DK Shivakumar flags 'illegal' CSR donation practice by corporates in Karnataka
The Deputy CM was taking stock of the progress on building 500 model Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, which is his pet project.
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Hans India
38 minutes ago
- Hans India
Don't indulge in CSR fraud: DK Shivakumar to corporate entities
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Saturday warned corporate entities operating in the state not to indulge in committing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fraud. He made the statement during a review meeting on Saturday at Vidhana Soudha, held to assess state-wide progress with Deputy Commissioners and CEOs. Deputy CM Shivakumar pointed out that many corporate entities based in Karnataka are issuing CSR cheques to private service organisations (NGOs) in other states, and are allegedly taking back around 50 per cent of the amount in cash. This development has come to the notice of the government, he called this a fraudulent practice and stated that such misuse of Karnataka's share of CSR funds is unacceptable. 'It is your responsibility to ensure these funds are used for the development of our schools,' he told the officials.'We don't need CSR funds in cash. Instead, let the companies build one public school per three Gram Panchayats. If land is required, the government will provide it. You identify the land, we will provide the school design. Let the companies construct the buildings and provide infrastructure. Their name can be displayed on the school building alongside the government's,' he proposed. The state receives around Rs 8,000 crore annually through CSR funds. A year ago, directions were issued to utilise these funds for constructing CSR model schools. However, the implementation has been unsatisfactory, Shivakumar noted. He expressed strong displeasure over the slow progress in the construction of CSR-funded public schools in Karnataka, modelled after the Karnataka Public Schools added, 'In my constituency, we are constructing 13 CSR public schools, each costing Rs 9 to Rs 12 crore. But work is progressing only in a few locations, and most places show a complete lack of interest.'
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Will rope in corporates for upkeep of parks in Mohali under CSR: mayor
In a move to enhance the upkeep of major parks in Mohali, Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu has announced plans to collaborate with corporate houses under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Speaking with the Indian Express, the mayor said, 'Key parks like Nature Park, Silvi Park, City Park in Sector 68, Kargil Park, Rose Garden, and Bougainvillea Park will soon be maintained by corporate groups. Mohali is home to several major corporates that can effectively utilise CSR funds for this purpose.' The mayor said, 'Coordination with these companies will be established soon, allowing them to adopt parks and invest in their upkeep. In return, the Municipal Corporation may grant them the right to display advertisements at these parks, a practice already implemented at various roundabouts across the city.' Taking inspiration from Western models, Sidhu said, 'Small cafeterias can also be set up at parks for morning and evening visitors. These can serve as informal meeting spaces.' He emphasised, 'Corporates are already mandated to spend CSR funds, and channelling those towards city beautification will not only fulfil that requirement but also significantly uplift Mohali's public spaces.' 'If these funds are spent wisely and positively, it will transform the city's appearance,' he added.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Karnataka government seeks aid from corporates to build public schools
Bengaluru: Unhappy with the progress of Karnataka public schools, the state govt has appointed nodal officers to coordinate and expedite the construction of CSR-funded schools. Commissioner for industrial development, Gunjan Krishna was appointed as the coordinating officer; and Karnataka state industrial infrastructure development corporation, MD Khushboo G Chowdhary will be the CEO. The two officers will work with various corporates to mobilise CSR funds for schools. KPSes are kindergarten to class 12 schools, which the govt wants to project as signature schools providing quality education with robust infrastructure. The decision to appoint nodal officers was taken in view of the slow progress in setting up 2,000 KPSes in the state. The two officers will work to expedite the execution of this project, said the DCM's office in a press statement. Currently, there are 285 KPSes, and the plan is to add 2,000 more in three years. In a review meeting, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar took a dig at the district commissioners and zilla panchayat CEOs. "CSR funds to the tune of Rs 8,000 crore are available in the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo We gave clear instructions two years ago that they must be used to build KPSes. It has come to our notice that some corporations from the state are allocating CSR funds to private NGOs in other states and taking back 50% of that amount in cash. This is resulting in a loss for the state; it is our responsibility to use it for building the schools," he said. He said the corporates need not give the govt any funds; they can build a school and hand it over to the govt. "The govt can even provide lands and building designs. The corporates can brand the schools in their name," he said. He asked the district administration to write letters to corporates and arrange a meeting with them. "The education department will provide designs for the schools; the corporates need to get a building up and running. Set a target to build one model public school in every taluk and, based on the feedback, set a target to build one school for three grama panchayats," he told DCs and CEOs. The DCM said 13 CSR Karnataka public schools are being constructed in his constituency, and each of these schools costs between Rs 9 crore and Rs 12 crore. "The work is progressing well only in some regions, while there is negligence in other regions," he said.
