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April 29, 2025
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Children’s book series launched to support Cleft Awareness, Empathy and Inclusion

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The CSR Journal
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Children’s book series launched to support Cleft Awareness, Empathy and Inclusion
New Delhi, India: Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused NGO, proudly announced the launch of its first picture book today, titled, I Smile Like A Song, which will be included in a five-part series. The unveiling took place at Atal Adarsh Prathmik Vidyalaya on R K Ashram Road in New Delhi.
Through vibrant visual storytelling, the book aims to raise awareness about clefts, fostering empathy, kindness, and inclusion amongst primary school children. This first book, written by award winning children’s book writer Mamta Nainy and illustrated by Aniruddha Mukherjee, inspires young readers to embrace the message that every smile is beautiful, promoting equality and encouraging acceptance of differences from an early age.
The launch event saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Pramod Kumar, Academic Consultant, NDMC, Ms. Rama Joshi, Principal, Atal Adarsh Prathmik Vidyalaya, Smile Train’s President and CEO, Susannah Schaefer, and Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia, Mamta Carroll.
Talking about the launch Mr. Pramod Kumar, Academic Consultant, NDMC shared, “A lot has been done to inspiring inclusion at the school level and yet there are issues which need special attention. Through this initiative, we believe that our students will not only learn to accept and appreciate differences but will also contribute to building a more compassionate society. We see immense value in introducing such storytelling tools early on, as they are vital in shaping the perspectives of future generations and promoting equality for all.”
“Smile Train’s efforts in introducing stories that highlight differences in a relatable and sensitive way are commendable. As educators, we should also explore the possibilities of integrating such subjects into our school programs and activities to ensure that empathy and acceptance are deeply ingrained in the values we teach our children,” Dr. Vinay Kumar Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Education of Groups with Special Needs, National Council of Educational Research and Training.
Susannah Schaefer, Smile Train’s President and Chief Executive Officer shared, “By fostering empathy through storytelling, Smile Train looks to build a more inclusive and compassionate society for cleft-affected children. I am thrilled to see the first book launched today at Atal Adarsh Prathmik School, RK Ashram Marg, New Delhi and thank the Department of Education, New Delhi Municipal Council for their support to this special project.”
Mamta Carroll, Smile Train’s Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia reflecting on the journey that led to the book series said, “During our awareness workshops in schools across Delhi, we recognized the pressing need for early education about clefts and other facial differences. This inspired us to create a book series as a medium to promote understanding and acceptance. This first-of-its-kind initiative is a significant milestone. Our long term plans include wider distribution of the book to primary schools across India.”
Every year, more than 35,000 children are born with clefts in India. In addition to facing challenges with eating, breathing, and speaking, many are stigmatized due to a lack of awareness about cleft conditions. Smile Train’s picture book series aims to address this gap by fostering empathy and inclusion from an early age, helping to reshape perceptions and build a culture of acceptance.

 

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Government to Install Tourist Feedback Mechanism at Airports and Railway Stations across the Country

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The CSR Journal
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Government to Install Tourist Feedback Mechanism at Airports and Railway Stations across the Country
In a bid to engage and involve citizens in tourism development and growth, Ministry of Tourism is introducing mechanisms at airports and railway stations across the country, for tourists to provide their feedback on their visits to tourist attractions and destinations in India.
Feedback and rating of experiences by is travellers is being done by enabling them to scan a QR code placed at relevant points at airports and railway stations, while spending around 30 seconds to rate their tourist experience and provide any feedback.
This feedback will be real-time and dynamic in nature allowing the Ministry to address issues in a proactive manner in collaboration with various stakeholders. This will also prove to be a rich source of data and insights for tourism development.
By installing the QR code provided by Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India and Ministry of Railways, Government of India are collaborating with Ministry of Tourism for setting up of these mechanisms at airports and railway stations across the country, so that over time, they become a reliable source of insight and information for tourism policy and strategy.

