Corporate Social Responsibility Policy

CSR Programs and Interventions along with Outcome Indicators

In accordance with the requirements under the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules/regulations and circulars/clarifications issued thereunder (collectively, “Applicable Law”), Mindtickle CSR activities, amongst others, will focus on the CSR activities specified under Companies Act, 2013, the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, and Schedule VII of the Act, either directly by the Company or through eligible implementing agencies, in alignment with the Company’s CSR vision and objectives.:

• Education: Mindtickle’s CSR initiatives in education aim to foster learning opportunities, support educational infrastructure, and enhance access to quality education for underprivileged communities, contributing to overall societal development.
• Environmental Sustainability: Mindtickle is committed to environmental stewardship by implementing programs that promote sustainability, reduce carbon footprint, and engage in eco-friendly practices to preserve and protect the environment for future generations.
• Health and Poverty Alleviation: Mindtickle’s CSR efforts in health and poverty alleviation focus on supporting healthcare initiatives, providing access to medical resources, and implementing programs that contribute to poverty reduction, thereby improving the well-being of marginalized communities.
• Women Empowerment: Mindtickle is dedicated to empowering women through initiatives that promote education, economic independence, and social equality. The Companies CSR programs aim to create opportunities for women to thrive, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable society.

Relief for Natural Calamities and Environmental Hazards: Mindtickle may contribute towards relief and rehabilitation activities in areas affected by natural calamities and environmental hazards, including but not limited to floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and pandemics. 

Not limited to the above mentioned activities Mindtickle may carry out Activities as permitted under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Scope of Implementation

Education: Mindtickle’s commitment to education encompasses a multifaceted approach aimed at creating a positive impact on learning opportunities, educational infrastructure, and access to quality education for underprivileged communities. The scope of implementation includes:

• Establishing educational programs and scholarships to support the academic development of underprivileged students.
• Collaborating with schools and educational institutions to enhance infrastructure and facilitate a conducive learning environment.
• Organizing workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs to empower educators and students alike.
• Leveraging technology to bridge educational gaps and provide digital learning resources in remote areas.

Environmental Sustainability: Mindtickle’s dedication to environmental stewardship involves proactive measures to promote sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint. The scope of implementation comprises:

• Promoting and facilitating the restoration of historical wells, transforming them into valuable assets for the country and local community’s benefit.
• Participating in tree-planting initiatives and promoting green spaces for a healthier environment.
• Collaborating with environmental organizations to raise awareness and contribute to larger conservation efforts.

Health and Poverty Alleviation: Mindtickle’s CSR efforts in health and poverty alleviation are designed to make a meaningful difference in the well-being of marginalized communities. The scope of implementation includes:

• Providing access to essential medical resources, including medicines and healthcare facilities.
• Implementing programs focused on skill development and vocational training to empower individuals economically.
• Collaborating with NGOs and government agencies to address the root causes of poverty and develop sustainable solutions.

Women Empowerment: Mindtickle’s dedication to women empowerment involves targeted initiatives to promote education, economic independence, and social equality. The scope of implementation encompasses:

• Establishing educational scholarships and mentorship programs specifically for women.
• Creating opportunities for economic empowerment through vocational training and entrepreneurship programs.
• Collaborating with women-centric organizations to amplify the impact of collective efforts towards a more inclusive society.

Relief for Natural Calamities and Environmental Hazards: Such initiatives may include, but shall not be limited to:

• providing financial assistance and essential relief materials such as food, water, clothing, medicines, and shelter to affected communities;
• restoration and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure including schools, healthcare facilities, community centers, and sanitation systems;
• supporting long-term community resilience through capacity-building programs, livelihood restoration, disaster preparedness training, and promotion of sustainable practices.

