Latest news with #PankajBansal
Time of India
07-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Where women build, economies rise: M3M India's livelihood push
'Our vision is not to support women as recipients of aid, but to help them emerge as economic stakeholders,' says Pankaj Bansal, Director, M3M India. In today's India, where economic growth is increasingly being measured by its inclusivity, one question defines real progress: who gets to lead it? For a country eyeing a $5-trillion economy, the role of women as economic drivers is no longer just a moral imperative—it's a strategic necessity. Yet in semi-urban and rural India, opportunity often halts at the doorstep of skilling. Not due to lack of ambition, but due to a vacuum in access, infrastructure, and market connectivity. That's the gap M3M India, India's largest non-listed real estate developer is bridging through its philanthropic arm, M3M Foundation. Led by Ms. Payal Kanodia, Trustee and chairperson, Foundation, the organisation is crafting a development model that integrates skill-building with dignity, income, and long-term transformation. Its flagship skilling initiative, Kaushal Sambal, is at the heart of this shift—an effort that goes beyond training to foster entrepreneurship at the grassroots. A standout example is Lala Ji Ki Rasoi, a decentralised network of community kitchens, operated and owned by women trained under Kaushal Sambal. The pilot kitchen in Bajghera, Haryana, is the first of 100 such units M3M Foundation plans to establish across north India by 2028. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo These kitchens serve not just affordable meals, but also a powerful idea: women as income-earners and decision-makers in their communities. But Kaushal Sambal is just one dimension of a wider ecosystem M3M Foundation is building—where livelihoods, education, and leadership intersect. Training in tailoring, hospitality, digital services, and beauty care is accompanied by structured pathways to income-generation and entrepreneurship. Complementing this is iMpower, the Foundation's grassroots outreach platform, which helps set up Women's and Mothers' Committees—forums where women engage in decision-making, financial literacy, healthcare access, and legal awareness. To scale its impact, the Foundation is also investing in civil society. Through the DoCC–M3M Social Impact Grants 2024-25, launched in collaboration with SPJIMR, it is funding 13 non-profits projects across seven states with ₹2.5 crore—supporting initiatives like Kutumb in Varanasi, which equips rural women with skills and connects them to market linkages. Payal Kanodia, Trustee and Chairperson, M3M Foundation, said, 'At M3M Foundation, we believe empowerment begins when women are seen not just as beneficiaries, but as changemakers. Our focus is on creating sustainable livelihood ecosystems where women lead, earn, and inspire—transforming their communities in the process.' Education, too, is a critical focus. The Saakshar initiative supports school-going children—especially more than 50% girls—from marginalised communities. Through its Buniyaad programme, M3M Foundation makes a striking commitment: for every M3M home sold, it funds the full academic journey of one girl child—embedding philanthropy into the business model itself. Some interventions break the mould entirely. Neev Se Shikhar Tak uses mountaineering to build confidence among adolescent girls, while Dream Weavers trains rural youth in design and creative skills—connecting untapped talent to India's growing creative economy. The common thread: helping individuals imagine a life beyond circumstance. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, M3M Foundation's work spans gender equity, quality education, decent work, and reduced inequality. But rather than ticking boxes, the approach is holistic, scalable, and rooted in long-term community ownership. In an industry often associated with hard assets and bottom lines, M3M's social footprint offers a compelling counter-narrative—of how corporate resources can be channelled not just to build infrastructure, but to build futures. Because when women don't just participate in the economy—but lead within it—the impact echoes far beyond any balance sheet.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
M3M India integrates digital, scalable ESG framework built with enterprise discipline
As enterprise governance frameworks evolve to prioritise ESG, inclusive growth, and long-term societal impact, M3M India, India's Largest Non-Listed Developer, presents a compelling case of operationalising social responsibility at scale. While most of India's real estate sector remains focused on physical infrastructure and financial delivery, M3M has embedded social equity into its core business model—underscoring a shift from transactional development to systemic its philanthropic arm, the M3M Foundation, the company has established a decentralised, outcome-driven approach to social impact across 22 states and 85 districts. In less than a decade, this framework has reached over 4.8 million individuals across underserved regions, with targeted interventions spanning education, employability, healthcare, and environmental restoration. This scale is not only noteworthy but also strategically aligned with India's national