Now dine inside the Police Commissionerate at Noida’s Cafe Rista

By

Ahana Bhattacharya

-

June 13, 2024

Every time we visit a police station, we are distressed, worried, anxious or disturbed. Perhaps there a no instances where a person visiting the police station is happy! Have you ever sat inside a police station for a cup of tea/coffee with officials? Have you ever dined with police personnel that too inside a police commissionerate? Well, here is a chance for you to do this if you are a resident of Noida!

Uttar Pradesh Police has come up with a first of its kind initiative where you can now sit with them not just for a cup of tea coffee but for a full course meal that too inside the commissionerate! A beautiful pastel-coloured cafe titled ‘Cafe Rista’ has been set up at the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate at Noida Sector 108.

Open to all

The cafe has been conceptualised by IPS Laxmi Singh, CP Gautam Buddha Nagar and IPS Babloo Kumar, Ad. CP, Headquarters. It aims to improve relationship between police officers and civilians. Cafe Rista is managed by the Noida Police and open to everyone.

The cafe offers a welcoming space with delicious meals and snacks items like sandwiches and paranthas at affordable prices. However, what is most interesting is its location! This cafe is located close to Family Dispute Resolution clinic or the Counselling and Mediation centre of the Commissionerate. Casual visitors and complainants have started visiting the cafe, informed IPS Preeti Yadav in a video shared on Instagram. She added, “People often view police with apprehension, forgetting we’re simply people in uniform. This cafe is a bridge, fostering connection between civilians and officers.”

Cafe decor

The cafe decor boasts of colourful posters of popular police characters from films and television from olden times till now. “Usually people get to know about our work through Bollywood, so we have tried to show these inspiring characters from the silver screen,” informed IPS Yadav.

Boosting mental health

However, not just enhancing the police-civilian bonding, the cafe aims to provide a refreshing break to police personnel too. Officers who hesitate to eat out due to their uniforms or maybe fail to take out time to travel to cafes and restaurants owing to their busy work schedules, can now enjoy a cosy cafe with their families right on their premises. This aligns with the department’s welfare policing approach, boosting officer morale and mental health.

नागपुर में सीएसआर फंड जुटाने की चर्चा सिर्फ कागजों पर

By

Rahuldeo Sharma

-

June 13, 2024

आज़ाद भारत में व्यवस्था की एक प्रणाली तय की गयी है। स्वास्थ्य हो या शिक्षा, स्थानीय स्तर पर सुविधा प्रदान करना जिला परिषद की अहम जिम्मेदारी होती है। अगर हम महाराष्ट्र के नागपुर की बात करें तो नागपुर जिला परिषद का कार्यक्षेत्र बड़ा है। Nagpur के ग्रामीण क्षेत्र में Education और Health सुविधा प्रदान करना जिला परिषद की अहम Responsibilities है जिसे निभाने के लिए भी जिला परिषद के पास पर्याप्त निधि नहीं है। अब सरकारी फंड का जहां अभाव होता है वहां सरकारी अमला इस कमी को पूरा करने के लिए कॉरपोरेट सोशल रिस्पांसिबिलिटी फंड का सहारा लेता है। दो साल पहले Corporate Companies से सीएसआर फंड (How to get CSR Fund) जुटाने के लिए जिला परिषद प्रशासन ने Corporates के साथ बैठक कर चर्चा की थी। लेकिन बात वहीं तक सीमित रह गई। उसे अमलीजामा पहनाने की दिशा में कोई पहल नहीं हुई।

