Corporate Social
Responsibility
N KRISHNA MURTHY, ICLS
REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES
HYDERABAD
ANDHRA PRADESH AND TELANGANA
CSR is a process by which an organization thinks about and evolves its
relationships with stakeholders for the common good and demonstrates
its commitment in this regard by adoption of appropriate business
processes and strategies. Thus, CSR is no charity or mere donations.
CSR is a way of conducting business, by which corporate entities visibly
contribute to the social good. Socially responsible companies use CSR to
integrate economic, environmental and social objectives with the
company’s operations and growth.
• “Corporate Social Responsibility” (CSR) Means and include but
not limited to :-
1) Projects or programs relating to activities specified in the
schedule VII of the Act; or
2) Projects or Programs relating to activities undertaken by
BODs of the company in pursuance of the recommendations of
the CSR committee of the Board as per declared CSR Policy of
the company enumerated in schedule VII of the Act.
• “CSR Policy” relates to the activities to be undertaken by the
company as specified in schedule VII of the act and the
expenditure thereon, excluding activities undertaken in
pursuance of normal course of business of a company
Reasons for CSR
Activities
CSR activities are important to and even
expected by the public
And they are easily monitored worldwide
CSR activities help organizations hire and
retain the people they want
CSR activities contribute to business
performance
WBCSD (World Business Council for
Sustainable Development)
“The continuing commitment by business to behave ethically
and contribute to sustainable economic development while
improving the quality of life of the workforce and their
families as well as of the local community and society.”
Basic Constituents of CSR
Contribute Make Improveme
towards a
Towards
desirable nt of social Business
sustainable
economic social environme & Society
developme changes nt
nt
CSR Principles & Strategies.
Respect for human rights.
Respect for the differences of views.
Diversity & non-discrimination should be the guiding principle.
Make some social contribution.
Enter into e dialogue
Self-realization & creativity.
Fair dealings & collaboration.
Feedback from the community.
Positive value- added
Long term economic & social development.
Models of corporate social
responsibility
• A businessmen should perform his duty well, he is
performing a social as well as a moral duty.
• A businessmen has no other social responsibility to
perform except to serve his shareholders & stockholders.
Ackerman Model (1976)
The model has emphasized on the internal policy goals & their
relation to the CSR.
Four stages involved in CSR.
Managers of the company get to know the most
common social problem & then express a
willingness to take a particular project which will
solve some social problems.
Intensive study of the problem by hiring experts &
getting their suggestions to make it operational.
Managers take up the project actively & work hard.
Evaluating of the project by addressing the issues.
Six Strategies in the adoption of CSR.
Rejection strategy
Adversary strategy
Resistance strategy
Compliance strategy
Accommodation strategy
Proactive strategy
Carroll Model(1991)
Carroll Model(1991)
Philanthropic requirements: Donation, gifts,
helping the poor. It ensure goodwill & social welfare.
Ethical responsibility: Follow moral & ethical
values to deal with all the stakeholders.
Economic responsibility: Maximize the
shareholders value by paying good return.
Legal responsibility: Abiding the laws of the
land.
Environmental Integrity & Community
Health Model.
This model developed by Redman.
Many corporate in US adopted this model.
Corporate contribution towards environmental integrity &
human health, there will be greater expansion opportunities.
Healthy people can work more & earn more.
CSR is beneficial for the corporate sector.
CSR in a particular form is welcome.
Corporate Citizenship Model
To be a corporate citizen, a corporate firm has to satisfy four
conditions:
Consistently satisfactory
Sustainable economic performance
Ethical actions
Behaviour.
A particular firm’s commitment to corporate citizenship
requires the fulfillment of certain social responsibilty.
Stockholders & Stakeholders Model
Stockholders Stakeholder
ORIENTATION
Model Model
1 2
Self Interest
Productivism Progressivism
MOTIVES
3 4
Duty
Moral
Philanthropy Ethical Idealism
Contd………….
Productvists believe that the only mission of a firm is to
maximize the profit.
Philanthropists who entertain the stockholders. CSR is
dominated by moral obligations & not self-interest.
Progressivists believes the corporate behaviour basically
motivated by self interest & should have ability to
transform the society for good.
Ethical Idealism concern with sharing of corporate profits
for humanitarian activities.
New Model of CSR
Ethical Rooting
Strong Poor
Financial Capability
CSR (+) CSR(-)
Strong
CSR(-) CSR(-)
Poor
Best Practices of CSR
• To set a feasible, Viable & measureable goal.
• Build a long lasting relationship with the community.
• Retain the community core values.
• The impact of the CSR needs to be assessed.
• Reporting the impact.
• Create community awareness.
