Biggest weakness of corporates in CSR is Dearth of trained and efficient manpower for CSR activities by Dr Ashish Dongre

A seasoned professional, public school educated having Doctorate in Civil Engineering  associated with the Technical Education system of different parts of India including Government of Madhya Pradesh since last twenty seven years having rich cross-functional international exposure encompassing academics, administration and development of academic Institutions, authored 04 books, presented papers, reviewing papers, member Editorial Board of International and National Journals.

Started career as Assistant Professor in Engineering College of Nagpur University and then worked as Reader in Mumbai University’s College till June’96 before joining Government Job.

Joined Govt. of Madhya Pradesh {India} in 1996 as Head of Civil Engineering Department, promoted to the post of Principal in March 2000 and was subsequently appointed as ‘Secretary’ Rajeev Gandhi Technological University of the State then as ‘The Director, Technical Education of the State of M.P.’ ,Worked as  ‘Vice Chancellor, RKDF University, Bhopal. (www.rkdf.ac.in)

• Associated with Professional and Social Bodies such as International Association of University Presidents [IAUP], International Association of Engineers [IA ENG], Indian Society of Earthquake Engineering, Indian Concrete Institute, Indian Building Congress, Coronation Lodge of India, Youth Hostels Association of India, Lions Club International. Solar Energy Society of India [SESI]
• Fellow Member Institution of Engineers [India]
• Elected as “Chairman, Indian Society of Technical Education” Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh chapter for the tenure 2011-17. (www.isteonline.in)
• Appointed as Board Member and Treasurer of Association of Universities of Asia Pacific for November 2014 -2016 [AUAP] (www.e-auap.org)
  • Recently nominated as Subject Expert on All India Council of Technical Education’s Board of Technician Education.[www.aicte.org.in]
• Bronze Medal Winner of “Duke of Edinburgh’s” Scheme of Awards

• Signed MOU with Brahma kumaris, Universities of UK, USA & Australia for framing curriculum related to Values & in the context of Globalisation of Education.

What do you know about India CSR Act 2013?

CSR is the impact that corporate has on society at large. It is not a new concept in our country, for example Tata Group, Birla Group, Mahendra & Mahendra Group, Wipro and several others have been doing social welfare work since long. However, CSR Act 2013 gave a legal framework to this and Section 135 of the Act makes it mandatory for companies, meeting certain criteria, to set aside two per cent of their net profits for undertaking and promoting socially beneficial activities and projects in India. The companies covered under CSR 2013 act are: a net worth of at least Rs. 500 crore, or a turnover of at least Rs. 1000 crore; or net profit of at least Rs.5 crore in any financial year. The companies meeting these criteria have to develop a CSR policy, spend on CSR activities and report the same.   

What is the biggest weakness of corporates in CSR?

I think weaknesses of corporation in CSR are:

Lack of communication between the corporation and the general public at the grassroots.

Dearth of trained and efficient manpower for CSR activities.

lack of transparency in CSR activities.

lack of publicity of good CSR activities and collaborative efforts between the corporations.

Do you think that for a good CSR, a corporate needs to have proper education in the same domain?

In our country, some institutions provide formal education in this sector, for example MSW (Master in Social Work). I think that a corporate needs to have proper education in the same domain. However, my advice to corporate is to provide wider professional development activities in the area of CSR. Training, conferences and seminars could be organized by companies to disseminate and generate new knowledge and information in this sector. Management institutions should promote research in this area with support from industries.

Do you think that CSR act should be applicable to whole world for the better placement of the society?

Globally recognised CSR guide lines are available, for example, the UN guiding principle on Business and Human Rights.

What are the challenges Indian corporate are facing now days?

The challenges Indian corporate are facing now days are skill shortage, cash crunch, global recession, spread of global terrorism or other forms of conflict and global warming or other environmental threats to growth.

How corporate can resolve the problems of the unprivileged and poor?

CSR activities in the country are concentrated in few states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi. The corporate should take the projects in the area of education and health in the backward states of the country.

How technical education in the MP put and sustainability in action?

In M.P., polytechnic colleges have been established in each district so that students from all section of the society can have access to technical education. In technical education institutes few seats are allotted to poor students through TFW (Tuition Fee Waiver) scheme. Polytechnics of M.P. have been doing social work through the Community Development scheme of GoI since 1987. Recently, Community College scheme has also been launched in 4 polytechnic college of M.P. Solar Power plants in polytechnics have been established to enhance students as well public awareness about solar energy.

Any suggestion for the Indian corporate CSR leaders?

Studies suggest that country is going to face acute shortage of skilled manpower in the future. Therefore, I would advise the corporate to undertake CSR activities in skill development area and promote industry institute interaction. Sustainable development is defined as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs. Corporate sustainability refers to the role that companies can play in the suitable development. Corporate should adopt a balanced growth between economic progress , social progress and environment protection.

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