The institute of chartered accountants of India: Contributing to Societal Goals
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India firmly believes in the incomparable importance of fulfilling duties and meeting social responsibilities so as to transform stakeholders into benefactors. The impactful role that communities can play in facilitating and broadening the horizons of impoverished areas in modern competitive world needs excessive consideration. Afterall, prosperity is best achieved in an inclusive society where gains are shared equitably. In such times, it is imperative to move away from the narrow personal gains to take assertive and strong steps towards redefining the record and aspire for greater balance and deeper meaning to human existence; this is only possible through the collective fulfilment of our corporate social responsibilities
The ambit of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities has grown manifold. Even a few years ago, before the Companies Act 2013 came into effect, businesses used to contribute to the development of the society as a benevolent and generous act. There was no compulsion to spend for the social cause. However, with the coming into effect of the Companies Act, 2013, India has seen CSR spending becoming compulsory by law and non-fulfilment of the provisions is punishable offence. CSR is playing an important part in achieving the sustainable development goals. Government of India seeks to achieve the SDG Goals through CSR and through privatepublic partnership in nation building. During the Covid-19 pandemic also, CSR has played a very important role in supporting the social and economic development of the country where the Corporate Sector joined hands with Government in boosting up health infrastructure to fight the pandemi
Being a partner in Nation Building, ICAI sou moto take several steps as part its responsibility to the society. ICAI has also submitted views on Frequently Asked Questions on Companies (CSR Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021 being framed by the MCA. ICAI through the CSR Committee puts its best efforts to create, maintain, and improve awareness and compliances of CSR Regulations; undertake meaningful and quality initiatives; such activities that capture the true essence of social responsibility in such a way that leads to value creation for the society, promote sustained growth in harmony with the environment through transparency and effective governance. ICAI educates, conducts events and take focussed initiatives directed towards overall wellbeing of the society
1. Task Force for Covid-19
As a vigilant leader, we all are aware how the 2nd wave of Covid-19 pandemic impacted the society. The 2nd wave of pandemic had a devastating effect of the Indian society and also the Indian economy. The severity of the situation caught India unprepared for the onslaught. To minimise the spread of the virus, lockdown had to be imposed in several states. Jobs, and as a result, the household incomes have also been impacted. The health system also came under pressure due to the rapid spread of the virus. To mitigate the issues ICAI branches, formed Special Covid Task Force and helped the members, students and their family and society at large to arrange for hospital beds, oxygen, medicines, plasma, food etc. The Branches worked at the ground level and were in direct contact with the needy. Members of the Task Forces were readily available on call to provide support and comfort to the sick
2. Blood Donation
To support the members and students, the Branches of ICAI were requested to organize Blood Donation / Plasma Donation Camps since blood was in short supply during the peak of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. A grant for reimbursement of expenses upto Rs. 7,500/- was declared by the CSR Committee, for organizing the Blood Donation Camp. During the last quarter, reports have been received from 25 branches where more than 1000 units of blood was collected. Members and students had actively taken part in the initiative
3. Vaccination of Members, Students and their family
Vaccination Camps were organized by the Branches since April, 2021, in various phases, for the benefit of members, students and their families. In the initial phase, senior citizens and individuals with co-morbidities were vaccinated. Since May, 2021 vaccination camps have been organized by various branches for members and students above 18 years of age. A grant for reimbursement of expenses upto Rs. 7,500/- was declared by the CSR Committee. During the last quarter due to the efforts of the branches of ICAI, facilities have been provided at more than 83 vaccination camps at various places all over the country for the vaccination of more than 15,454 members and students and their family members. Other branches have also submitted their willingness to facilitate the vaccination of members and students once the vaccines are made available.
4. Supply of Oxygen
Task Forces for Covid-19 were formed at the Branches where the members of the Task Forces provided support to members and students of the branch, during the Covid-19 pandemic, by arranging for hospital beds, oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators, medicines, ambulance and also took care of the ailing family by providing free / subsidized food. Some branches of ICAI have donated Oxygen Cylinders, kits and other medical equipment to Hospitals and with the understanding that the priority treatment will be given to Chartered Accountants
5. Tree Plantation
The CSR Committee of ICAI is organizing Mega Tree Plantation Drive which will be flagged off on CA Day, 2021 by the august hands of Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (confirmation awaited). There is a target of planting 10 lakh trees during the current year. The committee invites all members and students to be a part of the Mega Tree Plantation drive. Each member and student has to plant at least 1 tree during the current season. He also should pledge to nurture the tree for a minimum period of 3 years. This small contribution from you towards the environment will go a long way to preserve the green cover of the earth and make the earth a better and healthier place to live
6. International Yoga Day Celebrations
For the general health and well being of the society, International Yoga Day celebrations were organized on 21.06.2021. Two webinars were organized during the day. Guru Maa Chaitanya Meera took the session on Be with Yoga, Empower Yourself, where she discussed various asanas and yogic exercises for good health. The afternoon session was taken by Padmashree Gurudev Swami Bharat Bhusan on the topic : Yoga in Today’s Context where basic exercises were discussed which could be followed in our everyday life. The session was ended with a discourse by Brahma Kumari Yeshu. The sessions received good response from the members
7. Being in Touch for the Society
ICAI encourages members and students to work for the social cause. Flyers have been circulated on important days like International Day of Forests, World Environment Day, World Wildlife Day peace World Health Day, to name a few. The purpose of the same is to make the CA fraternity aware of important Sustainable Development Goals which were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy
8. Individual Social Responsibility
An ISR Community Hub has been created in DLH platform where individual members and students can showcase the social activities done by them so that others will also be motivated for the social cause. All such efforts are appreciated by the Committee. At individual level one such Chartered Accountant CA Gaurang Parikh has been serving the society with great humility. At the age of 63, when most people think of spending their retired life relaxing at home, he has been out on the streets helping the needy and the destitute. Education being a big casualty among children of workers he motivates their parents to get the admission in the local municipal schools or in their village and assist them logistically. He also encourages them to shun bad habits and adopt healthy lifestyle. There are many other members who are doing their bit in helping the community. It is the need of hour that we should come forward to help others.