Need for Corporate Social Responsibility
• To reduce the social cost.
• To enhance the performance of employees.
• It a type of investment.
• It leads to industrial peace.
• It improves the public image.
• Can generate more profit.
• To provide moral justification.
• It satisfies the stakeholders.
• Helps to avoid government regulations & control.
• Enhance the health by non polluting measures.
Arguments for the CSR
• Corporate should have some moral & social obligations to
undertake for the welfare of the society.
• Proper use of resources, capability & competence.
• The expenditure on CSR is a sort of investment.
• Company can avoid many legal complications.
• It create a better impression.
• Corporate should return a part of wealth.
Arguments against the CSR
Fundamental principles of business gets violated.
It vey expensive for business houses.
CSR projects will not be successful.
There are not the special areas of any business.
CSR is to induce them to steal away the shareholders
money.
Indian Perspective.
• The Sachar committee was appointed in 1978 to look into corporate
social responsibility issues concerning Indian companies
• The company must behave & function as a responsible member of
society.
• Committee suggests openness in corporate affairs & behaviour.
• Some business houses have established social institutions like Schools,
colleges, charitable hospitals etc.
• Corporate sectors have not made significant contributions. (Polluting
Environment).
Indian Perspective.
PM’s Ten Point Social Charter 2007
MCA and CSR
Voluntary Guidelines on CSR, 2009
Released in Dec 2009, in presence of the president of India
A statement of Intent by the national government
Intended to be replaced by a more comprehensive guideline.
National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environmental and
Economic Responsibilities of Business 2011
Planning Commission and Task Force on Business Regulation.
Corporate Social Responsibility Continuum
Do more than
Maximize required; e.g. Integrate social
firm’s profits engage in objectives and
to the philanthropic business goals
Fight social
exclusion of giving
responsibility Balance profits
all else
initiatives and social
objectives
Do what it
takes to make Comply; Lead the
a profit; skirt do what is industry and
the law; fly Articulate
legally other
below social social value
required businesses
radar objectives
with best
practices
Applicability : (sec. 135(1))
• To all companies that have either of the following in any
financial year:
* All Companies
►Net worth of INR 500 crore or more means every
Company
►Turnover of INR 1000 crore or more including its
►Net profit of INR 5 crore or more holding or
subsidiary and
foreign company
having its branch
office or project
office in India.
CSR COMMITTEE :-
Composition As per act :-
• Compromising of 3 or more directors with at least 1 Independent
Director
• Composition should be disclosed in the annual board of directors report
Company –wise composition rules :-
• Unlisted public or private company u/s 135(1), not required to appoint
Independent Director pursuant to sec.149(4) :- Composition committee
without independent director
• Private company having 2 directors only :- Compose committee with such
2 directors
• In case of foreign company:- Committee shall comprise of 2 persons of
which
1.) One person shall be specified u/s 380(1)(d) of this act;
2.) Another person shall be nominated by foreign company.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
COMMITTEE :-
o Committee shall prepare, formulate and recommend
to the board the CSR policy of the company which
shall indicate activities to be undertaken;
o Recommend amount of expenditure to be incurred
on the above activities;
o Monitor CSR policy from time to time
RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMPANY’S
BOARD :-
o Approve and Disclose CSR policy in the Annual
Director’s report and company website;
o Ensure implementation of CSR activities as per the
policy;
o Ensure that the company spends, in every financial
year, at least 2% of average net profit made during
the three immediate preceding financial years;
o Director’s report to specify reasons in case the
specified amount is not spenyt;
ANNUAL SPENDING ON CSR BY
COMPANIES :-
For every financial year, CSR spending would be computed as
2% of the average net profits made by the company during
every block of three preceding financial years
Net profit for the sec.135 and CSR rules shall mean, net profit
before tax as per books of accounts and shall not include
profits arising from branches outside India
For this purpose, the average Net profit will be
calculated in accordance with the sec.198
CSR POLICY :-
CSR Policy of the company shall include :-
• Projects and programs that are to be undertaken;
• A list of CSR projects/ programs which a company plans to undertake, which
may also focus on integrating business models with social and environmental
priorities and processes in order to create shared value, specified modalities
of execution in the execution of areas or sectors chosen and implementation
schedules;
CSR of the company should provide that surplus arising out of the CSR
activity will not be part of business profits of a company.
CSR Policy would specify that the corpus would include the
following:
a] 2% of the average net profits, there from, out of CSR activities
b] Any income arising out of CSR activities;
c] Surplus arising out of the CSR activities.
