Chennai: Statement at Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that Clean Ganga Fund under corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been used in Tamil Nadu, with the company spent RS 52 lakh in the last three years, lifting Eyebrows and DMK Wilson tweeted: “Don’t know the flowing ganga through TN! “.
For the question asked by Wilson, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs Union replied that ‘Clean Ganga Fund’ was among those used for CSR projects in Tamil Nadu.
When contacted, the national mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), under the Ministry of Union Jal Shakti, said Clean Ganga funds were not released for Tamil Nadu.
In his reply, the State Minister for Corporate Affairs Rao Inderdit Singh said 1,316 companies spent RS 919 Crore under CSR in 2019-20 in Tamil Nadu, against Rs 627.7 Crore spent in 2018-19.
Agro-Forestry, Education, Health, Clean Ganga Fund and Slum Area Development is between 28 sectors listed for funding under CSR in TN.
Details about the list of projects are not equipped and Wilson bills that there is no transparency.
“For example, what activities are taken through clean ganga funds in Tamil Nadu? I will write to the ministry who is looking for further details in this matter,” he said.
An NMCG official said Clean Ganga funds were used for development in Ganga Basin.
“But, some companies take activities on Ganga rejuvenation under CSR funds.
So, maybe one company like that can be done working under CSR funds and using the name Ganges.” In accordance part 135 of the law company, 2013, every company has wealth More clean than Rs 500 Crore, turnover above RS 1,000 crore or more net profit than Rs 5 Crore during the right financial year must spend at least 2% of the average net income towards CSR.