Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is gaining ground globally in both developed as well as the developing world (Jamali, 2014; Pisani et al, 2017Ruane et al, 2018). World over, CSR activities are being recognized as a collaboration between corporations and the communities in which they are based and increasingly it is being emphasised that such collaboration should be based on reciprocity more than philanthropy. (Boehm, 2002; Hamman, 2004; JS Lim, CA Greenwood , 2017). It is as much important for corporates in India to understand how local communities can be positively influenced by it to build a ‘business case’ for itself. This study seeks to understand and analyze the impact of accessibility to water on the social and cultural life of the villagers. For this study we used structured/unstructured interviews, focus groups, and observation methods. The data from 20 villages studied as part of social impact survey was analyzed using statistical tools. Twenty-nine focus group discussions were conducted involving approximately 300 people, whereas 41 personal interviews were held with beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries as well as residents of villages categorized as out of asset areas. The project of CAIRN has a great social impact as it made life very easy for the villagers, brought about social cohesion, equity, gender balance, women empowerment, democratization, and equitable distribution. Overall health of the village improved exponentially. Social impact of CSR initiative “Jeewan Amrit” has been positive in creating goodwill and better relations with the stakeholders. Social impact through CSR efforts is very important towards corporate citizenship.