In the realm of corporate responsibility, actions speak louder than words. The Companies Act of 2013 underlines this ethos by mandating companies to implement effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. This legislation not only reinforces the commitment to societal well-being but also initiates in a new era of purpose-driven business.
One pivotal aspect of observing to CSR mandates is the formulation and publication of an Annual Action Plan. This plan serves as a roadmap, guiding companies towards impactful initiatives that resonate with their values and goals. It encompasses a detailed outline of proposed CSR activities, allocation of resources, and timelines for execution.
Publishing the Annual Action Plan is more than a statutory requirement; it is a strategic move that aligns businesses with the broader goal of sustainable development. By making this plan public, companies demonstrate transparency and accountability to stakeholders and the community at large. It showcases a genuine intent to contribute positively to society and the environment.
The annual action plan sets the stage for a proactive approach to CSR initiatives. It enables organizations to carefully design and implement projects that address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Whether it’s empowering underprivileged communities, fostering education, supporting healthcare, or environmental conservation, the action plan directs efforts towards creating a tangible impact.
For businesses striving to make a difference, Right Dots offers guidance and expertise in formulating and executing CSR strategies. We understand that every step taken towards social responsibility is a stride towards a better world. Let us navigate this journey together, ensuring your CSR initiatives leave a lasting mark on society.
Unveiling the Facts🤝 Let’s dive into some enlightening facts about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its pivotal role in shaping a better world:
💡 What is CSR? CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility, encapsulates a diverse array of actions that businesses can take to contribute to societal well-being. It’s about going beyond profits and making a difference in the lives of people and the planet.
💡 The Three Pillars of CSR The foundation of CSR rests upon three essential pillars: economic, social, and environmental responsibilities. These pillars guide businesses in aligning their strategies with broader societal needs.
💡 Meeting the Modern Demand As the world evolves, so do the expectations from businesses. Consumers and investors alike are calling for responsible corporate conduct. CSR isn’t just an option anymore – it’s a necessity to build trust and credibility.
💡 Engaging in CSR brings forth a multitude of advantages for businesses:
1. Enhanced Employee Engagement: Fostering a sense of purpose among employees and boosting workplace satisfaction. 2. Improved Financial Performance: CSR isn’t just a moral choice – it’s a wise financial investment. 3. Stronger Brand Reputation: Positive impact resonates, creating a brand that stands for something meaningful. 4. Increased Customer Loyalty: Conscious consumers rally behind businesses that make a difference.
Join us at Right Dots as we continue to weave these CSR principles into our core, fostering a future where businesses and society thrive in harmony. Together, let’s make every dot count for a brighter tomorrow 🌍
👉🏻Understanding how to calculate your CSR mandate is crucial for businesses to align their efforts with regulatory requirements and company values. Let’s explore the steps to navigate this journey:
1.Know Your Applicability: Determine if your company falls under the CSR mandate. Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, mandates CSR for certain companies meeting specific financial criteria.
2.Calculate Your CSR Budget: Allocate a minimum of 2% of your average net profits made during the preceding three financial years for CSR activities. This 2% law sets a benchmark for businesses to invest in social and environmental causes aligning with their values.
3.Define Your CSR Objectives: Identify the social and environmental issues that resonate with your company’s mission and values. Set specific and measurable CSR objectives to guide your initiatives effectively.
4.Conduct a Materiality Assessment: Conduct a materiality assessment to identify the most significant issues where your CSR efforts can create a lasting impact.
5.Allocate Resources Wisely: Allocate resources wisely to different initiatives, considering potential impact and alignment with your CSR objectives.
6.Set Clear KPIs: Set clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of your CSR initiatives and track progress effectively.
7.Engage and Collaborate: Engage employees, customers, suppliers, and local communities to actively participate in your CSR journey. Collaboration enhances the social value of your initiatives.
8.Monitor, Report, and Communicate: Regularly monitor your CSR activities, measure them against established KPIs, and communicate transparently to showcase progress.
9.Embrace Continuous Improvement: Continuously assess and improve your CSR initiatives to maximize their impact and create meaningful change.
📚 Making an Impact through CSR By adhering to the 2% law, companies can drive positive change in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation, and more.
🤝 Partnering with Right Dots For guidance on effective CSR strategies, Right Dots can support you. Let’s come together and embrace the power of CSR to shape a better future for everyone.
Passionate about leading-edge CSR advancements, Right Dots empowers positive impact through innovative strategies🌍
The latest trends in CSR are focused on Increased Transparency, Integrating Volunteering, Global Companies Acting Locally, and Embracing Diversity and Inclusion. Let us glance briefly,
🤝 Increased Transparency: We believe that transparency is the foundation of trust and accountability. Through our expert guidance, we help companies embrace transparency in their CSR initiatives, fostering meaningful connections with stakeholders.
🙌 Integrating Volunteering: Engaging employees in meaningful volunteer activities not only strengthens the workforce but also contributes to the betterment of communities. Right Dots provides innovative strategies to seamlessly integrate volunteering programs into your CSR framework.