FORMAT OF REPORTING :-
Format for the annual report on CSR initiatives to be
included in the board report by qualifying companies;
Provide a brief outline on Company’s CSR Policy including
an overview of activities proposed to be undertaken and
indicate the web link to the CSR Policy;
The composition of the CSR committee
Average Net profit of the company for last three financial
years;
Prescribed CSR expenditure;
In case the company has failed to spend the 2% of the
Average Net Profit (INR) of the last 3 financial years, please
provide the reasons for not spending the amount
FORMAT OF REPORTING :-
Details of CSR activities/ projects undertaken during the year:
a.) Total amount to be spent for the year;
b.) amount carried forward from earlier years;
c.) amount spent during the year;
d.) amount carried forward for the year.
To be signed by CEO/ MD/ Director or Chairman CSR
Committee. (Corporate Social Responsibility) Companies act,
2013
LIST OF CSR ACTIVITIES :-
Eradicating extreme hunger and poverty;
Promotion of education;
Promotion of gender equality and empowering women;
Reducing child morality and improving maternal health;
Ensuring environmental sustainability;
Employment enhancing vocational skills;
Social business projects;
Contribution to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund or
any other fund setup by the Central Government or the State
Governments for socio-economic development and relief and
funds for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled
Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women ;
Such other matters as may be prescribed. (Corporate Social
Responsibility) Companies act, 2013
Non-Applicability:
• Every company which is ceases to be a
company covered u/s 135(1) of the for 3
consecutive financial years shall not required
to-
constitute a CSR committee;
comply with the provision contained in sub-
section 2 to 5 of Sec. 135.
till such time it meets the criteria specified in
sec. 135(1).
(Corporate Social Responsibility) Companies act, 2013
CSR Committee:
• Composition As per Act:-
Comprising of 3 or more directors with atleast one Independent
Director;
Composition to be disclosed in the annual board of director’s report.
• Company-wise Composition Rules:-
unlisted public company or private company u/s 135(1), not required to
appoint independent director pursuant to sec. 149(4):- Compose
Committee without independent director
Private Company having 2 directors only:- Compose committee with
such 2 directors
In case of foreign company:- Committee shall comprise of atleast 2
persons of which:
1.) one person shall be specified u/s 380(1)(d) of the act;
2.) another person shall be nominated by foreign company.
CSR Activities:
• Only such CSR activities will be taken into consideration as are
undertaken within India.
• Only activities which are not exclusively for the benefit of
employees of the company or their family members shall be
considered as CSR activity.
• The Company to give preference to local area and areas around
where it operates, for spending the amount earmarked for CSR
activities.
• Contribution of any amount directly or indirectly to any political
party u/s 182 of the act, shall not be considered as CSR activity.
CSR Activities:
• Only such CSR activities will be taken into consideration as are
undertaken within India.
• Only activities which are not exclusively for the benefit of
employees of the company or their family members shall be
considered as CSR activity.
• The Company to give preference to local area and areas around
where it operates, for spending the amount earmarked for CSR
activities.
• Contribution of any amount directly or indirectly to any political
party u/s 182 of the act, shall not be considered as CSR activity.
Legal obligation regarding CSR:
• Disallowance of CSR expenditure:
CSR to be incurred only by specified class of companies; hence character of appropriation
No adverse / penal consequence if reason for not spending is explained in Board Report
‘Comply or explain’ provision
No carry forward of unspent amount
No investigation into the books of the company
• Points for defense:
From financial reporting perspective, it will be treated as expense and not distribution of
profit
Courts in the past have allowed voluntary CSR expenses as tax deductible under various
situations:
- Drinking water facilities to the residents in the vicinity of the refinery
- Aid to the school run for the benefit of the children of those local residents
List of CSR Activities:
• Eradicating extreme hunger and poverty;
• Promotion of education;
• Promoting gender equality and empowering women;
• Reducing child mortality and improving maternal health;
• Ensuring environmental sustainability;
• Employment enhancing vocational skills;
• Social business projects;
• Contribution to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund or any other fund
setup by the Central Government or the State Governments for socio-
economic development and relief and funds for the welfare of the Scheduled
Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women ;
and
• Such other matters as may be prescribed.
CSR Activities:
• A company may also conduct/ implement its CSR programs through
Trusts, Societies, or Section 8 companies operating in India, which
are not setup by the company itself.
• Companies may build CSR capacities of their own as well as those
of their implementing agencies through institutions with established
track record of atleast three financial years but such
expenditure shall not exceed 5% of total expenditure of the
company in one financial year .
• Companies may collaborate or pool resources with other companies
to undertake CSR activities and any expenditure incurred on such
collaborative efforts would qualify for computing the CSR spending.
Sub Section 8 of Section 134
If a company contravenes the provisions of this section,
the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not
be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to
twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company
who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to three years or with fine
which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but
which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
THANK YOU
