Builders and contractors should join hands with government to build an equitable society through Corporate Social Responsibility, said Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Addressing the 28th Builders Association of India (BAI) national convention, Naidu said, “Business houses should supplement the government’s efforts to achieve equitable growth.”

“Organisations such as BAI can play a key and constructive role in eradicating poverty, illiteracy, improving livelihoods and in making this planet a better place to live in through environment-friendly measures,” he added.

The Vice-President said CSR is not mere charity or philanthropy but a responsibility towards making a difference to the lives of people. There is huge scope for CSR initiatives in different areas, including healthcare, education and environment. “One important area is vocational training to improve skills and employability of the needy and poor,” he said.

Builders have a big role to play in developing the country’s infrastructure, especially the Smart Cities project, the Vice-President said, adding, “In the wake of government’s decision to develop 100 Smart Cities, the construction industry indeed will have to significantly augment its capacities in terms of meeting the requirements and maintaining global standards.”

“You are the valuable partners in building the infrastructure of new India and work with the government in the massive push to improve infrastructure in the railways and roads development and in boosting the regional connectivity through 50 new airports,” he added.

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