CSR Initiatives for Children – Exploring the Practices in Selected Companies in India

Of late, the concept of corporate social responsibility has gained prominence from all avenues. Across the globe, most of the prominent leading corporations seem to have realised the importance of being associated with socially relevant causes as a means of promoting their brands. Corporate have started moving from 'what is our share mode' to' what is our environmental impact' and 'how much we are accountable' mode. Nearly all leading organisations in India are involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in areas like education, health, livelihood creation, skill development, and empowerment of not just the weaker sections of the society but the society in large. This paper examines the concept of few notable firms sacrificing profits in the social interest within the environmental realm especially for children. Although the analysis of goodwill and quality of different initiatives within the umbrella of CSR is challenging, an attempt can be made to fulfill the social responsibility. The authors have tried to take four Indian firms who are exclusively into a robust CSR strategy, where child rights are being respected and protected. These programmes aim at holistic development of the concerned.The objective, sector, modus operandi and the scope of the programmes are investigated. Also a small effort has been made to understand the needs of children in India, scope of the corporate in fulfilling those needs and facilitate long term change in the lives of the marginalised children. A brief analysis regarding the best practices by the authors suggests that integrated empowerment is needed for sustainable development in the society. Moreover protecting the rights of children should be integral to every CSR strategy. Corporate can impact the access to the necessities, which are essential for survival and development of children in many ways.