The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is now eyeing a new source of funding for several of its development projects that need upgrading or face fund crunch towards their proper maintenance.
The civic body of the Gujarat capital is planning to tap into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of some leading corporate houses for the additional fund requirement for its projects. Corporates in India are mandated as per the law to use a certain percentage of their profits for CSR activities. The corporation has also started a CSR cell for looking into coordinating with corporates for the projects.
The AMC- Medical Education Trust (AMC-MET) has already been using CSR for its activities in the medical field.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Neha Kumari said the initiative will ensure help for beneficiaries of AMC’s various schemes and give the corporates a credible and transparent option to use their funds. “CSR fund will lower the burden on AMC and help it improve citizens’ lives with upgraded facilities in the city,” she said.
Kumari said there were several AMC projects and activities where corporate and Public Sector Units (PSUs) could pitch in and take part. A video by the civic chief appealing to the firms for the same would be released soon, the official added.
Some of the facilities that can get a facelift with the help of CSR funds are the MJ Library, facilities for women, maintenance of gardens, gyms, and beautification of circles.
Explaining how CSR funds can help, Kumari said sometimes the AMC faces budgetary constraints and other times some projects need to be taken on a priority basis as a result of which other tasks languish. “It is a win-win for everyone as many companies want to use their CSR funds for the development of the city,” said Kumari.
She said the South Zone had a very high density and was home to many people from the weaker sections of society. “A corporate that uses its CSR to help improve educational activities in the zone through smart schools will provide people an opportunity to get ahead in life. The AMC-run Shelter for Urban Homeless is managed with the help of grants from the Centre and State governments and they too can benefit from CSR activities,” said Kumari.
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