CSR activities have the potential to bring in positive changes in the lives of the deprived section of the society and the government has acknowledged it and has brought in various amendments to make CSR accountable, but still it lacks teeth, if we go by Reports. Your comments
I agree with the statement that CSR activities have the potential to bring in the positive changes in the lives of the deprived section of the society but various amendments in the policies to make CSR accountable still lacks effectiveness. One of the major factors that hinder the success of CSR is the inability to find credible projects to spend on CSR. Most of the large corporations are aggregated in developed areas and would spend CSR in the nearby areas. Thus, providing support to the already developed areas.
Is the need for regulatory authority justified?
It makes sense to appoint a regulatory authority so that CSR can be more accountable subject to identifying and addressing correct issues that would maximise the societal benefits. Incorporating the recent amendment of CSR policy, the companies will have to increase their budget for CSR as it has become mandatory to contribute which was earlier voluntary.
The going Pandemic has devastated livelihood and has left the vast majority in penury. What are your CSR activities in the Pandemic period to alleviate the suffering of the have-nots?
During the lockdown, we have done CSR especially in the vicinity of our projects. We distributed essential grocery packets to alleviate the suffering of the have-nots during lockdown. We have our in-house foundation, Vithalbhai G Patel Foundation, Anand that is dedicated towards the relief and welfare of animals. It has been operating consistently throughout the lockdown to help alleviate the sufferings of animals.
When we say CSR activities it is quite often assumed some noble activities in tribal and rural areas. What are the CSR activities you conduct for the deprived people in the urban areas? Patel Infrastructure is doing CSR activities in rural as well as urban areas in various states. For instance, we have donated in Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyaan (MJSA) in Rajasthan that aims at developing water harvesting structures for the locals, developed public garden in Anand city, developed girls hostel in Anand city, etc. We have always given our best efforts to uplift the life of deprived people either by creating facilities like a library or a road. We are also helping them by providing employment at our projects.
Time and again the government has introduced welfare schemes - be it last mile connectivity, clean drinking water, power for all, healthcare, employment & education schemes, self reliant, skill development - to uplift the tribals and rural citizens of the country. How are you aligning your CSR activities with government initiatives for better benefits?
We have contributed to PM Care Fund and The Gujarat CM Care Fund. We have donated an ambulance to district panchayat. The Government has allowed doing CSR in animal welfare and we are directly aligned towards this particular cause. We aim to address issues related to welfare of stray animals, pets and cattle. A significant focus is to strengthen overall animal health cover through prevention, control and eradication of various disease conditions, extension of veterinary services, rehabilitation of animals, disaster management for animals and hostel facility for farm, stray and abandoned animals. We provide shelter to all the animals until they are fully recovered from disease.
Please take us through your collaborations with NGOs and other players to provide better CSR to the target audience?
Our dedicated CSR team is donating funds to various trusts so that it reaches to maximum target audience for whom it is intended. We are also supporting government initiatives like water conservation projects in Rajasthan. We also provide emergency fund to NGOs that work towards the relief and welfare of underprivileged people. Our animal welfare foundation is in operation since more than 5 years. Our initiative, Vithalbhai G Patel Foundation also known as Anand Animal Helpline, continues to strive and expand its programs of relieving animals’ sufferings by providing medical treatment to dogs, cats and other animals. Within a span of 5 years, we have successfully treated more than 26,148 animals. To better serve the animals satisfactorily we have provided an exclusively moving ambulatory van and a well-qualified team of doctors which are available for treatment 24 hours throughout the year in Anand and its 15 km periphery.
Can you brief about the regulatory changes that have taken place in recent years and how it is benefiting / affecting your CSR activities?
The government in January, 2021 amended various rules pertaining to the CSR, including allowing corporates to undertake multi-year projects and making registration compulsory for agencies implementing CSR activities on behalf of companies. This amendment in CSR policy will bring more clarity regarding scope of social responsibility, role of CSR committee and better focus on creating impact using CSR funds. Also role of CFO will help us in certifying CSR utilisation in accordance with budget allotted. Moreover, unspent CSR fund in any year can be utilised in time span of next 3 years.
How are you leveraging technology to get your noble CSR activities done effectively and in a time bound manner? Can you share some instances with us?
We use technology extensively in our in-house foundation, Anand Animal Helpline, to manage stock of medicine, syringe and other medical materials. We are using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to manage accounts, employees’ records and internal and external transaction for the company. Moreover, we have a helpline number that is active for 24 hours throughout the year. Each and every call in this helpline number is attended.
In the next three years, how are you planning to take your CSR initiatives forward?
In the next three years, we will continue donating to not-for-profit organisations that are committed and working towards the benefit of the society. We also plan to expand our in-house foundation by expanding the animal shelter area, with latest technology and equipment. There will also increase in the number of ambulances and doctors to cater to our foundation.
