Ways to Mitigate Challenges in CSR

We discuss the following topics in this blog:

1. Transition in CSR
2. Bridging the gap
3. Fragmentation of resources
4. Common concessium

In addition to these topics, we shall also be answering the following FAQs:

1. What is WiFi?
2. What is an Optical Fibre Cable?

Transition in CSR

CSR is going through a huge transition in our country and in this evolving landscape not only big corporates but also NGOs are involved to great extent and when I say that I mean it is not actually in the same condition as it was a decade back. Lots of grassroots organizations today are building their capacity. Corporates are building their capacity because of structured resources that they are getting to you know enhance and take bigger programs.

I think there is a big milestone that the road on which corporates also mentor and help them in building the capacity which I feel should be more structured and there should be more collaboration I know in a very responsible manner because many as you said about genuineness you know how can we segregate between genuine and eligible NGOs. I feel these are not interchangeable terms because many genuine organizations are working on grassroot level just because they are not eligible they do not have proper records they are not you know eligible to take CSR resources.

How can Corporations Bridge the Gap?

So this gap with the help of corporates how much can be breached for example at Sterlite Tech we are working a lot with grassroot organizations and every month we are having their capacity building sessions. We have used technology a lot because one big problem that NGOs we have seen is they are not using the technology to measure impact and most of the corporates are because of the law and other things are using these you know apps and other portals so if this can also be extended to NGOs I think this will be a big help to you know really get the real outcome of it.

Fragmentation of Resources

See one report was released in that the data analysis was in which area how much investments CSR is having and I think the ministry is also working a lot on data analysis but I think someone here also said about the fragmentation of resources. Every corporate independently decides what do we have to do CSR in and they are also implementing it. Due to this, some work is done in piece meals.

How to Attain a Common Concessium?

If the community needs one particular area where a couple of corporates are working if they have a common concessium that can come together then the cause identification is discussed. I think Industry bodies I think should come in the lead role in that in bringing all those discussions and people together getting on to a common consensus. For example in Maharashtra we talk about Vidarbha their water is scarce should prioritization happen there.

Many more times there are also lots of reports where CSR has also become a subject of misplaced priorities then we should also see that we should promote folk dance or address the water crisis. So I think these are some of the contemporary issues. We need more direction. A lot of initiatives have been picked up over the years because I have personally in my previous organizations worked very closely with the ministry of social justice and the national trust so a lot of action has happened with the center for Autism and cerebral palsy and in fact of hospitalization sector I feel a lot of jobs have been created along with NSD centers skills ministry interestingly has also done a lot of work.

In mental health, if we talk about especially mental disability then for autism, cerebral palsy for all these defined job roles along with training is being imparted. I think as we prioritization of CSR areas it is always the decision of a particular corporate in which area they want to invest. But also continuous demand from the community is also one of the things in which there are a lot of issues. If there is a pharma company or any associate business which feels it is very related to them as an ancillary then many cases are already underway.

FAQs

What is WiFi?

Put simply, WiFi is a technology that uses radio waves to create a wireless network through which devices like mobile phones, computers, printers, etc., connect to the internet. A wireless router is needed to establish a WiFi hotspot that people in its vicinity may use to access internet services. You’re sure to have encountered such a WiFi hotspot in houses, offices, restaurants, etc.

To get a little more technical, WiFi works by enabling a Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN that allows devices connected to it to exchange signals with the internet via a router. The frequencies of these signals are either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidths. These frequencies are much higher than those transmitted to or by radios, mobile phones, and televisions since WiFi signals need to carry significantly higher amounts of data. The networking standards are variants of 802.11, of which there are several (802.11a, 802.11b, 801.11g, etc.).

What is an Optical Fibre Cable?

An optical fibre cable is a cable type that has a few to hundreds of optical fibres bundled together within a protective plastic coating. They help carry digital data in the form of light pulses across large distances at faster speeds. For this, they need to be installed or deployed either underground or aerially. Standalone fibres cannot be buried or hanged so fibres are bunched together as cables for the transmission of data. This is done to protect the fibre from stress, moisture, temperature changes and other externalities.

There are three main components of a optical fibre cable, core (It carries the light and is made of pure silicon dioxide (SiO2) with dopants such as germania, phosphorous pentoxide, or alumina to raise the refractive index; Typical glass cores range from as small as 3.7um up to 200um), Cladding (Cladding surrounds the core and has a lower refractive index than the core, it is also made from the same material as the core; 1% refractive index difference is maintained between the core and cladding; Two commonly used diameters are 125µm and 140µm) and Coating (Protective layer that absorbs shocks, physical damage and moisture; The outside diameter of the coating is typically either 250µm or 500µm; Commonly used material for coatings are acrylate,Silicone, carbon, and polyimide).

An optical fibre cable is made up of the following components: Optical fibres – ranging from one to many. Buffer tubes (with different settings), for protection and cushioning of the fibre. Water protection in the tubes – wet or dry. A central strength member (CSM) is the backbone of all cables. Armoured tapes for stranding to bunch the buffer tubes and strength members together. Sheathing or final covering to provide further protection.

The five main reasons that make this technology innovation disruptive are fast communication speed, infinite bandwidth & capacity, low interference, high tensile strength and secure communication. The major usescases of optical fibre cables include intenet connectivity, computer networking, surgery & dentistry, automotive industry, telephony, lighting & decorations, mechanical inspections, cable television, military applications and space.