development goals and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - making M3M an active contributor to nation-building through inclusive infrastructure and social capital creation What makes M3M's model particularly relevant for enterprise and technology leaders is its approach to program governance, data transparency, and localised implementation. The Foundation operates with real-time impact tracking, strategic partnerships with over 40 government and civil society organisations, and region-specific planning that mirrors enterprise-grade delivery models. For CIOs and sustainability officers, this signals an emerging imperative: ESG is no longer a matter of corporate reporting—it requires scalable systems, integrated data architecture, and cross-functional alignment. Pankaj Bansal, Director at M3M India, said, 'Our belief is simple—real development must empower, not just build. We have embedded this into our DNA, aligning infrastructure with inclusive outcomes and long-term community resilience.' The Foundation's programs are designed with a feedback-led structure, drawing on local data and field insights to inform decision-making. For example, in education, digital learning modules have been deployed in remote areas to bridge access gaps. In livelihoods, tech-enabled skill development pathways are being integrated to enhance employability. Even in crisis response, such as during natural disasters or pandemics, the Foundation's ability to mobilise and deliver over 21 million meals reflects operational agility rooted in structured logistics and technology coordination. For enterprise leaders across sectors, M3M's ESG execution offers a blueprint that merges community-first thinking with enterprise-grade discipline. The Foundation has supported over 600,000 students, awarded more than 1,000 scholarships, and planted over half a million trees, but the deeper value lies in how these initiatives are institutionalised—through frameworks, not gestures. As regulatory scrutiny on ESG increases and corporate reputations become linked to social impact narratives, M3M India's integration of purpose into growth offers valuable insight. It reflects a larger shift in enterprise thinking: that infrastructure isn't just physical—it's strategic, inclusive, and deeply technological in how it can be governed and scaled. In a business environment where responsible innovation and societal alignment are becoming non-negotiable, the M3M Foundation serves not just as a philanthropic body—but as a strategic function aligned with modern enterprise transformation.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Supreme Court to examine if verdict requiring probe agency to give accused written grounds of arrest will apply retrospectively
The Supreme Court on Friday (June 27, 2025) decided to examine if its October 2023 judgment requiring the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to provide accused persons with grounds of arrest in writing will have retrospective application and include offences under the Indian Penal Code within its ambit. A Bench of Justices K.V. Viswanathan and N. Kotiswar Singh issued notice on the petition filed by the State of Karnataka, which had sought a clarification if the judgment in the case of Pankaj Bansal versus Union of India, which mandated the written communication of grounds of arrest to an accused, would have retrospective effect. The apex court, subsequent to the Pankaj Bansal judgment, had extended the requirement to cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a case filed by NewsClick founder and senior journalist Prabir Purkayastha last year. On Friday, the Bench said the issue raised by Karnataka was already reserved for judgment in another case, Mihir Rajesh Shah versus State of Maharashtra, in April. The Bench suggested waiting for the judgment in this case, adding that it would shed greater clarity on the question of law. The State had appealed to the Supreme Court against a Karnataka High Court decision in April quashing the arrest of a murder accused on the ground that the reasons for his arrest were not shared with him by the police in writing. The High Court had applied the Pankaj Bansal judgment retrospectively. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Karnataka, objected to the High Court's reasoning, arguing that the Pankaj Bansal judgment had itself said its application was to be with prospective effect. However, Justice Viswanathan pointed out that Pankaj Bansal judgment itself had been applied retrospectively by quashing an arrest which had, in fact, already taken place. The Bench questioned the State's take that the judgment would only have prospective effect. The court listed the case on July 18, after the court reopens following summer vacation.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SC alarmed by Karnataka HC's retro use of 'grounds of arrest' order
