CSR should be a mandatory subject in school curriculum and Higher education

Indian Education System is one of the largest in the world, which is serving more than 195 million approx. students of different socio economic background. The total population of the country is about 1340 million (1.34 billion). Earlier the focus was on quantitative augmentation of educational provisions, which later rerouted to admissions and withholding of students and staff. It is the quality of education which is at present in the focus in all the programs relating to generally elementary education and particularly primary education.

In terms of literacy, India ranks in one of the top literate countries of the world. In fact, Indians are known to be the fervent readers.

Now a days we see many Indians get selected worldwide in international agencies, creating the best for their future. This ability to perform outstandingly in their fields is the result of the quality education provided in India.

Indian Education system is more substantial and durable as compared to the education provided in foreign countries. Indian education system is not less than any other country’s but the population and limited resources confines the performance of students and teachers as well.

Most of the primary and middle level educational systems have included subjects like moral science, divinity and environment studies. These subjects are not taught in other countries. These subjects teach students about the fundamentals of life, morals and basic ethics. Earlier it was believed that ethics cannot be taught but Indian education system has made a first step in that direction. Moreover, many cultural fests and music concerts are encouraged by Indian Schools and Colleges. Focus on creative and practical subjects increased the number of enrolments and career opportunities also.

There are many problems in our education system which need to be addressed. But we cannot deny the fact that the enrolments are increasing in schools and colleges. So, in order to enhance the quality of education, new subjects should be welcomed.

Corporate Social Responsibility As A Compulsory Subject

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs are initiatives that business companies undertake to integrate social and environmental concerns into their business operations and interact with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis.Based on “waves of CSR” (Chapple and Moon 2005), there has been a rapid spread of CSR programs in developing countries resulting from globalization, with community involvement as one of the focal areas of these programs and school as one of the stakeholders because school is a community constituent. School as a stakeholder shows the significance of CSR as a program in developing school through which various financial and human resources are channeled.

CSR has the potential to work in all the realms of socio-economic structure of the country. CSR also serves in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

I have come up with the prudent idea of incorporating CSR as a mandatory subject in schools and colleges.

So, intervention of CSR in the education system as a subject of study can prove to be a good step as it includes more of practical than theoretical work.

At School Level

CSR should be made necessary as a subject from grade 5 to grade 12. If cannot be included as a different subject then CSR should be added as an extension to other subjects. CSR introduced at school level will help the students understand the social responsibility and the concept of CSR. There should be no exam for CSR but activities like quiz, poster making and contest for best CSR ideas from school students. The School students are more receptive to knowledge gained through practical exposure and such pragmatic activities. This will increase their awareness about sustainable development methods and role of corporate sector in the viable development of nation.Different schools which are privately managed and are earning good profits are adopting many orphanages and aided special schools as part of the corporate social responsibility.

At College Level

CSR should be made essential to study at undergraduate level at least in one semester. It includes a 90% practical subject with activities like quiz, poster making, presentations and contest for best CSR ideas among college students,the rest 10% will be covered in the form of written assignment by the student about CSR related with their course of study. The main aim is to make student conscious about CSR activities, such that the students facilitate these activities with their knowledge instead of hindering it.

Curriculum

Syllabus for CSR as a compulsory subject would vary at school and college level. There should be 4 classes a month. Students have to attend at least 1 CSR class every month.

Syllabus must cover these topics:

• What is CSR
• Principles of CSR
• Need for CSR
• Sustainable Development
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Various Stakeholders Involved
• Morals of CSR
• How CSR can be done in various sectors

Or

How these sectors can assist in better CSR:

1. Economic Sector
2. Social Sector
3. Environmental Sector
4. National Sector
5. International Sector etc.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

1. i) As the purpose of this intervention is to make the students aware about CSR and its impacts.
2. ii) Encouraged students will give their valuable ideas and innovations for the better CSR and development of the nation.

iii) SDGs -Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved to some extent.

1. iv) Knowledge will increase awareness and acceptance of different sustainable measures taken.
2. v) Efforts will become more conscious and sustainable.
3. vi) CSR professionals should provide training to teachers.

Thus more teachers will be employed for teaching CSR.

CSR content can be taught as either specific CSR subjects (stand-alone CSR subjects) or as part of various subjects on the academic curriculum (embedded CSR subjects).Overall, the idea of writing this article was to chalk out a broad framework for increased enrolment and enhanced performance in the education sector.Also, introduction of CSR as a mandate will serve to the broad aims of sustainable development of Indian Economy.

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