Bhubaneswar: The ‘Odisha CSR Conclave’ has been organised today by India Success Forum in Bhubaneswar as a part of its initiative to facilitate awareness on CSR activities in the region.
Inaugurating the Conclave as Chief Guest, Shri Prafulla Samal, Minister, Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Women & Child Development, Mission Shakti, MSME stated that the Government of Odisha has envisaged a plan to attract investments to the tune of Rs. 2.5 Lakh Crore by 2025 which will further generate 10 Lakh jobs. To attain this growth, state is expanding its industrial base and also developing a long term roadmap for industrial development in Odisha.
Keeping these goals in view, the contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the state government is expected to be more significant and result oriented. He emphasised that CSR should not be viewed as a discretionary cost but a social investment with tangible financial returns. He further added CSR Fund and District Mineral Fund should be utilized in a more transparent manner so that the marginal communities in the region can avail the benefit of the same.
Minister further said that in Odisha MSME units are generating maximum employment next to agriculture. State Government has taken a number of initiatives to rejuvenate and facilitate the growth and development of the MSME sector. He further stressed that CSR is not only the responsibility of the Corporates but also the society as a whole. He raised the issue that CSR spending by the Corporates should not be done indiscriminately but rather as per the local needs under the guidance of the government. He said that the resources available with the government are limited, so CSR funds can be used to accelerate the pace of development in the state. CSR funds should be effectively utilised to eradicate the problems such as illiteracy, malnutrition, gender imbalance, lack of health services and connectivity etc.
Shri Niten Chandra Principal Secretary to the Govt, SSEPD Department gave a presentation on various initiatives taken up by the SSEPD department. He said that the funds of CSR can be meaningfully utilised for the social security and mainstreaming as well as advocacy of persons with disability.
Among others Shri R K Mathur, DGM and Head Alimco Auxiliary Production Center spoke on the occasion.
Other dignitaries had also highlighted CSR initiatives taken by Govt and respective industries. Participants from leading Corporates, Industry Department, NGOs, Foundations and students also attended the conclave.
A series of panel discussions on CSR followed the inaugural session.
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