 

 

 

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National Nutrition Month celebrated by advocating ‘Nutritious Diet for Everyone’ for A Healthier India

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The CSR Journal
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National Nutrition Month celebrated by advocating ‘Nutritious Diet for Everyone’ for A Healthier India
Mumbai, India: Reaffirming its commitment to help transform lives for a healthier nation, Amway India, a leading company supporting health and wellbeing needs, celebrated National Nutrition Month with targeted interventions across the country. Aligning with the theme of the year “Nutritious Diets for Everyone,” the initiative focused on building understanding around the importance of diet that meets the daily nutrition needs.
These interventions reinforced the company’s vision of building a healthier India by prioritizing healthspan. By promoting balanced diets, Morning Nutrition for starting the day right, need-based nutrition recommendations backed by quality products, and healthy cooking tips, the month-long initiatives aimed to equip distributors with the knowledge and tools to help themselves and their customers make informed dietary choices and build lasting, health-promoting habits.
Amway India engaged 30,000 distributors and their customers nationwide through targeted nutrition-led interventions during National Nutrition Month.
Speaking on this, Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, stated, “As nutritional challenges continue to rise, it is imperative to make balanced nutrition accessible and practical for all. A recent report from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) highlighted that unhealthy diets contribute to 56.4% of the disease burden in India . With growing lifestyle diseases and evolving consumer needs, prioritizing nutrition has become crucial for individuals seeking optimal well-being. We at Amway India take immense pride in our philosophy of putting ‘health first,’ which guides everything we do. Our National Nutrition Month interventions were designed to empower communities with the knowledge to make healthier choices, embodying the belief that health is a fundamental principle.
We also emphasise the importance of a balanced Morning Nutrition ritual, coupled with need-based supplementation, as it plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for the day and supporting overall wellbeing. Our approach to health is holistic. Through these efforts, we are reinforcing our commitment to transforming millions of lives by prioritizing healthspan vs lifespan”.
Through the National Nutrition Month initiatives, Amway India organized daily educational workshops for its distributors across regions—East, West, North, and South—each focusing on nutritious, balanced diets and the importance of Morning Nutrition. These workshops covered a range of topics, including the benefits of protein intake, healthy dietary habits, and recipes for nutritious meals using Nutrilite All Plant Protein to meet your daily protein goals and Amway Queen Cookware.
The North region hosted a series of YouTube Live sessions under the theme “Eating Smart, Right From the Start!” that were focused on topics such as Healthy Eating & Balanced Diet, Nutrition for All Life Stages and Healthy Beauty Through Nutrition. The sessions aimed to educate participants on the importance of balanced Morning Nutrition with Nutrilite All Plant Protein and Nutrilite Fibre, healthy morning routines, and using nutrition to enhance overall wellness and beauty.
From workshops on the importance of protein and fiber to morning nutrition rituals and healthy cooking, the interventions throughout the month were pivotal in promoting sustainable well-being across the country. By continually offering practical, need-based nutrition solutions, Amway reaffirms its unwavering dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of communities for a healthier India.

 

 

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Centre plants 80 Crore Seedlings under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign

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The CSR Journal
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Centre plants 80 Crore Seedlings under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, a unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers. This campaign was inaugurated on June 5, 2024, with the planting of a Peepal tree by the Prime Minister at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of collective efforts to improve the environment and spoke of India’s strides in increasing forest cover over the past decade. This campaign, he said, aligns with the nation’s quest for sustainable development!
The essence of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is a symbolic gesture—planting a tree in the name of one’s mother. This simple act serves a dual purpose: honoring the role of mothers in nurturing life and contributing to the health of the planet. Trees are life-sustaining, and just like a mother, they provide sustenance, protection, and a future for the next generation. Through this initiative, participants can create a lasting memory, planting a tree as a living tribute to their mothers, while also addressing the pressing need for environmental preservation.

80 Crore Seedlings Planted

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change successfully met its ambitious goal of planting 80 crore seedlings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by September 2024. The target was achieved on 25th September 2024, 5 days ahead of deadline. This achievement was made possible through collaborative efforts from government agencies, local communities, and various stakeholders.

World Record of planting over 5 lakh saplings

On 22nd September 2024, the 128 Infantry Battalion and Ecological Task Force of the Territorial Army, a unit under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), achieved a remarkable feat by planting over 5 lakh saplings in just one hour. This monumental achievement, carried out under the “Special Plantation Drive” in Jaisalmer, was part of the Prime Minister’s campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, and the Territorial Army’s outreach initiative, “Bhagidari & Zimmedari”, aimed at promoting ecological restoration and raising environmental awareness among local communities.
The Territorial Army unit’s efforts were recognized by the World Book of Records, London, with several provisional world records, including:
• Most saplings planted by a team in one hour.
• Most saplings planted by a team of women in one hour.
• Largest number of people planting saplings simultaneously at a single venue.
The presence of representatives from the World Book of Records ensured that the plantation was meticulously verified and certified, and the Ecological Task Force received the provisional award for this achievement. This plantation drive exemplifies the motto, “Those who protect the trees are protected,” reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship for the well-being of future generations.