नागपुर में सीएसआर फंड जुटाने की चर्चा सिर्फ कागजों में सिमटकर रह गई

प्रशासन को उद्योजकों से संपर्क करने की सूचना दी गई थी, लेकिन प्रशासन ने भी मौन रहने से जिला परिषद सीएसआर फंड जुटाने में फिसड्डी रही। जिले के ग्रामीण क्षेत्र में हजारों उद्योग हैं। उद्योग के आस-पास के क्षेत्र में सीएसआर फंड से विकास करना संबंधित उद्योग समूह का सामाजिक दायित्व Social Responsibility of Corporates बनता है। लेकिन कॉरपोरेट्स अपने CSR से अपनी सामाजिक दायित्व निभाने की मानसिकता में नहीं है। गौरतलब है कि नागपुर जिला परिषद (Nagpur Zilla Parishad) की आमसभा में दो साल पहले विपक्ष ने उद्योजकों से संपर्क कर सीएसआर फंड का जिले के विकास (How to do development of district) के लिए उपयोग करने की मांग की थी, लेकिन उस दिशा में कोई कदम नहीं उठाए गए। Corporates के साथ बैठक कर सीएसआर फंड जुटाने की चर्चा कागजों में सिमटकर रह गई।

नागपुर जिला परिषद को नहीं मिला CSR और ना ही रिस्पॉन्स

दो साल में कॉरपोरेट्स के साथ Corporate Social Responsibility विषय पर एक बैठक तक नहीं हुई। बैठक में मुद्दा उठने पर चर्चा की औपचारिकता निभाई गई। दो साल में किसी उद्योग समूह को एक लेटर तक नहीं भेजा गया। नागपुर जिला परिषद में सत्ता पक्ष और प्रशासन ने सीएसआर फंड जुटाने की दिशा में कदम आगे नहीं बढ़ाने पर विपक्ष ने अपने स्तर पर प्रयास किए। बात करें बुटीबोरी एमआईडीसी की तो यहां 150 से अधिक उद्योग चालू स्थिति में है। क्षेत्र के बड़े उद्योग समूह इंडोरामा, सीएट (Ceat Tyre CSR), केईसी आदि कंपनियों को नेता प्रतिपक्ष ने कई बार पत्र देकर इलाके के स्कूलों में सीएसआर फंड से बुनियादी सुविधा उपलब्ध कराने का अनुरोध किया। लेकिन कंपनियों ने उन्हें ना CSR Funds दिया और ना कोई रिस्पॉन्स।

Collaboration Between NALSAR and Kshetra Foundation Aims to Foster Sustainable Community Growth

By

The CSR Journal

-

June 13, 2024

Collaboration Between NALSAR and Kshetra Foundation Aims to Foster Sustainable Community Growth

NALSAR University and Kshetra Foundation for Dialogue today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake a 5-year collaborative project on “Building Community Capacity and Ecosystemic Support for Conflict Transformation, Collaborative Problem-solving and Self-governance”.

The collaboration stems from the shared belief that systemic change can no longer be achieved through isolated approaches. By bringing together society, governance institutions, and business institutions, the partnership aims to create communities of change through dialogue.

Speaking about the collaboration NALSAR University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sri Krishna Deva Rao said, “NALSAR’s partnership with Kshetra empowers students and local communities through dialogue, fostering changemakers who drive grassroots development. This redefines legal education and creates a brighter future for all. Resolving conflicts that arise at community level associated with ecologically sensitive resources is very crucial for wellbeing and harmony. This is in tune with the Gandhian Vision of peace which gives premium to the capacity of resolving disputes peacefully. Building capacities within the community, to settle disputes, protect environment, and strengthen human rights, will be immensely helpful to the community in general and to the vulnerable people in that atmosphere, in particular. Participatory dispute resolution processes gradually also help in spreading the consciousness of constitutional rights in the long run. By integrating the above values and processes into the curriculum so as to understand and foster community engagement in conflict transformation will go a long way in honing students’ skills to work at the grassroots level. NALSAR believes in empowering future leaders with tools to navigate complexity and drive change. This partnership with Kshetra reinforces that commitment.”