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday realised that its well-meaning rulings could cause huge complications in criminal law processes as it found that Karnataka high court had released a murder accused two years after his arrest as police had not informed him in writing the grounds of arrest as mandated by SC in Oct 2023. Appearing for Karnataka govt, senior advocate Sidharth Luthra told a bench led by Justice K V Viswanathan that SC rulings operate prospectively unless specifically directed for its retrospective application. He said the man was arrested on Feb 17, 2023, and was remanded to custody the same day in a murder case . The chargesheet has been filed and he is facing trial, Luthra said. However, nearly one-and-a-half years after SC in Pankaj Bansal case ruled on Oct 3, 2023 that investigating agencies must communicate in writing the grounds of arrest to the person being taken into custody, the murder accused moved Karnataka HC on March 22 this year questioning his arrest due to non-communication of the grounds of arrest in writing by relying on the SC ruling. Relying on subsequent rulings of SC reiterating the principle enunciated in Pankaj Bansal case, HC quashed his arrest but asked him to appear before the investigating officer, cooperate in the probe, not to threaten or tamper with witnesses, not to get involved in similar offences and not to leave the territory of the police station of Arsikere town without IO's permission. Justice Viswanathan said this could have a huge repercussion on thousands of arrests by police across states prior to pronouncement of the judgment in Pankaj Bansal case. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo "We are worried such a course of action, as adopted by Karnataka HC, will have a nation-wide implication and thousands of accused, arrested prior to Oct 3, 2023, may rush to courts seeking annulment of their arrests," he said. The bench noted that a similar question was pending judgment before a bench led by CJI B R Gavai, which had reserved verdict two months ago on April 22 on a petition filed by Mihir Rajesh Shah who had challenged his arrest alleging that the grounds of arrest were not communicated to him in writing by police. CJI Gavai and Justice A G Masih had raised two questions: Whether in every IPC case, it is mandatory to furnish grounds of arrest before or immediately after the arrest. And, whether the mandate could be optional in exceptional cases where it is impossible to provide grounds of arrest immediately on arrest. Referring to Mihir Shah's case, Justice Viswanathan said since the judgment could be expected after July 15 and could lay down guidelines regarding communication of grounds of arrest, it would be better to post the Karnataka case for hearing on July 18. Justice Viswanathan's apprehension was fully reflected in CJI Gavai's views, as before reserving verdict in Mihir Shah's case, he had observed, "Imagine someone is shooting people in public. Should police take him into custody or wait to prepare grounds of arrest to be served on him prior to that? Our judgments (making it mandatory for police to furnish grounds of arrest in writing) have been grossly misused."
Entrepreneur
03-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Caret Capital Raises Over INR 160 Cr in 6 Months, Eyes INR 400 Cr for Sustainability-Focused Fund
Caret Capital is set to announce four investments: an electric 2-wheeler platform for gig workers, a battery lifecycle firm, a rural livestock feed distributor, and an AI-powered SaaS platform for tracking carbon emissions in supply chains. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Caret Capital, a venture capital fund dedicated to sustainability, has successfully raised over INR 160 crore within just six months of its launch. The early-stage thematic fund is backed by prominent investors including Bajaj Auto, Transport Corporation of India (TCI), and a leading US-based private foundation. The firm is targeting a total corpus of INR 400 crore. The fund focuses on startups driving India's growth across smart mobility, distribution and supply chain, and jobs—three key sectors projected to contribute over USD 1.2 trillion to the Indian economy by 2030. "Our mission is to back entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of sustainable solutions that will shape India's future," said Prajakt Raut, Co-founder and Partner at Caret Capital. "The strong interest from investors is a testament to the potential of our thematic approach." Caret Capital aims to create a lasting impact by enabling the creation of 10 million jobs and reducing 10 million metric tons of carbon emissions through its investments. The fund is preparing to announce four key investments, including: A subscription-based electric 2-wheeler platform for gig workers, for gig workers, A battery lifecycle management company , , A livestock feed distribution startup for rural markets, and for rural markets, and An AI-powered SaaS platform that tracks carbon emissions in supply chains. To support early-stage startups, Caret Capital runs Caret360, a 100-day accelerator program that provides capital, mentorship, and deep market access. Additionally, its annual event, Caret GPS (Growth Productivity Summit), gathers industry leaders to explore innovations and productivity solutions. The next edition is scheduled for later this year. With a portfolio that includes 27 innovative startups like Celcius, Unstop, Traqcheck, EVeez, Awign, and Enmovil, Caret Capital continues to strengthen its track record in backing transformative ventures. Led by Pankaj Bansal, Karan Mittal, and Prajakt Raut, the fund remains committed to investing in startups aligned with India's structural development and sustainable future.