🌍 Global Companies Acting Locally: We understand the significance of localizing CSR efforts while operating in a globalized world. Our tailored solutions enable multinational corporations to make a real difference at the local level, ensuring sustainable development.
🌈 Diversity and Inclusion: Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment are paramount to a company’s success. We empowers organizations to implement diversity and inclusion initiatives that promote equality and unleash the potential of every individual.
Join us on our journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future. Together, let’s make a positive impact, one step at a time.
A campus off Hennur road little away from the busy Bangalore roads, as we enter a security identifies we have an appointment and lets us in. Can hear the laughter of kids playing in the park, unable to resist I peek. Could witness over 5 BMTC buses parked along with the yellow school buses (why are Govt buses lined up here?) finding an answer didn’t matter as I was rushing to meet the students. I was stopped and directed to the office, a well-dressed Gentleman greeted and gave a complete download of the school. I was awed by every detail he mentioned about the school. As an Educational consultant in the CSR space, had few questions and couldn’t wait to go and check it, walked into the campus accompanied by a school staff.
Can this all even be true? Is it even possible on earth?
Campus was filled with trees, well-kept ground and building looked well maintained from outside. Entered class 1, Teacher gave a warm smile and explained that kids were doing their homework (Yes, the students finish homework before they leave school) even before I turned to have a conversation with the teacher, I heard a little girl saying “Good afternoon mam”, another kid asks “How are you mam” … a boy from the last row asks “Mam have you had lunch?” I was struggling to answer that quick, with a choked voice I respond, and they enthusiastically read a flash card with words and start making sentences and all hands went up when I asked a question, not a single kid was shy.
Now I believed every bit the Gentleman said about the school, I know I don’t have to see other classes as these kids in 1st are the ones who missed kindergarten due to Covid19 and in just 6 months into the school, they converse in English with a stranger with so much of confidence!!
Moved ahead knowing I had more surprises, to list a few
Every kid who sees you inside the campus wished “Good afternoon mam”
Every employee there carried a warm smile
Corridors filled with interactive activities (notes on investor, entrepreneurship, D&I for class X kids was all over the notice board put up by the students)
Walls filled with mural painting all done by the kids
Staircase teaches you more than what’s in the books
Small Groups here and there across the school doing remedial for kids in need
Sports day practice was going on and I was lucky to watch it before their D Day… when I clapped and appreciated after their performance a little boy from class 5 says, “Mam please appreciate my teacher because she trained us” (no syllabus can teach gratitude)
Their lunch area was spick and span though all 900 kids (KG to grade 12) had breakfast, lunch and evening snacks including staff (school management says if I can’t eat this food my kids can’t eat, so we all eat in school)
The restrooms were just like another classroom (not exaggerating, no bad Odour or wet floors)
Fully equipped Labs
Career counselling centre supporting kids right from Class 5 till they buying a house after joining a job (alumni sitting to help their teachers as they are on semester holidays)
Library the best I have seen in any school
Art room with clay modelling and painting
Music room with Indian and western musical instruments
A flying visit across the school and rushed to get a glimpse of the kids leaving, they boarded the buses in orderly fashion, happily chatting and talking to teachers. Few boarded the school bus and rest the govt buses. Few waved bye to me and not knowing I’m going to follow them to their homes.
Followed one of the buses it took me past the traffic into narrow roads and stopped on the side after few lefts and rights. On the left side parents were waiting to receive the kids.
When the coordinator introduced me, all of them stopped there on the road praising the school, I resonated the same. Took me to their homes, most of them were sweepers with BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike). My first question was “How do afford their fees?” a proud mom said “Mam we don’t pay a single penny!” .. While the conversation continued with parents, others got comfortable when they knew I speak Kannada. Another mom said “Mam the school takes care of our kids from the age of 5 , no fees no uniform cost and we don’t even pay the doctors when our kids fall I’ll or for their immunization” – and now you know why i claim it as HEAVEN ON EARTH and it is – Christel House India
I walked into their tightly packed walkway there were more things kept out rather than inside the house. The house could only hold the family and not their belongings. All the kids in the school belonged to the notified slums.
Spoke with them to know more about their women’s committee who have been given counselling on good parenting, schools functioning.
As a pay back to the school, every parent volunteer for 5 days in a year for the school helping them with any work that they can, like doing the laundry of kids uniforms, cleaning the ground, etc.,.
Left the place not being able to digest all I saw in one afternoon … A school admits kids at the age of 5 takes care of every need (yes, EVERY NEED) funds their higher education, hand holds them until they get to work and ensures they move out of poverty. The kid who was once an overhead to the government starts paying back the government in the form of Income tax. I couldn’t capture every detail of what was explained to me, I still can’t believe the CEO of Christel House School spent time explaining about the school to me with absolutely no expectations.
Watch this one single video to know what transformation means!
