New Delhi: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not charity but a duty and responsibility towards society, inspired by the highest values of giving back a part of what we have received, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr.Jitendra Singh on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the CSR Dialogue organized by RambhauMhalgiPrabodhini (RMP) in Thane, Maharashtra, to mark a decade of the implementation of the CSR Act, Dr.Jitendra Singh emphasized that social responsibility has been a part of our sanskaar (values) and ancient Indian tradition. The spirit of contributing to the welfare of society is inherent to every Indian individual, but sometimes it needs inspiration, an outlet, and a direction.
Dr.Jitendra Singh highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s appeal to well-off citizens to voluntarily surrender their gas subsidy for the benefit of the deserving and poor as an exemplary demonstration of social responsibility. He noted that 20 crore people gave up subsidies, supporting the beneficiaries of UjjwalaYojana.
Drawing parallels, Dr.Jitendra Singh mentioned how Swami Vivekananda inspired Jamshedji Tata to spend on healthcare, establishing institutions like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), the National Center for Performing Art (NCPA), and the Tata Memorial Hospital.
Referring to Science Social Responsibility, Dr.Jitendra Singh suggested that teachers and science experts could utilize their experience to become researchers and set up startups. With India having a budget outlay of Rs. 25,000 crore under the CSR Act, he highlighted India’s economic growth and its expected increase in CSR contributions.
