Opinion
CSR in new dimensions: It has become imperative for cos to understand the social milieu in which they function
28 Apr 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Economic Times
The recent speech of the Prime Minister at the CII meeting, leading to a debate on reservations in the private sector, has perhaps raised relevant issues on the whole concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Indian business has had a tradition of providing financial support for activities that go beyond the narrow interest of the shareholders. In the past, however, corporate philanthropy and actions defining creation of places of religious worship or schools and other institutions. This concept has undergone substantial transformation not only because the corporate sector is now involved in activities, which were earlier part of the Government's responsibility, but also because with the spread of information, public opinion has become an important part of the image of a corporate organization, outgrowing performance purely in a business sense. There is also a much larger reason for redefining CSR, grounded in the reality that business cannot succeed in a society which fails. It had, therefore, become imperative for companies to understand the social milieu in which they function. Public acceptance of the operations of any business, particularly in an alien society, often determines the success or otherwise of corporations. Such acceptance comes from the company in question being seen in empathy with the aspirations and values of the society in which it functions.
Reliance's city gas foray
20 Apr 2006 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| The Financial Express
RIL's (Reliance Industries) investment proposal into city gas distribution makes eminent sense and needs to be welcomed. Not only would this improve the reliability of supplies to all consumers within the beneficiary cities, it would also reduce dependence on LPG imports. India imported about 2.33 million tonnes of LPG in 2004-05. It is expected that our imports of oil would increase from a little less than 100 mt to close to 350 mt by the year 2030 and its oil import dependency would rise from 75% today to 95% - giving rise to a growing sense of vulnerability. A large part of this demand growth would be attributable to the demand for transportation fuels and for the residential fuels of LPG and kerosene. As has been brought out by the census of 2001, 90% of rural India still meets its cooking needs through biomass fuels and over 30% of urban cooking requirements, too. The government has stated its intent to ensure access to clean cooking energy to all households by 2012. While city gas would not provide a direct alternative to biomass-using households, it would definitely free up LPG consumption for a wider population base.
Demystifying coal security
14 Apr 2006 |
Mr S K Chand
,Dr Syamal Kumar Sarkar
| The Economic Times
Recently, two articles in these columns (November 16 and December 6, 2005) discussed about the security of energy supplies in India. We reiterate certain facts brought out in both the articles and put forth an analysis so that the issue of finitude of domestic coal reserves and related issues of energy security can be seen in right the perspective.
Renewable energy
18 Mar 2006 |
Mr Mahesh C Vipradas
| The Financial Express
Energy demand is increasing in India. The conservative estimate of the Planning Commission, in the draft integrated energy policy, estimated power generation capacity requirement reaching 627,088 mw in the year 2031, from the present capacity of 130,000 mw. Further, the needs are diverse and not limited to electricity. It is also known that in case of petroleum products, the dependence will increase. Further, projections show India will have to import coal to meet the growing demand. All these indicate India should make all efforts to tap renewable energy.
What's missing in this year's budget?
14 Mar 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Economic Times
It would perhaps be correct to say that if the government's annual budget does not invite severe criticism or lavish praise then it is probably a well-balanced exercise.
Future energised
06 Mar 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Indian Express
There are very strong reasons to believe that the historic India-US deal will define India as an emerging power. But perhaps the biggest reason for satisfaction lies in the implications that this agreement has for India's future energy supply.
Reforms will help harness full potential of deal
04 Mar 2006 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| Daily News & Analysis
The historic agreement reached between the US and India on cooperation in nuclear energy marks a significant departure both in terms of India's status as a nuclear power as well as in the country's energy security. However, the agreement by itself, which would certainly have to cross several hurdles before getting approved by the US Congress, is only a beginning.
Price petro-products on trade-parity basis?
21 Feb 2006 |
| The Economic Times
The inability of oil marketing companies (OMCs) to pass on the burden of increasing international oil prices to domestic consumers has resulted in their profit levels eroding from nearly Rs 11,000 crore in 2003-04 to a negative of nearly Rs 3,000 crore in the first nine months of 2005-06.
Quicksand ahead
09 Feb 2006 |
| DNA
President George W Bush's State of the Union address surprised observers across the world for its reference to the US "addiction" to oil and his appeal to reduce drastically that country's dependence on oil imports. Other leaders round the world have been encouraged by this apparent shift in position by an administration whose energy policy appeared to be based solely on opening up virgin and ecologically precious areas of land in the US for oil exploration. The US has indeed been addicted to oil, and the love affair of that society with the automobile is the reality, which prompted Bush to say that the American way of life is not up for negotiation, when he summarily rejected the Kyoto Protocol.
Market-based approach has to be part of the strategy
06 Feb 2006 |
Dr Syamal Kumar Sarkar
| The Financial Express
Energy efficiency, in a holistic sense, covers all steps for efficient use of energy resources, resulting in reduced need for production of energy, and thus, enhancing energy security. Energy (namely, electricity, coal, oil and gas) is consumed in various sectors such as industry, power,transport, domestic, etc. Naturally, any energy efficiency policy option will have to deal with all these sectors.