Dr. Krishna Udayasankar, CEO of Kshetra said, “Our partnership with NALSAR aims to empower community changemakers with the essential skills of dialogue, while also fostering a generation that can transform conflict into collaboration and create lasting change. Changemakers such as Paralegal volunteers and Anganwadi teachers often deal with community conflicts, both formally and informally. Through this project we aim to equip these key changemakers with the Dialogic Method, so that they can better fulfil that role. We have conducted two pilot workshops in Telangana in the last year before commencing this project and found both Paralegal volunteers and Anganwadi teachers eager to adopt these skills, and to use dialogue to drive sustainable solutions that create value for all. As these changemakers go about using dialogic approaches in their work, the positive outcomes that are created would urge community members also to adopt similar approaches in their own lives, serving as a seed for a larger change in society’s approach to disputes and disagreements. Such social change, however, requires an ecosystem of support to come through. We are honoured to be working with NALSAR University and through the University’s student body, we hope to create a support structure for community leaders and members to effectively use dialogue to transform conflict into collaboration.”

Driving systemic change in today’s dynamic environment requires a thorough, multi-sector approach. This collaboration between NALSAR and Kshetra seeks to impact local community welfare tangibly, build capacity for engagement and growth, and create a replicable model of society, governance institutions, and business involvement in social transformation. The initiative focuses on empowering Paralegal Volunteers, Anganwadi teachers, self-help groups (SHGs), and community leaders through NALSAR’s academic support and Kshetra’s expertise in the Dialogic Method.

Ms. Natasha Joshi, Associate Director of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, which supports Kshetra in this project, said, “We are excited about the partnership between NALSAR and Kshetra. Building an appreciation for, and understanding of, the value of dialogue feels important today. In particular, rooting this capacity in young people stands to foster a generation of empowered citizens, who can advocate for their needs, resolve conflicts peacefully, and drive sustainable development in their communities. This collaboration is also a wonderful example of how academia, civil society, and the government can work together to empower individuals, build resilient communities, and create lasting impact.”

The MoU marks a significant step towards building a sustainable model for community development, leveraging the strengths of both institutions to foster change across sectors. The project takes a multi-stakeholder approach towards local community development, and places Paralegal volunteers, Anganwadi teachers, Self-Help Group members and community leaders at the centre of the model. It features a series of workshops, mentorships and action research initiatives that focus on enhancing the local community’s capacity to use dialogue skills to transform community conflicts and bring together community members to collectively solve their problems and increase self-governance.

At the same time, NALSAR University law and business students trained in community conflict resolution through dialogue will support these trained community members to actively engage with on-ground situations.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

CSR Partnership with NGO Umeed Foundation to Empower Girls’ Education

By

The CSR Journal

-

June 13, 2024

CSR Partnership with NGO Umeed Foundation to

Smartsters, the leading children’s furniture brand known for fostering creativity and development through its products, is proud to announce a collaborative effort with Umeed Foundation, a Wadgaon, Maharashtra-based NGO dedicated to empowering underprivileged girls. This partnership aims to bridge the educational gap and equip young girls with the resources they need to excel in their academic journeys.

Smartsters has generously donated a substantial number of study desks and chairs to Umeed Foundation’s impactful Project Kshitiz. This initiative tackles various challenges faced by underprivileged girls seeking education. The initiative is designed to boost confidence, dismantle financial barriers, and enhance academic preparation for girls. The project fosters a supportive environment that builds confidence in these young girls, provides crucial academic support and guidance and removes financial barriers by ensuring girls have access to necessary educational resources.

Smartsters’ donation of study furniture directly addresses a critical need identified by this initiative and bridges the need for essential resources. Having a dedicated study space is essential for focused learning and fosters a sense of ownership over their education. This supportive environment will empower the girls to thrive academically and pave the way for a brighter future.

Jai Mishra, Cofounder, Umeed Foundation, expressed immense gratitude for Smartsters’ contribution saying, “This generous donation of study furniture is truly transformative. A dedicated study space is paramount for focused learning, and Smartsters’ contribution will significantly impact the lives of our students. Their commitment to education perfectly aligns with our mission at Umeed Foundation. Together, we can create a future brimming with opportunity for these girls.'”

