent way. He said that Raigarh has emerged as industrial and mining hub for the nation. Commenting on new Mines Bill, he said that profit-sharing provisions in the new Mines Bill are aimed at “inclusive growth”. The Bill provides for sharing of 26 percent of profit by coal miners and an amount equivalent to royalty by others with project-affected people. He also highlighted that how various investigations on mining scam in the country are badly affecting mining sector and other industry. He suggested that for the sustainable development of the Raigarh region corporate should follow the Seth Kironimal’s way of philanthropy.
Dayanand Awasthi
AGM-R & R,
Mahatamil Mining and Thermal Energy Ltd, Raigarh
Dayanand Awasthi, AGM-Rehabilitation & Resettlement, Mahatamil Mining and Thermal Energy Ltd, Raigarh presented a case study titled “ R&R and CSR of Mining and Power Firm: With Special Emphasis on Tribal Region”. In his presentation Mr Awasthi highlighted it is mandatory for mining and power industries as well as other industries to follow regulation regarding CSR and R&R so do other industries. So far as corporate are concerned CSR and R&R belonging to the same discipline –Both these deal with the development of the affected community. The difference is Rehabilitation & Resettlement is statuary and its compliance is an absolute necessity or obligation while CSR is designed and modified as per the needs and requirements of the implementer the terms also known as corporate sustainability, Good business practises and good corporate governance etc. Raigarh is fast growing as the power hub of the central India and a lot of thought needs to be given on CSR and R&R to give these a proper direction, approach and intensity. The presentation /Lecture embody five dimensions of CSR implementation and deal with the difficulties and way outs from these difficulties in rehabilitation and resettlement projects. The deference between community development and social welfare will be underlined in this session as well.
Rajesh Sagar
Head CSR
Jindal Power Ltd, Tamnar
Rajesh Sagar, Head CSR, Jindal Power Ltd, Tamnar represented the company and presented a case study based on CSR best practices particularly at Tamnar area of Raigarh district. He showed a documentary on woman empowerment that also highlights Jindal Power woman empowerment initiatives. Health, education and sustainable livelihood enhancement programmes are the primary objectives of the community development process initiated by JPL in and around its plant in Tamnar at Chhattisgarh. He provided CSR summary and said that as part of its corporate philosophy, Jindal Power strongly believes that overall sustainable community development is essential for harmony between the community and the industry. The company endeavors to make a constructive contribution to the underprivileged communities by supporting a wide range of socio-economic, educational and health initiatives. Commitment to address significant societal needs extends through its philanthropic outreach programmes driven by the O.P. Jindal Samaj Kalyan Samiti, a social arm of the Jindal Power, formed for the purpose of improving, guiding and inspiring the lives of the underprivileged through different capacity building programmes. Samiti believes its prime task is to understand the perceptions and expectations of all its stakeholders and open up a dialogue with them. While communities have been its primary stakeholder, Samiti has included all those engagement in the mission of development.
Programme covered following topics:
Social Responsibility Standards, corporate Governance and management system
Community empowerment and capacity building
CSR fund and infrastructure development
CSR and woman empowerment
Human rights in the context of mining
Rights of tribal people and Mining
Rehabilitation and Resettlement in Mining and Power
Fair labor and operation practices
Measuring, monitoring and reporting social performance
Dealing with community conflict and grievances
Sustainability: The Emerging Scenario
Partnerships for Social Progress
Engaging Society, Enhancing Competitiveness through CSR
Strategies to Engage Society More and Enhance Competitiveness
Business Ethics and CSR
Corporate Governance and CSR
Mainstreaming Responsible Business and Competitiveness; Role of the Public Policy
Rethinking the Social Bottom line
Capacity Creation not just philanthropy.
Participant from Following organizations:
District Trade and Industries Center-Raigarh, NTPC Ltd, Jindal Steel & Power, Jindal Power, Vedanta Aluminum, Bharat Aluminum Company Ltd, Moser Baer Power Projects, Solid Solar-Gautam Polymers, Vandana Global Ltd, Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd, Korba West Power Company Ltd (Avantha Group), Jayaswal Neco Industries Ltd, MSP Steel & Power, Anjani Steel & Power, Mekko Steel & Power, Mahatamil Mining & Energy Ltd, Patel Engineering Ltd, Ispat Times, Utkal Mail, Kushagrata News Paper, OP Jindal Institute of Technology, Janmitram, 4th Wheel, Habitat for Humanity, Wockhardt Foundation, Care India, IcoLabs Pvt Ltd, INDIACSR.