CII Gujarat to set up centre of excellence in CSR consulting

Over 35 CII member companies have initiated industry responsive skill centers in Gujarat training over 9000 youth leading to gainful employment

In an attempt to create further awareness among its members on the New Companies Bill’s norms for corporate social responsibility (CSR), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s Gujarat chapter will be setting up a centre of excellence (CoE) for the same.

What’s more, to assist member companies in choosing non government organisations (NGOs) to partner with for CSR activities, CII Gujarat intends to create a data bank of NGOs even as it might look to grade them.

“Till today, every firm had its own CSR initiative. But they would now need further guidance and consulting in this area. Also, CII Gujarat and its members would want to work in CSR for areas like education, creating skill and healthcare, among others. To facilitate our members, we will be identifying and suggesting good NGOs to partner with. We want to create a data bank of NGOs and might look for quality gradation of these NGOs to assist companies in choosing NGO partners. However, the decision will be that of the firm,” said Kunjal Patel, newly elected chairman of CII Gujarat chapter.

Speaking about the new initiatives to be taken up by CII Gujarat in 2014, Patel said that the centre of excellence will be set up in Ahmedabad for offering consulting services to members on CSR norms. Apart from a centre of excellence, CII Gujarat is also planning to set up a skill development centre in Bhavnagar for the foundry industry.