Collective Actions Across Ministries

In line with Prime Minister Modi’s call, various ministries have embraced the campaign enthusiastically. Each ministry and department has made substantial contributions to this initiative, demonstrating a collective commitment towards sustainability, green cover enhancement, and fostering public engagement Ministry of Defence announced a nationwide initiative to plant 15 lakh trees on Independence Day, August 15, 2024, under the banner of this campaign. This effort was carried out through the Indian Armed Forces, Defence PSUs, NCC, and other associated bodies, contributing to a greener and healthier India.
The Ministry of Coal, under the leadership of Secretary Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, organized a plantation drive at Millennium Park, as part of their ongoing environmental sustainability efforts. Coal and Lignite PSUs have planted saplings over the years, contributing significantly to reducing carbon footprints in mining areas.
In addition, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched its own plantation drive, planting about 7,000 trees across urban and rural locations nationwide. This campaign, ran from mid-August, focused to expedite tree planting efforts, especially during the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign from September 17 to October 1, 2024.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, actively participated by planting an Amla sapling in memory of his mother. The Minister highlighted the importance of this campaign as a way for individuals to express their love for both their mothers and Mother Earth.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, engaged in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign through a virtual event at the National Institute for Agricultural Extension Management, Hyderabad. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare contributed through extensive tree-planting efforts, involving its various offices and subordinate bodies.
Minister of State for Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra, participated in a plantation drive at Kota House, New Delhi, as part of both the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaigns. The ministry’s officers also undertook mass cleanliness drives to support the government’s broader vision of environmental protection and Swachh Bharat.
Inspired by the campaign, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) led by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, undertook widespread plantation activities across its institutions. Over 11,778 trees were planted at Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs), National Institutes for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), and Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS). The ministry’s efforts focused on integrating environmental consciousness with skill development, fostering a sense of community and sustainability among students, trainers, and local populations.
The Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign, led by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, emphasized cleanliness and green cover enhancement. Planting trees as part of this nationwide drive has bolstered the government’s commitment to a cleaner, greener India. The participation of government agencies like the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Border Security Force, Sankalp Taru NGO, and local communities, further extended the reach and impact of the campaign.

Technological Boost: ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ App

To support this initiative, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ app. This innovative platform allows users to plant and dedicate a tree in honor of their mothers, with features such as easy image uploads, location tagging, and carbon credit tracking. The app even enables users to monitor the growth of their tree over time, offering a personal way to stay engaged in environmental protection.
The app’s user-friendly interface encourages individuals to become active participants in environmental conservation. Users can plant a tree, upload its image, and share their efforts on social media, inspiring others to join this meaningful cause.

A Vision for a Greener Future

‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is a movement that reflects India’s commitment to a sustainable and environmentally conscious future. By combining respect for mothers with a call to action for environmental protection, this initiative offers a way for citizens to contribute directly to creating a greener planet.
The success of this campaign lies in its simplicity and emotional appeal, encouraging people across the nation to plant a tree as a tribute to their mothers. In doing so, they honor the nurturing power of both nature and motherhood, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier and more sustainable world.

 

 

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CSR: Digital Empowerment Program benefits the underserved in Faridabad, Haryana