This collaboration between Smartsters and the Umeed Foundation is a testament to the power of community in shaping a brighter future for underprivileged girls. Smartsters is committed to fostering a love of learning in every child, and this collaboration with the Umeed Foundation is a significant step towards achieving that goal.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

CSR initiative Commits to TB Eradication, strengthen Efforts to Include Kutch, Gujarat

By

The CSR Journal

-

June 13, 2024

CSR initiative Commits to TB Eradication, strengthen Efforts to Include Kutch, Gujarat

FUJIFILM India – a leading healthcare company is proud to announce the extension of its Tuberculosis (TB) Screening under its CSR campaign to Kutch District of Gujarat with its implementation Partner Apollo Telemedicine Network Foundation, further broadening the scope of its community health initiatives that are already underway in Valsad and Banaskantha. This significant step aligns with the commitment to the national TB elimination campaign, “TB Harega Desh Jeetega,” reinforcing the dedication to combatting TB across India.

The National TB Elimination Programme’s India TB Report 2024 reveals that 25.55 lakh TB cases were notified last year, marking the highest number since the programme’s inception in the 1960s. Despite positive trends, the estimated number of TB cases remains high at 27.8 lakh in 2023. TB-related deaths remained unchanged at 3.2 lakh. These figures underscore the substantial TB burden in India and the need for sustained efforts to reduce both incidence and mortality.

With India bearing the highest burden of TB globally, it is crucial to adopt a cohesive and robust approach to eradicate this disease. FUJIFILM India’s expanded efforts in Kutch reflect their resolve to contribute to the national goal of eradicating TB. The campaign emphasizes the importance of early detection, continuous awareness, and comprehensive treatment to curb the spread of tuberculosis.

Building on their past initiatives, FUJIFILM India has successfully conducted numerous screenings and awareness programs in Valsad and Banaskantha, reaching thousands of individuals and providing critical support in the fight against TB. Since the inception of the TB screening CSR initiative in Gujarat, FUJIFILM India has been able to screen 8,218 individuals. Their innovative mobile TB diagnostic units, including the advanced FDR X-Air, have played a vital role in these efforts, ensuring that even the most remote communities get a comprehensive active case finding project of Tuberculosis.

Mr. Kai Yoshida, Business Advisor, Medical Systems Division, FUJIFILM India, shared his enthusiasm – “At FUJIFILM India, we are deeply committed to leveraging our technological expertise to improve community health outcomes. Extending our TB screening under CSR campaign to Kutch District of Gujarat is a testament of providing advanced diagnostic solutions and comprehensive healthcare services to communities which are far from the reaches of modern healthcare. The FDR X-Air, a state-of-the-art portable X-ray machine, is designed to offer high-quality imaging in a compact and mobile form for TB screening. This advanced technology will allow for quick and accurate TB screening in the remote regions, significantly improving early detection rates. The introduction of new van equipped with the FDR X-Air into Kutch District of Gujarat will enhance FUJIFILM India’s capacity to deliver timely diagnostic services and expand the reach of our TB campaign under CSR project.”

Mr. Abhi Shekhar Singh, Vertical Head, Corporate Communications & CSR, FUJIFILM India, added, “My extensive travel and field visits to Valsad and Banaskantha motivated me to take the challenge to expand our active case finding project of TB Detection to the largest district in India which is 45,674 square kilometres and poses a challenge to any public health program to manage its day-to-day operations. I am confident that the professional team of Apollo Telemedicine Network Foundation along with our robust handheld x-ray device, FDR X-Air will triumph all the hostilities and irrespective of the unforgiving terrain and climate in the region, we will be able to serve the people in our mission to support eradication of TB from India. As a leading healthcare company in India, FUJIFILM India, is committed to uphold the Fujifilm’s Group purpose which is “Giving our World More Smiles” and our efforts to take difficult challenges for the social good is a living example of that.”

FUJIFILM India remains steadfast in its mission to promote health and well-being through its various CSR initiatives. Their commitment to fighting TB and supporting community health initiatives is unwavering as they continue to collaborate with local health authorities and organizations to ensure that their efforts yield tangible and lasting results.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Government of Maharastra Mandates Pre-Primary and Primary School Classes to Start at 9 AM

By

Hency Thacker

-

June 13, 2024

Government of Maharastra Mandates Pre-Primary and Primary School Classes to Start at 9 AM

The education department of Government of Maharashtra has announced that pre-primary and primary classes in schools will commence no earlier than 9 AM from academic year 2024-25. A Government Resolution (GR) was issued on Thursday, June 13, directing the schools to start classes for pre-primary students till class 4 at or after 9 AM, irrespective of their board affiliation.

