CSR's Role in Sustainable Mobility and Equitable Energy Transition

The bicycle industry in India started in 1939 by establishing manufacturing units in Bombay and Patna under a public sector unit, limited to manufacturing just the components of a bicycle. The earnest initiation came post-independence with multiple players setting up plants in consecutive years. Driven by the gravity of nation-building the industry became self-sufficient within the next 10 years and cycle, as a mode of transport, for a long time held a prominent modal share in Indian cities. However, with the advent of liberalisation in 1991, Indian cities experienced the explosion of automobilsation (Janaki Nair, 2005), which crowded the grids and pushed cyclists and pedestrians off the roads, rendering them invisible to the planners. Especially in the urban areas, this caused low demand and a clear drop in cycle ownership by households from 46% in 2001 to 42% in 2011 (GoI,2011).

In the last decade, registered motor vehicles have increased at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.9%, from 89 million in 2006 to 230 million in 2016 (TERI, 2018). Simultaneously, the share of cycles in city traffic declined in 80 Indian cities from an average of 33% in 1994 to 12% in 2007 (MoUD, WSA, 2008). Incidentally, non-state and non-market organisations have emerged that have helped in identifying and creating a community of cyclists by: 

• Knowledge transfer, skill-building and social learning. 
• Lobbying Government Municipal Corporations to commission bicycle lanes. 
• Organising cycle schools for women, teaching them skills for riding and maintaining the cycles.

Areas of Intervention: CSR Scope

As the main focus of India is on development while maintaining the vision of sustainability (SDGs), the government is set to extend the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicle 3.0 (FAME) scheme, incentivising the producers and consumers of e-vehicles. Further marginalising the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) users and the small-scale manufacturers and workers who neither have the resources nor capital to voice their concerns and adapt to these changes as part of the energy transition.

CSR Scope

The capacity and ability of CSR projects create the space for intervention at the last mile and an inclusive approach to include the bottom end of the social pyramid. Considering, the spatial and socio-economic mobility that can be enabled through the practice of cycling, CSR initiatives can become enablers through this practice while adorning various thematic lenses. 

Government Initiatives can be appropriated with a conscious effort: 

• ‘Mukhyamantri Bicycle Yojna, Bihar, 2006, wherein the dropout rate of Girls reduced as cycles made education more accessible & fun for school-going girls.
• Saraswati Bicycle Scheme, Chhattisgarh, 2004, the government distributed free bicycles to SC/ST/BPL girls who enrolled in Class IX.

CSR initiatives can also address the need and awareness to promote sustainable mobility:

• Creating synergies between private players and social collectives & non-profit organisations, wherein the new-age electric cycles could be distributed to beneficiaries belonging to the urban poor category. 
• Utilise the technology expertise of the private players by retrofitting the electric motors & batteries in the already existing users of bicycles.
• As a rule to be mindful of: operating on power less than 250W, with a maximum speed of 25 kmph, would not need a driving licence to ride an e-cycle.

With the above-mentioned interventions, we could pragmatically help in making the energy transition more equitable with a cascading effect on positive social impact by rendering the cyclists recognition and space.

EVP @ CSRBOX

Developing Future Leaders Through Service

Leadership development is a key factor in driving business success. However, not all leadership skills are honed through formal training programs or office-based initiatives. Employee Volunteering Programs (EVP) have emerged as an impactful way to cultivate leadership, offering employees valuable opportunities to grow and develop through community service.

When employees take on volunteer roles, they encounter real-world challenges that help them sharpen critical skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork. Whether it's leading a group of volunteers, organising a local event, or managing resources for a cause, these experiences build the same leadership qualities that are essential in any corporate setting. 

Building Key Competencies

Volunteering empowers employees to enhance leadership skills through real-world challenges, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

Empowering employees with Decision-Making Authority

Ownership and Accountability: Volunteering allows employees to make impactful decisions, giving them responsibility for managing resources and steering community projects.

Confidence in Leadership: The experience of making informed decisions in a community setting boosts employees' confidence to take on leadership roles in their professional careers.

Risk Management: Employees learn to evaluate risks and make responsible choices, sharpening their decision-making skills in both community work and business leadership.

Leadership Beyond the Office: Developing Emotional Intelligence

Volunteering provides employees with valuable opportunities to develop empathy and understanding by exposing them to diverse communities and encouraging them to listen and appreciate different perspectives. This experience enhances their ability to lead with empathy, a crucial leadership trait. Additionally, employees sharpen their conflict resolution skills, as volunteering often requires managing differences and fostering collaboration. By navigating unfamiliar situations, employees also develop adaptability, a key trait needed for effective leadership in today’s rapidly changing business environment.

EVP is not just a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative; it is a powerful platform for cultivating the next generation of leaders. By encouraging employees to engage in roles that emphasise decision-making, empathy, and accountability, EVP programs create a symbiotic relationship where both the company and the community thrive. Ultimately, companies that embrace EVP are laying the groundwork for a robust leadership pipeline, ensuring they are well-prepared for future success.