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The CSR Journal
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CSR: Digital Empowerment Program benefits the underserved in Faridabad, Haryana
Haryana, India: NIIT Foundation, together with Ciena, a networking systems, services, and software company, has launched an initiative called the “Digital Empowerment Program through the Digital Transformation Vehicle (DTV)” initiative in Faridabad, Haryana .This program is a mobile education and training program that aims to provide digital literacy and skills to underserved and remote communities, with the goal of narrowing the digital divide.
The initiative features a mobile training facility equipped with 16 computers, internet connectivity, and comprehensive training materials. Certified trainers, including an IT trainer and a mobilizer, who encourages individuals to enrol in the program, travel with the vehicle to provide hands-on support. The program offers customizable courses tailored to community needs, covering digital literacy, financial literacy, and vocational skills.
Since its inception, the program has made significant strides in impacting lives. The DTV has reached 8,667 beneficiaries, while the Hole in the Wall Learning Stations, which are installed in the villages after the DTV departs, have engaged 2,190 individuals.
The initiative has successfully installed 12 Hole in the Wall Learning Stations across various locations from August 2023 to March 2024, promoting digital literacy and self-directed learning.
Highlighting the need for such initiatives, Amit Malik, Vice
President, Ciena India, said, “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, it has become increasingly crucial to equip our youth with the skills they need to thrive and navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. Our collaboration with NIIT Foundation allows us to manifest our commitment to narrowing the digital divide while also encouraging skill development – creating meaningful opportunities for communities far and wide.”
Further highlighting the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, Charu Kapoor, Country Director at NIIT Foundation, noted, “Leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector, paired with an NGO’s reach, and understanding of the demographic landscape paves the way for maximising the impact of such initiatives. Our collaborative efforts with Ciena, in this regard, have made substantial strides since its commencement and we aim to continually stride towards effectively prepare the youth for the highly competitive job market in our ever-evolving world.”
Looking ahead, NIIT Foundation and Ciena aim to expand the program’s reach across Faridabad (Haryana) to impact more than 8,500 beneficiaries, introducing new courses aligned with emerging digital trends and exploring further opportunities to empower the youth and allow them to confidently steer through the rapidly digitising world.

 

 

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Separate filing of CSR return and Annual return of

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The CSR Journal
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Separate filing of CSR return and Annual return of
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has made it mandatory for corporates to file CSR return and annual return of their financial statements separately. The ministry has also shortened the window for CSR return filing for 2023-24.
This means companies will now have to file their CSR return (CSR-2) for 2023-24 by 31st December 2024. This has to be filed separately independent of AOC-4, or the annual return form to be filed within 30 days of an Annual General Meeting (AGM). This move is expected to promote greater transparency and accuracy.
In a notification issued earlier this week, the ministry stated, “Provided also that for the financial year 2023-2024, Form CSR-2 shall be filed separately on or before 31st December, 2024 after filing Form No. AOC-4 or Form No. AOC-4-NBFC (Ind AS), as specified in these rules or Form No. AOC-4 XBRL as specified in the Companies (Filing of Documents and Forms in Extensible Business Reporting Language) Rules, 2015 as the case may be.”
The Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 were amended in 2022 to mandate CSR-2 as a supplement to AOC-4. However, in 2023, this was changed to require separate CSR-2 filings after AOC-4 submissions for FY 2022-23, with a deadline of March 31, 2024. Introduced in 2022, Form CSR-2 requires companies to report details of their CSR initiatives, including projects undertaken, CSR committees, spending, and unspent funds.

PM Internship Scheme

Meanwhile, the Government of India is coming up with a comprehensive scheme for providing internship opportunities in top companies. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is soon expected to publish a list of 500 companies which can participate in the Centre’s internship scheme, based on the average annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure of the previous three years, as per reports. The scheme was announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2024-25.
This scheme will offer a chance to top spenders on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, such as Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services, HDFC Bank, ONGC, Infosys and NTPC to train more candidates. The government is preparing to launch the PM’s Internship scheme reportedly within a month.

