Here’s what the experts had to say about the IRBF index

Here’s what the experts had to say about the IRBF index

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Find out what the experts had to say about the #IRBFIndex. @OxfamIndia @BizResponsible tell you. http://bit.ly/1ihnVb8

@OxfamIndia @BizResponsible have ranked 100 companies on inclusion. Read what the experts are saying about #IRBFIndex. http://bit.ly/1ihnVb8

The first India Responsible Business Index was launched in New Delhi on Tuesday (October 27).

India Responsible Business Forum (IRBF) is a platform to promote adoption of inclusive and responsible business practices by the top 100 Indian companies.  

The index was developed by Oxfam India in collaboration with Corporate Responsibility Watch, Praxis and Partners in Change. 

The first edition of the index analyses policies of the top 100 companies listed on Bombay Stock Exchange from the lens of inclusion.

The event witnessed a gathering of top entrepreneurs and minds of the corporate world, who came together for the launch of this first-of-its-kind index.

Here’s what they had to say:

Pooran Chandra Pandey, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network, India

“We now have a gradual withdrawal of the state from welfare activities. That gaps needs to be filled by the private sector. Governments are broke all around the world. The money will be coming from the businesses.  We can do nothing in a stand-alone manner. It has to be done together by the Civil Society Organisations, Private sector and Government.”

Pooran Chandra Pandey speaking at the launch event.

Tom Thomas – CEO, Praxis & Convener Corporate Responsibility Watch

“Equity of wealth creation is a huge concern.”

Tom Thomas speaking at the launch event.

Nisha Agrawal, CEO, Oxfam India

“Globally, 1% own the same wealth as the remaining 99%, surely they have some responsibility toward us. We don’t want to leave anyone behind.”

Nisha Agrawal speaking at the launch event.

Kiran Karnik, Board Chair, Oxfam India

As we use the index to find out how the companies are doing, we should also tap into the investors and consumers. We as Civil Society Organisations must push to get partners. Partners with big investors and consumers.

Kiran Karnik speaking at the launch event.

Narayanan Ramaswamy, Partner – KPMG Advisory, India

If there is anything that can bring inclusiveness and sustainable development, it is business. If you keep Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) away from business you can call it corporate social donation. CSR is integral to business.

Narayanan Ramaswamy (first from left) part of the panel discussion at the launch event.

Check out the how the top 100 companies in the country are ranked on the basis of inclusion.

Written by: Oxfam India staff

Photo credit: Mustafa Qureshi