Ranchi: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) must go beyond conventional welfare measures and benefit women, youth and those in need, Jharkhand high court judge Justice Sanjay Prasad said here on Saturday.Addressing the TOI Social Impact Conclave, co-powered by Central Coalfields Limited and Tata Steel Foundation, Justice Prasad urged companies to use CSR funds to provide inmates with education, skills and employment opportunities — support that could help them rebuild their lives, support their families and reintegrate into society.“While CSR initiatives of corporates are shaping people’s lives across Jharkhand, there is still much more to be done. CSR funds must benefit women, youth and those in need. Corporates should also focus on jail inmates and help them develop skills through which they can earn a livelihood and support their families,” he said.Pointing to ongoing initiatives at Ranchi and Dumka central jails, Justice Prasad said inmates at the Ranchi facility were practising at least 35 types of crafts, helping them earn and contribute to their families.“Jail authorities have informed me that more needs to be done for the welfare of prisoners. If the govt and private companies come forward to create employment opportunities and provide education and skill development to inmates, it can transform the lives of prisoners as well as their families,” he said.Planning and development department secretary Mukesh Kumar called for CSR programmes to be “future ready”, saying corporate funds should address not only current challenges but also prepare communities for those emerging in the years ahead.He stressed the need to build the skills and capabilities of Jharkhand’s young population. “Around 50% of Jharkhand’s population is below 24 years of age, which presents both an opportunity and a challenge. We can harness this youthful population for the state’s growth, but without the right skills and education, this vast human resource could become a burden 30 years down the line,” he said.Chief conservator of forests S R Natesh said corporates had a crucial role in supporting communities in Jharkhand, especially those working to protect the state’s natural resources and strengthen environmental conservation.