Strategic CSR and Impact Assessment: A Blueprint for India’s Sustainable Future

By
Jatin Dhall, Executive Director, Third Planet Foundation
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Strategic CSR and Impact Assessment: A Blueprint for India’s Sustainable Future
As India embarks on a phase of unprecedented growth, understanding Impact Assessment (IA) is vital for navigating the complex interplay between development, corporate social responsibility, and global standards.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Impact Assessment (IA) are two concepts that are closely aligned and focus on the broader societal implications of business operations. Both frameworks underscore the significance of ethical behaviour, respect for human rights, and businesses’ obligation to the communities and environments in which they operate.
At their core, IA and CSR are designed to generate positive, quantifiable changes while also taking into account factors such as community involvement in decision-making, local knowledge, and livelihoods. Businesses not only guarantee sustainable practices but also promote long-term, socially responsible growth that benefits society as a whole by incorporating these principles.
Two principal criteria for companies that are mandated to conduct an impact assessment are laid out in the FY 2021 CSR amendment. Companies with a minimum average Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligation of Rs 10 crore or more in the immediately preceding three financial years must conduct an impact assessment. And the Companies that have CSR projects with outlays of a minimum Rs 1 crore and which have completed not less than one year before undertaking impact assessment.
This regulatory shift by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) establishes the growing emphasis on Accountability and Effectiveness in CSR actions. Companies are obligated to evaluate the outcomes and long-term impact of their initiatives.
IA is more than a mapping exercise; it is a comprehensive framework that takes into account diverse factors other than the immediate results. India is a major contributor to the development of IA, as it adheres to global norms such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This emphasizes how useful and applicable IA is in the context of India’s development.
Comprehending that social impact evaluation encompasses more than just project outputs and activities is essential for the sustained success of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. Rather than concentrating solely on the immediate results, such as the number of schools constructed or healthcare centres funded, impact assessment explores the sustainable effects and consequences of these projects. Assessing the extent to which initiatives have enhanced healthcare services, increased access to education, reduced social and economic inequality, or improved livelihoods is indicative of this change in focus.
Scalable models are helpful in expanding the socio-economic impact of companies CSR activities, as most Indian companies engage with local communities near their area of operations, and the beneficiaries of CSR activities are generally the local population.
The companies should try to develop scalable models of CSR that can be extended across the nation using local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in each geographical area, a very helpful resource, yet at a low cost. Larger socio-economic value creation can then be equated as a proxy for legitimacy that goes beyond local communities in the near vicinity of the business operations.
By focusing on these tangible, long-term benefits, companies can guarantee that their CSR initiatives not only fulfill regulatory obligations but also generate transformative, meaningful change for communities and individuals, thereby establishing their companies as a genuine driving force behind societal advancement.
Aligning business objectives with societal requirements is indispensable for companies that aspire to be at the forefront of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and optimize their social impact. In an effort to optimize their corporate social responsibility initiatives, these companies may implement certain strategic initiatives.
Personally, I believe that at the onset, there needs to be a focus on systemic challenges by directing one’s efforts toward the resolution of fundamental societal issues, including poverty, education inequality, and healthcare access. This goes a long way to ensure sustainable impact.
Secondly, active engagement and collaboration are much needed with critical stakeholders, including governments, non-profits, and local communities, to develop and implement initiatives that are both pertinent and influential.Finally, but most certainly not the least, leverage existing and emerging technologies in order to enhance CSR initiatives. Deploying AI and other digital tools greatly enhances a company’s accessibility and scalability capabilities.
Utilizing the power of data analytics to assess the impact. Regular impact assessments, besides the mandatory ones prove to be much more effective and bring the utmost benefits to the communities, as they allow companies to alter their strategies, and monitor the progress.
A distinct combination of methodologies helps companies conduct Impact Assessment (IA).Interviews and focus group discussions, help in qualitative research to investigate the more extensive implications of social reforms. This method provides an in-depth viewpoint. Quantitative research employs surveys and statistical data to conduct a numerical analysis of the social impact, enabling companies to evaluate the efficacy and scale of their initiatives.
The financial value of social outcomes is quantified through cost-benefit analysis and Social Return on Investment (SROI) of the social impact, which translates the benefits of CSR activities into monetary values. Each approach is reliant upon the company’s business objectives and the nature of its broader mission. What’s important is ensuring that the evaluation is consistent with both internal objectives and stakeholder expectations.
I am of the firm conviction that a comprehensive grasp of the social, economic, and environmental effects is necessary to achieve sustainable development, which aims to improve communities and promote a more just and inclusive society over the long run.
When used properly, Impact Assessment (IA) is an essential instrument for assessing the consequences of actions as well as directing the country toward a future that balances accountability and advancement. For every company, it empowers them to maximize positive outcomes, minimize potential negative effects, and make well-informed decisions about their social initiatives. By utilizing IA, companies can highlight their commitment to driving meaningful and sustainable social development progress.
Views of the author are personal and do not necessarily represent the website’s views.
Jatin Dhall, Executive Director, Third Planet Foundation is an incisive professional with over 24 years of experience in diverse fields, including Corporate Social Responsibility (Strategy, Planning, Implementation, Monitoring & Reporting),NGO Operations Management and Business Management. He is motivated by internal standards of excellence to overachieve set targets and exceed all set goals. A skilled communicator with exceptional presentation skills and abilities in forging business partnerships and establishing beneficial relationships with key players in the industry.

