Business

CSR and Companies Act, 2013 – Responsibility or Compulsion

Published

11 years ago

November 23, 2013

The persistent commitment of corporates to act ethically and contribute to the socio-economic development, while refining the living standards of the employees and their families, as well as of the local community and society at large is Corporate Social Responsibility. It is also understood as a way through which companies achieve balance of social, environmental and economic imperatives in order to fulfil – the now global – dream of sustainable development.

In our modern world, sustainable development and inclusive growth have become catch phrases. An ideal situation calls for equal distribution of wealth and equal availability of opportunities for everyone. This, though, is easier said than done. The state alone is not accountable for the socio-economic development of a country, the corporate sector being as crucial cog in the wheel of development as the state. The profits that the private and/or the public sector make are supposed to be shared for the good of the nation. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an arrow in the quiver for holistic development of the nation. It is a mean to an end, the end being socio-economic development. It gives an opportunity to the corporates to give back to the nation.

Unfortunately, we live in a real world rather than an ideal one. Many questions arise when we talk about CSR. Is CSR enough? Is it followed to the letter? Is it merely a vehicle for corporates to build their brand value? To even try answering these questions, we have to have a deeper understanding of CSR.

There is a thin line that is drawn between a strategic business management concept, which CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility actually is, and charity, philanthropy or sponsorships. CSR is seen by businesses more as a technique to enhance the image of the brand than actually contributing to the society. It is the same all across the globe, with no exception. Ever since the birth of this concept, the mighty corporates have made fundamental contributions to the society as a whole and built a respectful brand image.

Let’s take the example of India. Before its independence and immediately after it, the social contribution of private companies was mostly confined to religious context, like building places of worship or donating to religious charities. With the liberalisation of Indian economy and surge of young entrepreneurs, organisations began to see beyond religion for their social contributions. Organisations like Aditya Birla group, Tata group and Reliance are some of the note-worthy companies that have made major investments in their CSR. Foreign companies like Larsen and Toubro, Cairn Energy, Coca Cola Company and others have also initiated many schemes under their CSR. These schemes range from setting up hospitals to starting vocational education or self-employment centres. Nowadays many organisations are involved in schemes like developing village industry clusters, adopting model villages and assistance to PAP (Project Affected People), and environment initiatives.

With the bill passed in the new Companies Act, 2013, the age old concept of Corporate Social Responsibility has seen a dramatic change in India. It is no longer a stunt to gain reputation but statutory responsibility that every company has to fulfil. According to the act, every company that meets any one of the following criteria of: a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, or with a turnover of ₹1000 crore or more or a net profit of ₹5 crore or more during any financial year will have to spend at least 2% of the average net profits of the company for CSR. It is also mentioned in the act that the company shall give preference to the local area and areas around where it operates, for spending the amount kept aside for Corporate Social Responsibility activities. These new rules would be applicable from 2014.

To assess the performance of the companies in their Corporate Social Responsibility, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) have plans to develop India’s first CSR index. This index will also look into the mandatory two percent spending of the corporates as per the new Companies Act, 2013.

Although the amended Companies Act, 2013 lays down certain guidelines for the amount of money to be spent on CSR activities it – probably intentionally – stops short of defining the ambit of such activities. The government has left it open for the companies to decide on what activities/programs they would undertake to fulfil their CSR. Sachin Pilot, the Honourable Minister of Corporate Affairs, stated that the government has left the canvas wide open for the companies to decide on their own about CSR activities they wish to undertake to comply with the new norms. He also said the few areas prescribed under the law are only suggestive in nature and it should not be seen as a restrictive list.

After the amended Companies Act, 2013, many believe that the act of social responsibility shall be forced out of the corporates rather than being their natural and dedicated decision towards the society. However, it is imperative to understand the importance of contributions from corporates, as they can radically upgrade a community and the nation. The impact of CSR is not confined to only social and economic well-being but it spreads to environmental and emotional well-being as well. With a mixed response to this bill from companies, it remains to be seen whether the Indian corporate sector takes CSR as an honest responsibility or merely a compulsion after the introduction of Companies Act, 2013.

Business

Screen Printing Services: A Beginner’s Guide to Avoiding Mistakes and Maximizing Your Investment

Published

1 month ago

June 22, 2024

Andra Tudor

Are you thinking about ordering custom t-shirts and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! Screen printing is an incredibly popular and versatile technique that allows you to create durable, high-quality designs on a variety of products. In this guide, I’ll teach you the essentials to make your first screen printing experience a success.

