Study on Society’s Expectations from Business in Addressing COVID-19 Crisis

The Jasani Centre of Social Entrepreneurship & Sustainability Management and the Social Responsibility Forum of Students of School of Business Management at SVKM's NMIMS Mumbai conducted a study on Society’s Expectations from Business in Addressing COVID-19 Crisis. The major objective of the study conducted at pan India level was to gauge people’s views on what businesses can do to mitigate the ramifications of the COVID-19 crisis as part of their corporate social responsibility practice. 

Key Findings

1. While many groups are affected by COVID-19 crisis, around 70 % respondents felt daily wage earners and elderly who are staying alone are impacted the most. Though a few states have declared measures like cash transfer and food supply through PDS, going by the anecdotal evidence across India the plight of millions of inter-state migrant workers is deplorable and lot more needs to be done.

2. COVID-19 has had “tangible effects” on the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It has complicated SDG implementation efforts and is indicating risks in achieving SDG targets on health, food security and decent work. As an immediate support 75 % respondents stated that as an immediate support businesses can strengthen our fragile healthcare infrastructure to provide curative care for COVID 19 affected patients and consistently supply food to the poor, health staff, police personnel. 

3. According to 80 % of respondents in the long run two key areas to strengthen the health care sector business must make CSR investment in improving access & availability of medical care, community hygiene & sanitation. Besides make investment in medical research and employment opportunities for the poor through public private partnership. 

4. The survey confirms from the recommendations extended by the respondents that to ensure economic, environmental and social sustainability we need an appropriate mix of economic policies, fiscal stimulus, investments in healthcare and social protections.