 

91% of Respondents Think Existing ESG Frameworks are Inadequate, Reveals Aspire Impact Survey

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The CSR Journal
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91% of Respondents Think Existing ESG Frameworks are Inadequate, Reveals Aspire Impact Survey

Aspire Impact and Aspire Circle, under the aegis of the Impact Future Project (IFP), a thought-leadership platform supported by global tech giant Capgemini, has launched its latest research publication, “Evolving ESG Frameworks: Sharpening & Segregating ESG Risk and ESG Opportunity.”

Aspire Impact has conducted a survey with participating working group members and co-authors of the research project. The survey reveals that a staggering 91% of respondents believe existing ESG frameworks are inadequate. The same survey highlighted that 82% advocate for greater peer-to-peer comparability, recognizing the importance of benchmarking against industry peers for meaningful insights. Additionally, 73% endorse the segregation of blended ratings into separate risk and opportunity assessments, underscoring a desire for clearer delineation of ESG performance metrics.

The publication recommends a significant advancement in the field of ESG measurement, offering a novel approach to evaluate corporate ESG performance by separating ESG ratings into two distinct categories of risk and opportunity scores. The publication introduces a new framework that combines industry-specific and industry-agnostic KPIs, providing a more nuanced understanding of ESG performance. This approach aims to enhance comparability and transparency, addressing the growing demand for accurate and actionable ESG data in the global markets.

Amit Bhatia, Founder of Aspire Impact & Aspire Circle stated, “India Inc.’s ambitions of carbon neutrality & Net Zero, circularity & SDGs, require rigorous measurement & prioritization of performance & initiatives across realms of Product, People, Planet and Policy impacts. Our twin ESG Risk and Opportunity Ratings, with both industry agnostic and industry-specific indicators, will evolve the prevailing practices in India’s $200 million ESG, Sustainability & Impact measurement market and will sharpen analysis by corporations and investors.”

This publication, co-authored by 15 industry experts, focuses on the core or industry-agnostic KPIs, presenting 43 opportunity and 36 risk indicators that will form the foundation for ESG evaluation across various sectors. The publication also demonstrates the impact of this evolved approach compared to existing embedded, single-score ESG ratings by featuring illustrative ratings for key industries including Healthcare, Information Technology, and Financial Services.

The development of this framework involved extensive collaboration between Aspire Impact’s product & knowledge teams with the 15-member industry working group, which included CEOs, Heads of ESG, Sustainability & Impact, and other CXOs from diverse sectors. This group conducted extensive deliberations and voted on each KPI included in the publication. Additionally, over 40 leaders from

Healthcare, Information Technology, and Financial Services contributed industry-specific KPIs,enhancing the framework’s relevance and applicability. Those publications will be released separately. Aspire Circle and Aspire Impact’s research is aimed at field development and advancement to support governments, regulators, service providers, and corporations in refining their ESG measurement and management frameworks. By contributing to the broader practice community, it will help drive the evolution of ESG practices, ultimately supporting India’s journey toward achieving Net Zero. It aims to support stakeholders, especially investors and corporates themselves, in making more informed decisions and drive progress towards sustainable business practices.

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Menstrual Health Awareness Drive hosted in Delhi

