The district administration will extend all possible help for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, District Collector K. Rajamani said here recently.
He was speaking at the inaugural of the Coimbatore CSR Conclave 2019 organised by the CSR Spark.
Mr. Rajamani noted that about ₹ 300 crore worth CSR funds were available in Coimbatore in a year.
“The credibility of CSR has increased now,” he said, adding that the conclave would help in utilising the available funds in a “proper and transparent manner.”
The Collector commended the industries in the district for their contribution towards developmental activities.
“Coimbatore is more developed than other districts [of Tamil Nadu], but there are certain needs for developed districts too,” he said. The sectors of education, sanitation, healthcare and environment were specifically highlighted by Mr. Rajamani as in need of CSR initiatives.
The founder and chief patron of CSR Spark, R.S. Krishnaswamy, said CSR Spark was only “a portal and not an organisation,” which would focus on playing an advisory role, accreditation of implementing agencies such as non-governmental organisations and presenting awards. He listed four players as the ‘ABCD’ of CSR – agencies, beneficiaries, corporates and district administration.
President of Southern India Engineering Manufacturers' Association V. Krishna Kumar, Chairman of A.V. Group of Companies A.V. Varadharajan and CSR coach Nikhil Pant spoke.
A handbook on CSR was released by Mr. Rajamani and the first copy was received by Vanitha Mohan, chairperson, Pricol and advisor, CSR Spark.