00:04Hello and welcome, I'm Arohi and you're watching D-Note Express, weekly CSR bulletin.
00:09Here we bring you India's most impactful CSR initiatives, breakthrough partnerships
00:13and key updates. So let's get started with today's top stories.
00:21Our first story, government expands CSR framework through social stock exchange instruments.
00:27In a significant policy development, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has expanded the scope
00:32of corporate social responsibility under the Companies Act. The Ministry has now allowed
00:37CSR spending through subscriptions to zero-coupon, zero-principle instruments listed on the social
00:43stock exchange. The amendment is expected to make CSR funding more transparent, regulated
00:49and accessible for not-for-profit organisations working on public welfare projects. Under the
00:55revised rules, eligible non-profits can raise funds through these instruments on the social
00:59stock exchange, while companies can allocate a portion of their CSR budgets towards such
01:04investments. However, the expenditure through this route will be capped at 10% of a company's
01:09annual CSR obligation. The move is expected to improve funding access for social sector
01:14organisations while ensuring greater accountability and compliance.
01:18Moving ahead to our next story, MCL signed CSR agreements worth 3.93 crore rupees in Orissa.
01:25Mahanadi Coalfields Limited has signed three memorandums of understanding with the Angul District
01:31Administration for Community Development Projects worth 3.93 crore rupees under its CSR programme.
01:38One of the major initiatives includes the development of aroma farming clusters across three villages,
01:44benefiting nearly 2,200 farmers through aromatic crop cultivation, skill development, women-led
01:51livelihood activities and sustainable agricultural practices. MCL has also committed funding for road
01:57construction and cross-drainage infrastructure, benefiting resettled families from socially disadvantaged
02:03communities. Additionally, the company will support multiple municipal development projects aimed
02:09at improving drainage systems, sanitation, civic infrastructure and regional connectivity. The projects
02:15reflect MCL's continued commitment toward inclusive growth and socio-economic development in its
02:20operational areas. Our next story, Delhi to introduce hydrogen-fueled buses with NTPC CSR support.
02:28The Delhi government has announced plans to introduce hydrogen-powered buses in the national capital
02:33with support from NTPC under its CSR initiative. The proposal includes the deployment of two hydrogen-fuel
02:40cell buses as part of Delhi's transition towards sustainable and zero-emission public transportation.
02:47Under the proposed arrangement, NTPC will provide support through its CSR programme, while the Delhi
02:53Transport Corporation will facilitate operational deployment. Officials believe hydrogen-fuel technology can play a
02:59crucial role in reducing emissions and strengthening environmentally responsible public transport infrastructure.
03:05The initiative complements Delhi's broader efforts to improve air quality and accelerate the adoption
03:10of clean mobility solutions. Moving to our final story, Finovation Project Spotlight,
03:16Impact Assessment of Surya Mitra Training Programme. In today's Finovation Project Spotlight,
03:21we highlight the impact assessment of the Surya Mitra Training Programme conducted for the Skilled Council
03:27for Green Jobs. Finovation partnered with the Skilled Council for Green Jobs to assess the effectiveness of
03:33the solar photovoltaic installation training programme across 11 states, including Delhi, Gujarat,
03:39Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Assam, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
03:46The assessment covered more than 1,500 beneficiaries, including 1,004 trainees and 505 master trainers.
03:55Conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown period, the study successfully utilised remote monitoring
04:01methodologies and advanced computer-assisted personal interviewing techniques, making it one of the most
04:07innovative impact assessment exercises undertaken during the pandemic. The project provided valuable
04:13insights into workforce development in India's renewable energy sector and strengthened Finovation's
04:19expertise in evaluating large-scale skill development initiatives.
04:23On that note, we conclude today's bulletin.
04:26This is Arohi. Thank you for watching.
04:27Just a quick reminder, your CSR bulletin will now be coming every Monday and Thursday,
04:32exclusively on the Finovation YouTube channel. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an update.
04:43I'll see you next time.
