IICA and NADP Launch CSR Capacity Building for Defence PSU Munitions India

The inaugural session was led by Dr. Garima Dadhich, who underscored the evolution of CSR from a philanthropic obligation to a strategic business function with regulatory importance.

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), an institution under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, commenced a pivotal three-day Capacity Building Programme on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for officials of Munitions India Limited (MIL) on June 9, 2025. The programme is being hosted at the National Academy of Defence Production (NADP), Nagpur, and marks a significant advancement in the Indian government’s efforts to foster responsible and sustainable corporate practices within Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

Landmark MoU Signed Between IICA and NADP

A major highlight of the inaugural day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IICA and NADP. This partnership represents a strategic alignment aimed at enhancing institutional collaboration and facilitating capacity-building initiatives for defence sector personnel engaged in CSR activities. The MoU was signed by Dr. Garima Dadhich, Associate Professor and Head of the School of Business Environment at IICA, and Dr. J. P. Dash, Chief General Manager, NADP.

This formal collaboration was made possible through the forward-thinking leadership of Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General and CEO of IICA. Under his guidance, IICA has expanded its outreach by partnering with sectoral training academies, thereby ensuring that the tenets of responsible corporate conduct are disseminated widely across public sector enterprises.

Programme Inauguration: A Joint Commitment to CSR Excellence

The inaugural session was led by Dr. Garima Dadhich, who underscored the evolution of CSR from a philanthropic obligation to a strategic business function with regulatory importance. Drawing from the mandates of the Companies Act, she urged participants to view CSR not merely as a compliance requirement but as a tool to create shared value and drive national development. Dr. Dadhich emphasized the growing need for CSR to align with India’s developmental priorities such as environmental conservation, employment generation, education, and inclusive growth.

Dr. J. P. Dash welcomed the initiative, appreciating the opportunity for MIL officials to deepen their understanding of CSR frameworks. He noted that the programme would enhance participants’ ability to conceptualize, plan, and implement CSR initiatives with greater efficacy. He also highlighted the growing demand for accountable and impactful CSR strategies in the defence manufacturing ecosystem, particularly for organisations like MIL, which play a critical role in India’s strategic preparedness and industrial capacity.

Comprehensive Curriculum with Expert-Led Sessions

The three-day programme is designed with a comprehensive curriculum that spans across multiple dimensions of CSR. Key focus areas include:

• Policy Formulation: Crafting CSR strategies in alignment with organizational and national goals.

• Impact Assessment: Tools and frameworks for evaluating the effectiveness of CSR interventions.

• Sustainability Reporting: Standards and practices for transparent disclosure.

• Thematic Alignment: Focus on government priorities like climate action, livelihood support, gender equity, and community development.

Experts from IICA as well as invited faculty from reputed institutions will facilitate the sessions using a blend of pedagogical methods such as interactive lectures, case study analysis, and simulation exercises. The practical orientation of the training is designed to enhance the operational capacity of CSR officers within DPSUs and strengthen implementation on the ground.

A Milestone for Defence Sector CSR Development

This programme is particularly timely as Defence PSUs like MIL are increasingly being called upon to adopt best practices in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks while contributing meaningfully to nation-building. Munitions India Limited, one of the seven newly carved-out DPSUs from the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board, holds a critical mandate and its active engagement in CSR reflects a commitment to holistic national service.

With this initiative, IICA continues its mission of nurturing a cadre of responsible corporate citizens capable of advancing India’s sustainable development goals. The partnership with NADP also paves the way for further collaborative engagements that can build institutional capacity across other defence enterprises.

Building the Future of Responsible Corporate India

The IICA-NADP collaboration stands as a testament to the government’s proactive stance on institutionalizing CSR excellence within the public sector. As India marches toward its aspirations for a $5 trillion economy, responsible corporate citizenship, especially within strategic sectors like defence, will remain central to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.