Indian Institute of Technology Madras is organizing a Two-Day 'IIT Madras - Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Technology Conclave' and Exhibition to work towards 'Vision New India 2022 - Development through Technology for All.' The Conclave began at IIT Madras Research Park yesterday on September 15, 2019. The event brought forth thought leadership for intensifying collaboration between IIT Madras and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in research and Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The key objective was to explore future collaborative engagements in technology development, capacity building for the benefit of society. Several Maharatna, Navaratna and Miniratna PSUs had participated in the Conclave.

Key details about the conclave
The exhibition showcased CSR activities of PSUs, IIT Madras Centers of Excellence and start-ups in the social space and highlighted their translation of technology from laboratory to the real world. There were also exhibits wherein PSUs and IIT Madras displayed the social impact they have been able to achieve through various interventions.

Delivering the keynote address during the inauguration held today, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises), Government of India, said, "The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for banning Single-Use Plastic. IIT Madras has to invent

alternates, which if available, people can use easily in their daily life. Everybody should take an oath that at least for one day in a week, you will not use Single-Use Plastic. India is one of the signatories of the Paris Agreement. We have to protect the environment, reduce the carbon emission and we have to take suo motu action in this direction."

The ONGC Stall at this Exhibition in this Conclave demonstrated the work being under CSR for which the PSU spent Rs. 600 crores this year.

Public Sector Enterprises' role in India
India's Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) are its 'crown jewels.'

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) plays the crucial role of formulating policy for central PSEs (CPSEs).

The Department of Heavy industry (DHI) envisions nurturing of modern, healthy and growth-oriented PSEs. Together, they constitute a vital section of India's rapidly growing economy.

The event was attended by large Public Sector Undertakings and dominant private sector companies in Chennai. They were represented by their leadership and CSR teams. The core theme was to leverage the synergies between large corporations and IIT Madras in delivering solutions to the society.

Addressing the Conclave, Dr. Madhukar Gupta, Additional Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Government of India, said, "In terms of CSR spending, PSUs contribute nearly 30 percent of the total CSR spending in the country. All companies put together spend around Rs. 15,000 crore annually in CSR funding in India, which comes without many riders or constraints as long as it falls within Schedule 7 of Companies Act. As the profits of companies go up, the spending on CSR will also go up. The biggest businessmen in the world, such as Bill Gates, are moving away from business towards philanthropy."

Further, Dr. Madhukar Gupta said, "For the first time in 70 years, Indian corporates have the mandate to contribute directly to nation-building. Corporate India can be more innovative, leveraging technology, be more creative and ingenious in finding solutions to problems."

IIT Madras and Public-Private-Enterprises
IIT Madras has demonstrated extensive and deep collaborations with a plethora of industries both in private and public sectors, directly and through its pioneering IIT Madras Research Park. In addition to setting benchmarks in academics and research excellence, IIT Madras' research outcomes are increasingly being translated into substantial and tangible benefits for industries and more importantly, for society at large.