The 6th Annual CSR Conclave of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) with the theme 'CSR Rewired: Post Covid 19 Scenario,' held on Thursday, emphasised on sharing best practices & learnings from the various CSR interventions by the Indian automobile industry in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assuring the Government of India’s willingness and active partnership with the auto industry towards strengthening the CSR initiatives, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, Government of India, noted that the automobile industry should focus more on labourers and small technicians, work more closely with NGOs, strengthen their focus on health, safety, environment, and skilling initiatives, share its experiences so that the larger community can learn.
He said, “The Indian automobile industry has been a major contributor to the economy and the society as it holds a major share in the GDP. Looking forward, in the PLI scheme the Government is providing economic support of about INR 25,000 crore to the industry. All OEMs’ have played a huge role in helping society through their CSR initiatives, including during the COVID pandemic.'
Highlighting varied perspectives on health & sanitation, skills development, road safety, and environmental rejuvenation, the conclave witnessed the participation of key industry leaders deliberating on the inclusive development of society while protecting the ecology.
OEMs including Honda Cars India, Ashok Leyland, MG Motors India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Hyundai Motor India, and TATA Motors made presentations on the 'New Approach to CSR and Learnings' theme.
Sushant Naik, Chairman, SIAM CSR Group, Global Head- Government Affairs, Tata Motors, said, “We as an industry are committed to giving back to society and carrying forward the Government's efforts of 'Amrit Kaal.' We are certain that the active support of our progressive Government shall take our country to new heights. Also, discussing mental well-being is a need of the hour considering the post-COVID world that we are living in.”