Increase CSR contribution, Khattar urges industrialists

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, November 12

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has urged the industrialists to increase their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contribution from 2 per cent to 5 per cent.

During the state’s first CSR summit here on Monday, Khattar launched CSR website. He said that the time had come that CSR graduated from being an obligation to a motivational contribution to the state’s development by corporate houses.

Urging them to increase their CSR contribution from 2 per cent to 5 per cent of their profits, Khattar said, “This minor increase would mean a lot to development and would in long run benefit you only. We will provide single window solutions and options for all corporates to reduce any procedures or hassles involved.”

The launch of CSR portal would simplify selection and implementation of projects. Apart from choosing the projects for implementation, the entrepreneur could also give their suggestion on this website, he said.

The portal highlights list of development projects district and sector wise to be undertaken in the state. More than 341 development projects of seven departments, including education, public health, rural development and agriculture, are listed on the portal for the corporate to pick and choose and contribute to various projects.

In addition, details of the state government implementing agencies were also given in the portal for the corporate to contribute further.

Khattar said that the government was expecting the annual contribution under the CSR in the state to increase from Rs350 crore to Rs1,000 crore.

Khattar sought CSR funds from all companies for rejuvenation of 15,000 ponds, cremation grounds, village streets, environment conservation and beautification of the rural areas. The government has reportedly worked out a budget of Rs3,000 crore each for ponds and ghats and sought help.

The Rural Development Department would soon launch its website namely ‘Mera Gaon Mero Gaurav’ with an aim to connect people with their villages. A number of development works would be listed on the website that could be taken up by industrial houses and corporates. Apart from this, the panchayats would be asked to prepare village plans along with the budget requirement and upload the same on this website so that people could opt for the work to be undertaken in their village.