The decision has been made taking into account the changing lifestyles wherein children end up sleeping late at night, and get insufficient sleep if they are forced to come to school early in the morning. This compromises their physical and mental health, and also stunts their overall growth. Several studies have also shown decreased cognitive function and concentration among children who do not get sufficient sleep.

Another benefit of later school is for the parents who struggle with transportation early in the morning during foggy or rainy days. Later school will help them manage their timings much better.

Parents, Experts Concerned with new changes

However, there are several matters of concern. Critics have stated that this decision will push the school timings of post primary students later during the day, who will end up being busy with school till evening leaving them no time for pursuing hobbies or extra curricular activities, as their evenings would then be spent in completing the homework or self-study.

Some parents have also expressed their concerns as the schools their children go to are close to their home, requiring minimal commute, but they commute for more than an hour for their workplace. Their office hours commence from 9 AM and the new school timings mean that they have to leave for office earlier than their children have to leave for school. The abrupt announcement has them scrambling for making new arrangements at such a short notice.

Furthermore, considering the fact that the hours of operation for most of the offices start at 9 AM, roads at this time are already busy. With school traffic joining the office going traffic, this could add to the traffic congestion issues in big cities causing loss of resources and time.

Some experts have said that the new schedule can prove counterproductive and even harmful for several children especially in the regions with extreme weather conditions, as it could expose children to harsh midday heat. This is a problem especially because majority of schools in India are not equipped with air conditioners or coolers.

While the decision is made in a positive light, the change in schedule can have major implications in the life of children and their families. It is imperative that the education department work with schools, parents, teachers and all the other stakeholders to maximise the efficiency in education.

Child rights organisation working to ensure child welfare in Assam’s Tea Gardens

By

The CSR Journal

-

June 12, 2024

Child rights organisation working to ensure child welfare in

Assam, India: Bal Raksha Bharat, the leading child rights organization, has taken proactive steps towards children’s wellbeing in the tea industry of Assam. About 20% of Assam’s population (6.5 million) is directly associated with tea plantations. This World Day Against Child Labour 2024, amidst the picturesque landscapes and thriving tea plantations of Assam, Bal Raksha Bharat is highlighting the stark reality – the prevalence of working children in this vital sector of the state’s economy. Till 2022, Bal Raksha Bharat has reached directly to 21054 children and adults (12177 in 2022) and indirectly 30522 children and adults (17575in 2022). Discussions were held with local Gram Panchayats leaders, Tea Garden Management and associations of tea industry for identifying the most vulnerable.

Aligned with the global theme ‘Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!, Bal Raksha Bharat has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, working tirelessly to ensure a brighter, safer future for children in tea-producing communities. Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between All Assam Small Tea Growers Association and Bal Raksha Bharat to jointly address child rights issues. Bal Raksha Bharat will support them to strengthen their business by the collectivisation of Small Tea Growers (STGs) and enhancing market linkages of their product. This pivotal partnership signifies a concerted effort to cultivate a nurturing environment for children within the tea industry, laying the groundwork for sustainable change.

In the past, Bal Raksha Bharat and Tea Association of India have jointly organized a consultation on ‘Business and Child Rights in Tea Supply Chain’. The objective was to create a platform for various stakeholders including tea growers, producers, associations, marketing companies, NGOs, UN, Government, and academia to deliberate on the current scenario and agree on way forward in realizing the rights of children and community.

Since 2021, Bal Raksha Bharat has demonstrated unwavering commitment and strategic engagement with various stakeholders, including Assam Police, government bodies, trade unions, educational institutions, and industry associations. Through collaborative efforts, BRB has advanced the child rights agenda, fostering a joint approach towards safeguarding children from exploitation and promoting their holistic development with a series of strategic engagements with Assam Police, government entities, trade unions, educational institutions, and industry associations, forging alliances to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.

