by Rakshanda Gul
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an important part of development across the world. This is not restricted to philanthropy or donations alone anymore. Today, CSR is increasingly viewed as a tool for creating social, economic, and environmental impact through community and collaboration with governmental institutions. In the Darakshan Sitaray Podcast, an expert shed light on the current condition of CSR, the involvement of NGOs, and the prospects for sustainable development in Jammu & Kashmir.
The discussion started with a description of the model of CSR, which has been used for several decades. According to Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, there is a provision that all such companies that have met the prescribed criteria will have to invest 2% of their average net profit of the previous three years into CSR activities. While this legal provision exists, the discussion highlighted that many eligible corporate houses still do not invest the required amount. The conversation explored, “if every eligible company fulfilled this responsibility sincerely, the impact on society would be much greater”.
CSR has gradually expanded beyond financial donations. Today, it covers several sectors, including education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, child welfare, livelihood generation, environmental conservation, and skill development. The speaker mentioned that thousands of CSR initiatives are already in place across various parts of the country and are working with government departments. Even small-scale projects that have been regularly implemented have positively impacted the local ecosystem and community life.
The other topic that was discussed during the podcast was about the children. It was discussed that children should always be kept at the center of any development program. This has been made possible through the contribution of the CSR program, as it created an environment that is conducive to learning and growth of the children. Sports, recreation and emotional well-being are equally important. Investing in children today, the expert remarked, is an investment in a better society tomorrow.
Women’s development was another major theme of the conversation. The discussion also focused on how CSR has helped many women become economically independent through self-help groups and livelihood programmes. Women are developing skills and creating businesses and even providing job openings for other women. Such efforts enhance income levels while strengthening self-confidence and decision-making abilities in families. Sustainable development can be achieved only if women are involved in economic and social processes on equal terms.
The discussion extended to the broader scope of corporate social responsibility. CSR encompasses social well-being, economic development and environmental protection. Contemporary CSR has much in common with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which promote balanced development and preservation of natural resources. While CSR was traditionally perceived as philanthropy, the expert pointed out that the modern world requires a strategic approach. More money should be invested in addressing climate change, biodiversity preservation, environmental protection and resource management. The problem of climate change is becoming topical for all people, the expert noted.
While appreciating positive developments, the expert also raised certain concerns. In some cases, CSR funds are not utilised for their intended purpose and fail to reach communities that genuinely need support. Another point raised was that corporate social responsibility must never be an individual gain. To ensure transparency, accountability and improvement in the lives of the people, each project must contribute towards making things better for them. It is not the amount that goes into CSR projects, but its impact which matters most.
The discussion soon moved on to the involvement of NGOs in J&K. While appreciating the contribution made by various NGOs in areas of education, welfare of the community, raising awareness and environment-related activities like rainwater harvesting in the state, the expert pointed out a marked difference between the NGOs and government institutions. According to expert, the lack of confidence in NGOs among government institutions is visible even though many organizations have been working selflessly for the welfare of people.
Comparing the situation of NE states, the expert said, “that NGOs enjoy more public confidence there. As a result, they have been able to contribute significantly to local development”. The expert expressed the hope that a similar environment of trust can gradually develop in Jammu and Kashmir. Strong partnerships between government agencies, NGOs and local communities would create better outcomes than working in isolation.
Another important point raised during the discussion was the need for NGOs to remain closely connected with the people they serve. Development cannot be planned from offices alone. Organisations should spend time with communities, meet people at hours convenient for them, understand their concerns and create safe and comfortable spaces where they can speak openly. The expert appreciated that several NGOs are already adopting such community-based approaches, although some gaps remain. These shortcomings, however, can be addressed with patience, continuous learning and stronger community participation.
The expert also encouraged NGOs to think beyond grants and funding. Their focus should remain on creating lasting social impact, with financial assistance serving as a tool to achieve that goal. Instead, organisations should focus on creating lasting social impact. The most important question for any CSR or NGO initiative, the expert suggested, should always be: What positive change has this project brought to the community?
According to the expert, Jammu and Kashmir have tremendous economic possibilities which can be further enhanced via well-thought-out corporate social responsibility (CSR). This could be seen via the handicraft industry in Jammu and Kashmir. Handicrafts from Kashmir have gained acclaim all over the world because of their high-quality workmanship. With the combination of both traditional methods and modern technologies, artisans can be able to access international markets.
The horticulture sector offers another promising opportunity. Kashmir already produces world-famous apples, cherries, walnuts and several other fruits. These goods can be accessed by broader global markets through better infrastructure and value addition. The expert made it clear that supportive policy and market linkages were equally important. Providing training to youth in processing, packaging and marketing can generate jobs as well as increase income levels of the farmers.
The session brought out the points to need for sustainable livelihood options rather than short-term aid. The expert asked how we can keep on distributing food kits when solutions are available. NGOs and CSR activities must aim at giving skills to people which will allow them to earn without being dependent on outside sources. It provides them with self-respect and financial independence.
Various examples from across the nation were discussed to show how such an approach would be implemented. For instance, mushroom farming is one such activity that families can do from home with small investments and great profits. In the same manner, the Makhana model in Bihar proved how CSR, government, and local community can all combine to produce effective results. Local people were educated about the product, helped to connect with markets and eventually became self-reliant by building sustainable livelihoods. This initiative also improved nutrition and health benefits.
The expert also referred to Kashmir’s saffron, describing it as one of the Valley’s most valuable agricultural products. Besides its economic importance, saffron is widely recognised for its health benefits. With better awareness, scientific cultivation, branding and market access, saffron can contribute even more significantly to the region’s economy. CSR initiatives can support farmers by providing technical knowledge, modern processing facilities and stronger market connections.
At the end of the discussion, the expert shared a personal hope to see a practical and useful CSR model put in place across Jammu and Kashmir. The expert believed this model would involve young people, support local businesses, and create steady jobs instead of only offering short-term help. People also need to know more about CSR so that they understand its purpose and join in development efforts.
The expert concluded by encouraging young people to involve themselves in social work, community service and corporate initiatives. More corporate organisations should be invited to invest in Jammu and Kashmir through CSR programmes, treating these initiatives as opportunities to build lasting partnerships for development. If government institutions, NGOs, corporate houses and local communities work together with a shared vision, Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to build stronger livelihoods, empower its people and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Author writes on themes related to women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship, health, and changing social realities in the Kashmir Valley. She can be mailed at rakshandagul629@gmail.com
