For better management and to make a difference in the society, the Maharashtra government plans to meet 100 private companies’ representatives in October to encourage them to invest more in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

As many companies spends less than mandated 2% of their profit, Maharashtra finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has decided to meet the company representatives and encourage them to increase their CSR spend through proper planning. Maharashtra is a industrialized state and has many corporate offices in Mumbai.

Governor Ch Vidyasagar may also attend the meeting to be held at Raj Bhavan.

"They can work properly for the benefit of the society. There should not be any duplication of work. They should not invest in sectors where government is already putting in efforts. The government is keen to know the problems faced by companies while making contributions towards CSR activities. We will try to simplify the CSR investment process. The state wants response from companies and public towards its initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Yukt Shivar scheme, Digital India, women and child development programmes and forest department activities. We will make presentations on these sectors," said a finance department official.

According to the government's CSR policy, private companies can work towards eradicating hunger, poverty and malnutrition and promoting preventive healthcare and sanitation, homes and hostels for women and orphans, oldage homes, day-care centres and other similar facilities.

The state government will also provide them with diverse range of options to spend their money. The Companies Act, 2013 mandates that corporates with more than Rs 5 crore of net profit must use at least 2 per cent of its over three years for a list of activities mentioned under CSR rules.

“We are also keen to know of problems faced by companies while contributing for CSR activities and will try to simplify the process,” he added. The minister also said the state government is interested in getting more response and public participation for its campaigns.