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Article

19 May 2010

Author:
Sharan Bal, CSR Asia

[PDF] The caste system and CSR

…For any company…in India, the caste system represents both a social and human rights risk...It also represents an opportunity to institute change through its CSR policies and practice…A very interesting report written in 2007 by the UK branch of the International Dalit Solidarity Network profiles multinationals operating in India…with respect to caste. Companies analysed included Shell, Unilever, Cadbury Schweppes, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Marks and Spencer, and Tesco…The majority of these companies have extensive diversity policies...however, only HSBC explicitly mentions caste as a basis of non-discrimination...Here are some other suggestions on how to make your CSR caste conscious: 1. Localise CSR strategy 2. Stakeholder Engagement 3. Workplace policies 4. Supply Chain management 5. Community Investment [also refers to initiatives by Tata Group, Forbes Marshall Group, Voltas]