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The CSR Journal
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Menstrual Health Awareness Drive hosted in Delhi
FICCI YFLO Delhi, in partnership with Ujaas, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, spearheaded a transformative menstruation drive across 14 sites in Delhi NCR. The week-long initiative, designed to raise awareness and break menstrual health taboos, reached over 800 beneficiaries, with 62% of them being women.
Throughout the program, Ujaas played a central role in delivering crucial knowledge on menstrual health, hygiene practices, and care. The menstruation drive covered critical topics, including understanding menstruation, menstrual hygiene, product usage and disposal, exercises for pain relief, and combating superstitions. The program also addressed issues such as PCOS/PCOD, menopause, and how to support children during menstruation. The initiative also provided participants with practical tools to manage their menstrual health, with Sirona offering sanitary pads and menstrual cups to all attendees.
Speaking about the initiative, Steffi Fernando, Senior Manager, Ujaas stated, “At Ujaas, we believe that menstrual hygiene is not just a necessity but a fundamental right. Our recent awareness drive has made significant strides in breaking the stigma surrounding periods, fostering open conversations across communities in Delhi NCR. Through continued efforts we aim to challenge taboos and ensure that everyone has access to the information and resources they need for proper menstrual health, and embraces menstruation as a natural and healthy part of life.”
Speaking at the closing session, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson of YFLO Delhi, emphasized the importance of openly addressing menstrual health and removing associated stigmas. The training covered essential topics such as understanding menstruation, product usage, disposal methods, pain relief exercises, and combating menstrual myths.
Deepali and Dipika, trainers from Ujaas, reflected on the impact of the program, saying, “It was heartening to witness women and girls enthusiastically embracing the information and resources. We saw many challenge long-standing taboos and engage with new practices that will improve their health and dignity.”
Since inception, in 2020, Ujaas has benefitted 296852 individuals, and distributed 4433020 sanitary pads, underscoring its commitment towards bringing about a transformative change in the way menstrual hygiene is addressed in India.
The drive was further supported by partners such as Aide et Action, Bright Orange Foundation, Lakshyam, and M3M Foundation’s iMPower programme. By addressing crucial menstrual health issues, FICCI YFLO Delhi, Ujaas, and their partners are paving the way for a more informed and empowered future for women and girls across the region.
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Real Madrid Foundation establishes Social Sports Schools in Varanasi

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The CSR Journal
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Real Madrid Foundation establishes Social Sports Schools in Varanasi
In a significant step to promote the holistic development of young people through the practice of football in India, ROADIS – a Madrid headquartered multinational leader in the investment, development, operation, and management of global infrastructure assets has launched Social Sports Schools in Varanasi in collaboration with the Real Madrid Foundation (RMF) – branch of the renowned Real Madrid Club managing its social and educational programs worldwide, and KHUSHI – an NGO established by cricket icon Kapil Dev to support underprivileged children.
The initiative aims to train in values over 200 first-generation learners from grades IInd to VIIIth, providing them with the essential tools to navigate challenges and unlock their full potential. The program will train boys and girls to ensure equal opportunities for both. In the first phase, the program is launched in two schools – Primary School Daffi and Composite Vidyalaya Naveen in Varanasi. Through the program, the students will receive an experience that will complete their education, life skill, development and nutrition requirements.
ROADIS has been running this program in Kedah in West Bengal for over 7 years. Following the positive impact, ROADIS is now expanding the program to Varanasi where it is currently constructing and operating a 192kms stretch Varanasi Aurangabad NH-2 Tollways Private Limited.
Eduardo Calvo, Global Corporate Responsibility Director-ROADIS, expressing the significance of the program said, “Sports plays an integral part in our growing up. Through this initiative, we bring an opportunity for the boys and girls of Varanasi to experience a new way of life that is full of opportunities. With the RMF program, we now complete the full circle of holistic development for children.  We are starting the RMF program in 2 schools where our Shikshantra Plus program for quality education with KHUSHI is already in effect. We believe that by equipping students with both physical and intellectual tools, we are paving the way for a generation of resilient, socially conscious, and successful individuals.”
The RMF program is a transformative initiative that leverages the power of football to instil values and foster a culture of integrity among young students, while simultaneously nurturing essential life skills and important values like respect, teamwork, autonomy, self-esteem, health, equality and motivation. To ensure international level of training for the local coaches that include both female and male educators; the trainers were trained on the Real Madrid methodology by RMF specialized football trainer who visited Varanasi for a 3-day training camp. This camp empowered the local educators to carry forward the program with the same commitment and excellence as that of RMF.
Julio González Ronco, Managing Director of the Real Madrid Foundation, adds, “Educational sports is a one of best ways to instil values of teamwork, collaboration, leadership and more. With our initiative, we envision to foster a value driven culture of diversity, inclusion and equality. Our coaches include male and female trainers and our program trains both girls and boys. Creating a platform for equal opportunity is essential for building strong individuals and a strong nation.”
Harish Gosain, Executive Director-KHUSHI, emphasizing the collaborative spirit behind the initiative said, “This partnership perfectly blends life skills and sports education. The Real Madrid Foundation’s expertise in football, combined with our deep understanding of the local community, ensures that the students receive a holistic experience. We are proud to be a part of a program that enhances athletic skills and prepares these young minds for the challenges of life.”
This program demonstrates the commitment of ROADIS in creating a positive change through innovative and inclusive education. By investing in the holistic development of the young minds, the initiative is contributing to the creation of a brighter and more equitable future.
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