CM Devendra Fadnavis asks corporates to undertake CSR in backward districts

As per the Companies Act, companies are mandated to spend at least 2 per cent of their average net profit over the last three financial years on CSR activities.

Fadnavis said the first phase of VSTF showed positive results in several villages, and evaluation reports were encouraging. “Though there were some shortcomings, the second phase will be implemented more effectively to ensure greater success. After VSTF fellows left villages, the pace of transformation slowed. Hence, in the next phase, it is essential to build village-level institutional structures based on local human resources. Customizing schemes according to each village’s specific needs would accelerate transformation,” he added.

The focus in the first phase was not just on implementing schemes but also on having dedicated individuals, socially committed fellows, and local institutions in villages, CM Fadnavis said. He emphasized that each private partner’s contribution was invaluable, and with government schemes, better results could be achieved across villages. “Because of the participation of VSTF and corporate partners, rural transformation initiatives have shown excellent progress,” he said.

Noel Tata, chairman, Tata Group, said that 20–25% of the Tata CSR fund is allocated to Vidarbha and backward regions for social and economic development. Sangita Jindal of JSW Group said that the group will undertake transformation work in 50 villages of Gadchiroli district as well as CSR projects in Alibag, Chandrapur and other areas. Rakesh Sharma, MD, IDBI said, with VSTF’s partnership, IDBI is carrying out social initiatives in 104 villages across five districts, supporting government hospitals, and adopting schools and hospitals through its branches and divisional offices.

On the occasion, CM Fadnavis released a report on water conservation projects prepared by STL Limited and inaugurated the warehouse of Raosaheb Patil Farmer Producer Company at Latur. MoUs were also signed between the Quality Council of India and VSTF for quality management, and between STL, VSTF, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, and the Social Forestry Department for the Harit Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar initiative.

VSTF MD Pravin Singh Pardeshi presented a report on the first phase, highlighting the positive changes achieved. He suggested that the Mission Maha Karmayogi initiative, already being implemented in Solapur and Dharashiv districts, should be expanded across the state. Under this mission, village-level government officials and employees will be trained for effective rural development.