What is Screen Printing?

First, let’s talk about the basics. Screen printing is a printing method that uses a mesh to transfer ink onto a surface, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a stencil. This sounds a bit technical, but it’s actually quite simple: think of a large stencil and ink passing through it to form your design. It’s especially useful for printing on textiles, like t-shirts, but it can also be used on paper, wood, plastic, and more.

Benefits of Hire Screen Printing Services

Before getting into the details of how to place your order, let me tell you why screen printing is an excellent option:

Durability: The ink used in screen printing is thick and adheres well to fabrics, making the designs last longer without fading.
Versatility: You can print on almost any material. So, besides t-shirts, you can think of caps, tote bags, hoodies, and more.
Cost-effectiveness: For large orders, screen printing is very cost-effective. The more units you print, the lower the cost per unit.
Print quality: The colors are vibrant, and the details can be captured very well, especially in simple and bold designs.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Now, let’s move on to the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them:

1. Not Defining Your Design Clearly

It’s crucial to have a clear design before starting the process. Think about:

Colors: Less is more. Screen printing works best with a limited number of colors.
Details: Make sure the details are not too small. Fine elements can get lost in the print.
Design size: Make sure the size of your design is appropriate for the final product.

Tip: Work with a graphic designer or use design software to ensure your design is ready to print.

2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Fabric

Not all fabrics are the same. Some fabrics are better for screen printing than others. For example, 100% cotton is ideal because the ink adheres well and the colors look more vibrant.

Tip: Ask your screen printing provider about the best fabric options for your design and purpose.

3. Not Requesting a Sample

Always, always, always ask for a sample before mass printing. This allows you to see how your design will look on the fabric and make adjustments if necessary.

Tip: Make sure the sample includes all the colors and details of the final design.

4. Not Planning the Production Time

Screen printing takes time. From preparing the design and stencils to printing and drying, there are several stages involved.

Tip: Plan ahead and consider production times, especially if you need the t-shirts for a specific event.

5. Not Considering the Total Budget

It’s easy to overlook additional costs like setup fees, shipping, and taxes. Make sure to get a complete quote before committing.

Tip: Ask your provider about all the costs involved and ensure there are no surprises.

Maximizing Your Investment

Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, here are some tips to get the most out of your screen printing investment:

1. Bulk Orders

The more you print, the lower the cost per unit. If you know you’ll need more t-shirts in the future, consider placing a larger order upfront.

2. Classic and Timeless Designs

Opt for designs that won’t go out of style quickly. This ensures you can use the t-shirts for a long time without them looking outdated.

3. Deals and Discounts

Many screen printing providers offer discounts for large orders or frequent customers. Don’t hesitate to ask about available promotions.

4. Take Care of Your Products

Once you have your t-shirts, make sure to take proper care of them. Wash printed t-shirts inside out and avoid using bleach to prolong the life of the design.

Choosing the Right Provider

Finally, choosing the right provider is crucial to the success of your project. Here are some aspects to consider:

Experience and Reputation: Research and choose a provider with a good reputation and proven experience.
Portfolio of Previous Work: Ask to see examples of previous work to ensure they can handle your design.
Communication: A good provider should be willing to answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.
Reviews and References: Read reviews and ask for references to ensure other customers have had good experiences.

In Summary

Screen printing is a fantastic technique for customizing t-shirts and other products, but like any process, there are tips and tricks to help you avoid issues and maximize your investment. From design preparation to choosing the right provider, every step is important. I hope this guide has given you a clear and practical view of how to start your screen printing journey without a hitch.

If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us! We are here to help you bring your screen printing ideas to life. Good luck with your project!

Business

Learn English quickly and effectively with the Callan Method

Published

5 months ago

March 2, 2024

Andra Tudor

In a world where all countries and cultures are interconnected, learning different languages has become mandatory. To do so effectively, you should try the well-known Callan Method, with which you’ll easily master English in less time than you imagine.

The learning of the English language has gained great importance in the job and academic world due to the globalization our society has experienced and the fluid communication constantly occurring between all countries. Due to these factors, and if you want to grow as a person, mastering English is crucial and something you must do to increase your opportunities in the current world. Therefore, it’s best to explore efficient methods to learn it, and one of them is undoubtedly the Callan method.

The Callan Method is totally different from conventional methods for learning English, and it has shown to be effective for those who decide to start their journey of learning this language.

What is the Callan Method, and how does it work?