Mode of carrying out CSR initiatives

• Corporate Social Responsibility Committee Establishment: To the extent mandated by Applicable Laws, the Company’s Board of Directors shall establish a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee (“CSR Committee”) comprised of two or more directors. If not mandated by law, then any 2 directors and the committee members named in this policy will perform the functions of  the CSR Committee from time to time.
• The CSR Committee is responsible for the following:
  • Formulating and recommending to the Board a CSR policy and activities to be undertaken by the company in accordance with Schedule Vll;
  • Recommending the amount of expenditure to be incurred on the activities; and
  • Monitoring the company’s policy from time to time;
• The Board of Directors of the company shall, after considering the recommendations of the CSR Committee, approve the company’s policy and disclose its contents in its report, as well as on the company’s website, and ensure that the company carries out the activities specified in the company’s CSR Policy.
• Spending on CSR is subject to the following conditions: In addition to any other conditions specified in the Companies Act, 2013, the following conditions shall apply to CSR expenditure:
• All CSR expenditures should be independent—there should be no connected parties.
• The beneficiary organization must be registered with the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) and holding valid CSR Registration Number or have a suitable government registration to enable permissible donations as per Companies Act.
• The CSR Committee may delegate the following activities to MindTickle volunteers to carry out in accordance with the basic principles outlined in this Policy:
  • Confirm the NGOs that MindTickle will sponsor.
  • As the CSR effort is progressing, collaborate with new volunteers and workers in defining their roles.
  • Keep track of where CSR fund/money is spent and follow up – recommend activities where CSR funds/money can be used in accordance with the Policy and Provisions of Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
  • Ensure that monies granted for each year are used appropriately and report to the CSR Committee on a regular basis to enable their reporting to the Board.
  • In the long run, the Company will arrange volunteer programs and other drives on a monthly basis after this.
  • Volunteers should report actions to the committee via email, slack, or in-person meetings so that the committee can bring the details to the Board on a periodic basis.

Funding, Selection & Monitoring

• A particular budget is set aside for CSR operations, which shall not be less than 2% of the Company’s average net earnings for the three prior fiscal years, or such modified threshold as may be prescribed by Applicable Laws from time to time.
• If the Company does not spend the money, the Board must explain why and transfer in favour of Government notified fund as required under Provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
• After the CSR Committee’s suggestion and the Board of Directors’ approval, any Director or Managing Director or VP (F)/Chief Financial Officer of the Company may approve the CSR amount to be spent.
• The CSR Policy states that the excess from CSR initiatives, programs, or activities shall not be included in the company’s profit.
• Projects or initiatives performed only in India, with contributions within Pune, Maharashtra and rest of India will be deemed as CSR spending. The company should make reasonable efforts to ensure that there it reasonably supports local area initiative and extends to national area in a balanced manner.
• Expenditures for projects or programs relevant to CSR activities approved by the Board on the proposal of the CSR Committee, but not for items not in accordance or in line with activities covered by Schedule Vll of the Companies Act 2013.
• The tax treatment of CSR spending will be as per applicable tax laws.
• Throughout the calendar year, Mindtickle will receive requests for financing for projects. Its expert panel will analyze proposals submitted under the CSR committee or the focal areas of any other institution, and projects will be prioritized based on their potential impact. Mindtickle Volunteers or another appropriate entity will thereafter convey its recommendations to the CSR Committee. The CSR Committee will deliberate on the ideas and, at its discretion, approve them for implementation.
• Mindtickle’s representative and/or such other entity will collaborate with stakeholders to monitor the status of each project and will report its findings to the CSR Committee on a regular basis to enable the Company’s Board of Directors and Management to comply with their reporting, monitoring, and other legal obligations.
• In any year in which the Company exceeds its CSR requirement, such excess spending may be written off against the Company’s CSR responsibilities for up to three financial years in accordance with Applicable Law, and the Board shall have the authority to issue a resolution in this regard.

Information Dissemination

• The Company’s activities in this arena are publicized on its website, in its annual reports, and in its internal journals when appropriate.
• The CSR committee of MindTickle’s Board of Directors will periodically review the policy in light of changing requirements and ambitions of target beneficiaries and will make necessary revisions.