Our Policy
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy
Preamble
ANSR Foundation (“Foundation”), a company incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, s committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable development through initiatives that create meaningful and lasting social impact. The Foundation undertakes programmes aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, environmental sustainability and community welfare, with particular focus on underserved and vulnerable sections of society. This Policy is framed pursuant to the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to time and sets out the principles and framework governing the Foundation’s CSR initiatives.
Objective
The objective of the Foundation’s CSR initiatives is to contribute towards inclusive, sustainable, and equitable social development by undertaking programmes that create measurable and long-term impact for communities, particularly underserved and vulnerable groups.
- Empower underprivileged communities by promoting education, vocational training, and skill development.
- Promote and preserve national heritage and culture through support for the conservation of culturally significant sites, traditional arts, and public knowledge resources
- Empower women and advance gender equality through initiatives that enhance social, educational, and economic opportunities, while supporting the welfare of women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
Scope of CSR Activities
This Policy applies to all CSR programmes, projects and interventions undertaken by the
Foundation, either directly or through eligible implementing partners, in accordance with
applicable law. All activities supported under this Policy shall be aligned with the activities
prescribed under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
CSR Focus areas
The Foundation may support and undertake activities relating to:
i. Eradicating Hunger, Poverty, and Malnutrition: Initiatives aimed at providing food security, promoting healthcare, sanitation, and ensuring access to clean drinking water.
ii. Promoting Education: Enhancing access to education, with a focus on vocational training, skill development, and special education for differently-abled individuals and marginalized groups.
iii. Empowering Women and Promoting Gender Equality: Programs focused on empowering women, providing shelter for women and orphans, and setting up homes for the elderly and other vulnerable populations.
iv. Environmental Sustainability: Promoting ecological balance, environmental protection, and the conservation of natural resources, including flora and fauna. Projects may also contribute to the rejuvenation of natural bodies like rivers through Government initiatives such as the Clean Ganga Fund.
v. Promoting National Heritage and Culture: Supporting the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites, promoting art and culture, and creating public awareness.
vi. Support for Armed Forces and Veterans: Programs designed to benefit veterans, widows, and their families by providing aid and support.
vii. Promoting Sports and Physical Activity: Supporting rural sports, nationally recognized sports, and the promotion of Paralympic and Olympic sports.
viii. Rural and Slum Development Projects: Initiatives aimed at uplifting rural areas and slums through infrastructure development, better access to services, and livelihood generation.
ix. Disaster Management and Relief: Providing support for disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.
x. Any other activity falling within the scope of Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
CSR Governance
The Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) Committee constituted by the Board shall oversee the implementation of this Policy and discharge such functions as may be prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013 and the applicable CSR Rules. The Committee shall be responsible for formulating and recommending the CSR Policy and any amendments thereto, recommending the CSR projects and expenditure to be incurred thereon, formulating and recommending the Annual Action Plan, reviewing the progress of approved initiatives, monitoring utilization of funds, and establishing an appropriate mechanism for monitoring the implementation and impact of CSR activities. The composition of the CSR Committee shall be determined by the Board from time to time in accordance with applicable law.
ROLE OF THE BOARD
The Board shall provide overall oversight of CSR activities and shall:
- Approve the CSR Policy and amendments thereto.
- Approve the Annual Action Plan based on the recommendations of the CSR Committee.
- Ensure compliance with statutory CSR obligations.
- Review the implementation of approved CSR initiatives.
- Ensure all disclosures required under applicable law are made in a timely manner.
Composition of CSR Committee
In accordance with the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) Committee to assist the Board in the discharge of its responsibilities relating to Corporate Social Responsibility activities and oversight of the implementation of this Policy.
The CSR Committee comprises the following members:
- Ms. Lalit Ahuja
- Mr. Vikram Ahuja
- Ms. Caroline Fernandez
The Board may reconstitute the CSR Committee from time to time in accordance with applicable law and the requirements of the Company.
Lalit Ahuja
Vikram Ahuja
Caroline Fernandez
Annual Action Plan
CSR activities shall be undertaken in accordance with an Annual Action Plan approved by the Board. The Annual Action Plan may include the list of approved projects, implementation schedules, timelines, budget allocation, monitoring mechanisms and impact assessment requirements. The Board may modify the Annual Action Plan during the year based on the recommendations of the CSR Committee.
CSR Budget and Expenditure
The CSR budget shall be determined annually by the Board of Directors in accordance with the requirements and applicable provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder. Any surplus arising from CSR activities shall not form part of business profits and shall be utilized in the manner prescribed under applicable law.
Administrative overheads shall remain within the limits specified under the CSR Rules.
ONGOING PROJECTS AND UNSPENT AMOUNTS
Unspent CSR amounts relating to ongoing projects shall be transferred and utilized in accordance with the timelines and manner prescribed under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the CSR Rules. Any unspent amount not relating to an ongoing project shall be dealt with in accordance with applicable statutory requirements.
Implementation
The Foundation may implement CSR activities directly or through eligible trusts, societies, Section 8 companies or other entities permitted under applicable law. Where required, such implementing agencies shall be registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and comply with the eligibility requirements prescribed under the CSR Rules.
The Foundation may also collaborate with Government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness and scale of its initiatives.
Monitoring and Impact Assessment
The Foundation shall establish appropriate mechanisms to monitor the progress and effectiveness of CSR projects. Periodic reviews may be conducted to assess project outcomes, fund utilization and alignment with approved objectives.
Where required under law, impact assessments shall be carried out through independent agencies, and the findings shall be placed before the Board for consideration.
Employee Volunteering
ANSR Foundation encourages active participation of its employees in CSR initiatives, fostering a strong connection between the employees and the communities they serve.
Disclosures and Reporting
Information regarding the Foundation’s CSR initiatives, including project details and outcomes, will be made publicly available through various communication channels such as the Foundation’s website, Annual reports, social media platforms and any other manner prescribed under applicable law.
Policy Review and Amendment
This Policy shall be reviewed periodically and may be amended by the Board from time to time to ensure continued compliance with applicable laws and alignment with organizational objectives.
This policy reflects ANSR Foundation’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and to the sustainable development of the communities in which it operates.