Mr. Sudarshan Suchi, Chief Executive Officer of Bal Raksha Bharat shared, “This flagship project of Bal Raksha Bharat in the Tea Plantation areas of Assam, initiated in 2021 and extended till 2026, has achieved remarkable success. By reaching out to 10 major tea plantations, engaging 3000 plantation workers, and collaborating with 2000 small tea growers across Jorhat and Dibrugarh districts, we’ve made significant strides in our mission. Our efforts have yielded three pivotal outcomes: empowering adolescent groups and communities to safeguard children from harm and exploitation, fostering understanding and implementation of Child Rights and Business Principles within the tea supply chain, and enhancing the capacity and coordination of government child protection workforce to address pertinent issues in the state. This ongoing initiative stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to ensuring a brighter future for the children of Assam.”

“About 20% of Assam’s population (6.5 million) is directly associated with about 800 large tea plantations While the region is renowned for producing more than 50% of Indian tea, it’s a paradox that the people in tea production, from plucking, to withering, to final packaging, are particularly alienated from the mainstream of development and record low progress on human development indicators particularly in the areas of the level of education, health and sanitation, housing condition, nutrition, per capita income etc. of the communities are significantly poor.”, adds Mr. Abhijeet Nirmal, Deputy Director, Child Protection Bal Raksha Bharat.

Bal Raksha Bharat has also been championing knowledge sharing, capacity building programs, and community-based research, fostering a culture of empowerment and enlightenment with esteemed institutions like Dibrugarh University and Assam Agricultural University. With Dibrugarh University, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed for a joint collaborative approach for holistic community development focusing on children and women. This initiative is aimed at knowledge sharing and initiation of academic programmes and curriculum related to child rights, capacity-building training programme for students and relevant stakeholders on child rights and child protections, documentation of best practices including community-based action research. These efforts culminate in district-level interventions, where Bal Raksha Bharat facilitates coordination meetings, proposes need assessments, and spearheads child protection plans in tandem with local authorities, underscoring the organization’s commitment to grassroots impact and institutional strengthening. Sensitization workshops, stakeholder consultations, and the development of innovative monitoring tools such as the ‘Digital Monitoring and Reporting Application’ exemplify Bal Raksha Bharat’s multifaceted approach to combating child labour.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

CSR project ‘Mission Education’ launched to support underprivileged children

By

The CSR Journal

-

June 12, 2024

CSR project ‘Mission Education’ launched to support underprivileged children

Gurugram, India: CNH Capital, the financial services division of CNH has launched its CSR Project: ‘Mission Education’, focusing on enhancing the educational experience and improving learning outcomes of schoolchildren in Nangli Umarpur village, in Gurugram. As part of this initiative, the project will support 240 children studying in primary up to fifth standard.

Mission Education, in collaboration with the Smile Foundation, will support NeeV – village learning centre – pupils. The initiative will source teaching materials and set up a Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Lab. It will also focus on sanitation and hygiene education, skills development opportunities for teachers and project staff, and provide networking opportunities for the children and other stakeholders.

Vishal Chaudhary, Managing Director – CNH Capital, India said, “We remain committed to CNH’s goal of enhancing the well-being of students through the launch of ‘Mission Education’. This initiative aims to increase access to quality education by focusing on foundational learning. We hope to ignite a long-term transformation in these young minds.”

CNH team with the students and staff at NeeV

CNH’s New Holland brand started the ‘Mission Education’ project in 2016, and to date it has benefitted 270 children. The Company is expanding its CSR efforts in India, focusing on education: Project Unnati provides scholarships for schoolchildren and students from Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) in Gurgaon and Noida. Project Udaan offers scholarships and a comprehensive development curriculum for underprivileged female students pursuing engineering degrees.