Since ancient times, many language teaching methods have been developed with different approaches and types of progressions, of which one of the most effective is the Callan Method. Developed by Robin Callan in the 1960s, this method stands out for its intensive approach aimed at quickly and effectively imprinting the language into the student’s brain.

This is achieved because it is based on fundamentals such as repetition, constant real-time practice, and immediate correction of any error. With this method, students are constantly exposed to oral questions and answers in English, with repetitions of the same and, above all, error corrections.

Upon entering one of these classes, you will quickly notice the difference from a regular English class. The teacher will be speaking in English at a natural speed, and you won’t touch a pen or paper throughout the entire lesson, but rather respond to oral questions and participate in structured conversations.

Thus, the Callan method mainly emphasizes improving fluency in speaking and the auditory ability to understand the language, skills that will be tested in real-life situations. Repeating this a sufficient number of times results in a student with fluency and confidence in the language, ready to face the world in English and engage in advanced conversations with native speakers of this language.

Benefits of the Callan Method

This method, unlike many others, offers a variety of advantages for students that make it stand out from the crowd and position it as one of the best, as studies have confirmed that with this method it is possible to learn English up to 4 times faster than with any other.

One of these advantages is the fact that when you start studying with this method, you don’t learn grammar but rather dive straight into the world of English. This might sound counterproductive, but it’s quite the opposite, as it allows you to start familiarizing yourself with the sounds and vocabulary, even as a beginner.

Furthermore, being based on a primarily oral learning system, you will improve your fluency in speaking and your listening skills will progress effectively and rapidly. These two skills are the ones you will use the most in real life, so the Callan Method is perfect if you want to go to an English-speaking country.

Beyond the typical generic conversations you would learn in any class, the Callan Method offers structured conversations that encourage you to use new words and phrases in each one, emphasizing learning with each session to make the most of your time.

By receiving corrections from the teacher immediately after making a mistake, not only do you have the chance to correct it, but little by little you gain the confidence necessary to speak and master the language as if it was your mother tongue. So if you are looking to learn English easily, or to further improve your English skills, the Callan Method is definitely worth diving into.

Business

Know The Differences between Static and Dynamic QR Codes

Published

9 months ago

November 8, 2023

Andra Tudor

In the digital age, qr code have become an integral part of our lives, bridging the physical and digital worlds seamlessly. They enable quick and convenient access to information, websites, and multimedia content. QR codes come in two main flavors: static and dynamic.

In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of QR codes and introduce you to a powerful qr code generator known as QRFY. We’ll delve into the versatility of dynamic QR codes and how they can be a game-changer for your business.

Static QR Codes vs. Dynamic QR Codes

Static QR codes are the traditional, one-time-use variety. Once generated, the encoded information is fixed and cannot be altered. These are great for simple, permanent links, such as sharing a website URL or contact information.

On the other hand, dynamic QR codes are a dynamic duo. The content behind these codes can be changed at any time without the need to update the QR code itself. This feature opens up a world of possibilities.

With QRFY, you can create dynamic QR codes that offer unparalleled flexibility. QRFY supports hosting various types of content, including PDF documents, images, videos, vCards Plus, restaurant menus, and much more.

Customization at Your Fingertips

QRFY takes customization to the next level. You can create custom QR codes with your logo, color schemes, or choose from predefined templates. This means your QR codes can reflect your brand identity, making them more recognizable to your audience.

Detailed Analytics and Control

With QRFY, you gain valuable insights into the performance of your QR codes. You can track the number of scans per day, monitor user demographics by country and city, and even analyze data on the browser and language preferences of your audience. This data can help you fine-tune your marketing strategies for better results. Plus, you can easily export this information for in-depth analysis and decision-making.

Key Features of QRFY:

Dynamic content updates: change the content behind your QR code at any time.
Content variety: host PDF documents, images, videos, vCards Plus, restaurant menus, and more.
Customization: personalize your QR codes with your logo, colors, or templates.
Advanced analytics: monitor scans per day, user demographics, browser data, and language preferences.

QR codes have come a long way from their humble beginnings and are now an essential tool for businesses and individuals alike. With the advent of dynamic QR codes, made easy through QRFY, the possibilities are endless. The ability to update content, track scans, and customize your QR codes makes them a powerful asset for marketing and communication.

Whether you want to share information, promote your brand, or streamline user interactions, QRFY’s dynamic QR codes are the way to go. So, take advantage of this dynamic shift in QR code technology. Embrace the flexibility and control offered by QRFY and watch your QR codes evolve with your needs. Dynamic QR codes are not just links; they’re gateways to a world of possibilities, limited only by your imagination.