Fadnavis Directs Officials to Form Maha CSR Authority to Streamline Funds in Maharashtra
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed state officials in Mumbai to submit a formal proposal for the establishment of the ‘Maha CSR Authority’. The initiative is aimed at ensuring a more effective, transparent, and coordinated utilisation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds across Maharashtra.
Highlighting the need for a dedicated body, Fadnavis noted that various CSR initiatives are currently being executed independently across different administrative levels. He stated that a central authority is required to create a single, unified platform for these dispersed efforts.
According to the proposed framework, the Chief Minister will head the Maha CSR Authority. The Governing Council will consist of senior state officials and representatives from the industry. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will act as the Member-Secretary of the Governing Council and serve as the Head of the Executive Council.
Fadnavis stated that the Maha CSR Authority must concentrate on coordinating, monitoring, and ensuring the proper deployment of CSR capital. He instructed administrative authorities to prepare a high-quality “project bank” that aligns directly with government priorities, making it readily accessible to participating corporations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Additionally, the Chief Minister said the authority should assist eligible Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in selecting appropriate projects and partner NGOs, alongside promoting exemplary CSR practices throughout the state. The primary objective of the initiative is to provide financial backing to priority government projects through CSR funds when required.
The initiative will also place special emphasis on maintaining and repairing existing projects funded through CSR. Fadnavis pointed out that many CSR-backed projects become non-functional after a few years because of a lack of dedicated maintenance funds. To address this issue, he directed the proposed authority to prioritise the repair and upkeep of older initiatives.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister suggested examining the concept of ‘Diaspora Connect’. This initiative would seek to mobilise CSR and social development funds through the active participation of Maharashtrians residing outside the state and overseas.