Founded in 2018, CNH Capital India is the company’s financial services and supports CNH brands’ customers and dealers with tailored financing solutions.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Avoid taking shelter under trees during monsoon: BMC urges Mumbai citizens

By

The CSR Journal

-

June 12, 2024

Avoid taking shelter under trees during monsoon: BMC urges Mumbai citizens

As monsoon arrives in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started taking steps so that any untoward incident which may lead to loss of lives can be avoided. The civic body has put up posters at several places in the city and distributing leaflets to alert the citizens.

Branches of trees falling and even entire tree getting uprooted during heavy rains and thunder showers is a common incident in the city. These branches often fall over pedestrians taking shelter under a tree to save themselves from the rain causing severe injury and even loss of lives.

BMC poster warning against tree fall during monsoon

These branches also damage vehicles which have been parked under trees during heavy rains. In order to prevent such accidents, the BMC has taken an initiative to alert citizens by appealing to them to avoid taking shelter or parking their vehicles under trees during heavy rains.

Around 57 trees and branches collapsed in the first heavy rainfall which Mumbai experienced on Sunday night. Several lives have been lost in the past few years due to tree branches falling during monsoon, hence this initiative by the BMC.

Leaflet distribution, survey and pruning of trees by BMC

Not just putting posters, as part of this initiative, the BMC has also started distributing leaflets across Mumbai and its Eastern and Western suburbs, warning residents against standing under trees during rainfall and thunderstorms citing potential dangers which can be caused by a tree getting uprooted or branches falling.

As part of its pre-monsoon preparation, the civic body has already conducted a survey and pruned hazardous trees across Mumbai as per instructions from BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Amit Saini. The BMC’s Garden Department is also alerting citizens against parking their vehicles under trees during heavy rain or thunder showers.

Trees pruned across Mumbai ahead of monsoon

There are approximately 2,975,000 trees within the civic jurisdiction, with 186,246 lining the roads as per data from BMC’s Garden Department. In preparation for monsoon, 22,334 trees and branches were pruned as well as 433 dead or infested trees were removed last month. The civic body has issued notices to more than 4000 establishments for trimming of potentially hazardous trees in private as well as government-owned areas. Pruning has been done to over 2,400 trees across 52 locations by the BMC in collaboration with Central and Western Railways last month.

Citizens urged to contact BMC helpline

BMC is also urging citizens to contact on it helpline 1916 if they want to trim or prune potentially hazardous trees in their locality, within their housing society premises or on the roads. However, residents will have to obtain proper permission before pruning trees.

Are Small Business Loans on RBI’s Radar?

By

The CSR Journal

-

June 12, 2024

Are Small Business Loans on RBI’s Radar?

Small business loans are crucial for entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to realise their business dreams. However, recent reports have highlighted the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) increased scrutiny on these loans, raising questions among borrowers about the implications of these regulatory actions. In this blog, we aim to provide clarity to individuals seeking loans, particularly those aimed at Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), regarding the RBI’s oversight and its impact on borrowing.

The Importance of Small Business Loans

MSME loans are more than just financial instruments; they are essential tools that empower entrepreneurs and individuals to turn their aspirations into reality. These loans provide the necessary capital for various purposes, including funding working capital to keep operations running smoothly, acquiring equipment to enhance productivity, and investing in infrastructure to support growth and expansion. Without access to these funds, many small businesses would struggle to survive, let alone thrive in a competitive market. Timely and affordable credit enables entrepreneurs to seize opportunities, innovate, and create jobs, thereby driving economic growth and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. Thus, small business loans serve as lifelines, offering hope and support to those with the vision and determination to pursue their dreams of business ownership and success.

RBI’s Regulatory Focus

In recent times, the RBI has intensified its supervision of small business loans, citing concerns over their usage and associated risks. One area of focus is the misuse of mortgage top-up loans, originally intended for home improvements, being marketed by financial institutions for purposes such as weddings, vacations, and personal expenses. Such practices raise red flags for regulators, as they can lead to borrowers taking on excessive debt without adequate collateral, potentially leading to financial distress.

Additionally, the RBI is closely monitoring algorithm-based lending models employed by financial institutions to expedite loan approvals. While these models offer convenience and efficiency, there are concerns about their transparency, fairness, and potential for discriminatory lending practices.

