Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to submit a proposal for establishing a dedicated ‘Maha CSR Authority’ to ensure more effective, transparent and coordinated utilisation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds in the state.
Common Platform Proposed To Bring Together CSR Initiatives Across State
Fadnavis gave the directions during a meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House to review the proposed framework. He said various CSR initiatives are currently being implemented independently at different levels and there was a need for a common platform to coordinate these efforts and maximise their social impact.
The proposed authority will focus on coordinating, monitoring and ensuring the proper utilisation of CSR funds. Fadnavis directed officials to create a quality project bank comprising projects aligned with the government’s priorities and make it accessible to companies and non-governmental organisations.
He also stressed the need to guide small and medium enterprises eligible to undertake CSR activities in selecting suitable projects and NGOs. The authority should also encourage and recognise outstanding CSR initiatives being implemented across Maharashtra, he said.
Authority To Recognise Successful CSR Initiatives In Maharashtra
Fadnavis said the objective was to facilitate financial support through CSR funds for government-priority projects wherever required. Such coordination, he added, would help channel corporate contributions towards areas with greater public and developmental needs.
The Chief Minister also called for special attention to the maintenance and repair of projects created through CSR funding. He pointed out that several projects become defunct after a few years due to a lack of funds for their upkeep. The proposed authority should therefore give priority to the maintenance and restoration of existing CSR-funded projects, he directed.
Fadnavis further suggested studying a ‘Diaspora Connect’ initiative to mobilise CSR and social development funding through the participation of Maharashtrians living abroad and in other parts of the country.
Under the proposed structure, the Chief Minister will head the authority. Its Governing Council will include senior government officials and representatives from the industry. The Chief Executive Officer will serve as member-secretary of the Governing Council and head the Executive Council.
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