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What is the responsibility of business towards society? Why is social responsibility at a low pitch in India?

Responsibility of business towards society
A society consists of individuals, groups, organizations, families etc. They all are the members of the society. They interact with each other and are also dependent on each other in almost all activities. Thus, it has certain responsibilities towards society, which may be as follows:
  • to help the weaker and backward sections of the society
  • to preserve and promote social and cultural values
  • to generate employment
  • to protect the environment
  • to conserve natural resources and wildlife
  • to promote sports and culture
  • to provide assistance in the field of developmental research on education, medical science, technology etc.

In other words, the responsibility of business towards society are:
  • Protection of environment.
  • Better living conditions like housing, transport, canteen, crèches etc.
  • Promotion of sports and culture.
  • Opportunity for better career prospects
  • Regular supply of goods and services
  • Proper working conditions and welfare amenities
  • Goods and services at reasonable and affordable price.
  • Prompt after sales services.
  • Conservation of natural resources and wildlife.

There has been a very large outcry to demand that social responsibility be enforced by the government against businesses and a call for greater transparency in the process. Historians have credited the lack of response on many elements, one of which being poor government oversight and even poorer handling of demanding accountability. I think that once government and social activists begin to take a legitimate hold in advocating social responsibility, it will also take hold amongst the people. However, it is very difficult to ask citizens to uphold the value of social responsibility and activism when its government fails to do the same.

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