Implications for Borrowers

The increased regulatory scrutiny by the RBI on loans, particularly those targeting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), underscores the importance of borrowers exercising caution and due diligence. While loans can be instrumental in driving business growth and fulfilling financial needs, borrowers must be mindful of using the funds for their intended purpose. Deviating from the intended use of the loan, such as using MSME loans for personal expenses or unrelated business activities, can lead to financial strain and overindebtedness.

The RBI’s regulatory actions are aimed at safeguarding the stability and integrity of the financial system, but borrowers also play a crucial role in protecting their own financial well-being. It’s imperative for borrowers to fully comprehend the terms and conditions of their loans, including interest rates, repayment schedules, and any associated fees or penalties. By understanding these details, borrowers can make informed decisions and avoid falling into debt traps or facing unexpected financial burdens.

Moreover, borrowers must remain vigilant and stay informed about their rights and responsibilities throughout the loan process. This includes monitoring changes in interest rates or repayment terms and seeking clarification from lenders if needed. Maintaining open communication with lenders and seeking guidance from financial advisors can also help borrowers navigate the complexities of borrowing and ensure they make sound financial choices.

Ultimately, exercising prudence and conducting due diligence is essential for borrowers to protect themselves from potential pitfalls associated with borrowing. By carefully evaluating their borrowing needs, understanding loan terms, and using funds responsibly, borrowers can mitigate risks and effectively manage their finances. In doing so, they not only protect their own financial stability but also contribute to the overall health of the financial system.

In addition to understanding the regulatory landscape, borrowers should also focus on building strong credit profiles and maintaining healthy financial habits. By managing debt responsibly, making timely repayments, and diversifying funding sources, borrowers can enhance their creditworthiness and improve their access to affordable credit in the future. Furthermore, seeking guidance from financial advisors or counsellors can provide valuable insights into managing debt and achieving long-term financial goals.

In conclusion, the RBI’s increased scrutiny on small business loans underscores the importance of responsible lending practices and borrower awareness. While regulatory oversight may pose challenges for borrowers, particularly those seeking MSME loans, it’s essential to recognise the underlying objectives of these regulatory actions. By staying informed, exercising caution, and seeking guidance when necessary, borrowers can navigate the lending landscape with confidence and ensure their financial well-being in the long run.

NewsWeekPRO

THECSRJOURNAL .cls-1{fill:#be0000;}.cls-1,.cls-2{fill-rule:evenodd;}.cls-2,.cls-3{fill:#fff;}

Open to all

The cafe has been conceptualised by IPS Laxmi Singh, CP Gautam Buddha Nagar and IPS Babloo Kumar, Ad. CP, Headquarters. It aims to improve relationship between police officers and civilians. Cafe Rista is managed by the Noida Police and open to everyone.

Cafe decor

The cafe decor boasts of colourful posters of popular police characters from films and television from olden times till now. “Usually people get to know about our work through Bollywood, so we have tried to show these inspiring characters from the silver screen,” informed IPS Yadav.

Boosting mental health

नागपुर में सीएसआर फंड जुटाने की चर्चा सिर्फ कागजों में सिमटकर रह गई

नागपुर जिला परिषद को नहीं मिला CSR और ना ही रिस्पॉन्स

NALSAR University and Kshetra Foundation for Dialogue today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake a 5-year collaborative project on “Building Community Capacity and Ecosystemic Support for Conflict Transformation, Collaborative Problem-solving and Self-governance”.

The collaboration stems from the shared belief that systemic change can no longer be achieved through isolated approaches. By bringing together society, governance institutions, and business institutions, the partnership aims to create communities of change through dialogue.

At the same time, NALSAR University law and business students trained in community conflict resolution through dialogue will support these trained community members to actively engage with on-ground situations.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Another benefit of later school is for the parents who struggle with transportation early in the morning during foggy or rainy days. Later school will help them manage their timings much better.

Parents, Experts Concerned with new changes

THECSRJOURNAL