New Delhi: In a pivotal move to mainstream ethical governance and sustainability, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra, inaugurated the third edition of the National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct (NCRBC) 2025 at Taj Palace, New Delhi, on July 2. The flagship two-day event—organized by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs—brings together over 300 corporate leaders, ESG experts, policymakers, and global delegates to deliberate on integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into India’s business ecosystem under the theme “Integrating ESG for Viksit Bharat.”
🔑 “India Is Ready to Lead”: Harsh Malhotra Advocates Trust-Based Governance
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Harsh Malhotra emphasized that India is transitioning from regulatory prosecution to trust-based governance, rooted in the civilizational ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family). He asserted that responsible business conduct is no longer a peripheral strategy but is becoming foundational to India’s economic future.
He highlighted major ESG-oriented reforms by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, including:
-
National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC)
-
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)
-
Digital transformation through MCA21 Version 3.0
-
Decriminalisation of over 180 statutory provisions under the Jan Vishwas Act
He praised IICA’s central role in capacity-building, ethical board governance, and emphasized that even startups, MSMEs, and listed companies must adopt a conscience-led business approach.
📜 Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern ESG: Insights from Sanjeev Sanyal
Shri Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, delivered a compelling special address. He cautioned against indiscriminate adoption of western ESG templates, advocating for context-specific, indigenous frameworks aligned with India’s unique developmental needs.
Referencing Kautilya’s Arthashastra, he argued that India already possesses a civilisational heritage of ethical governance and must craft ESG strategies that are economically and socially coherent for Indian realities.
🧒 ESG Through the Lens of Children and Families: UNICEF’s Emphasis
In a special address, Ms. Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to India, asserted that “ESG is incomplete without healthy children and families.” She urged businesses to mainstream child rights, nutrition, education, and community resilience into their ESG and social impact strategies, stressing the importance of inclusive development rooted in human values.
🏛 IICA as the Nodal ESG Knowledge Hub
Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General and CEO, IICA, reiterated the need for evidence-based ESG policy frameworks tailored to India’s diverse business ecosystem. He noted that imported ESG models are inadequate and that IICA will spearhead strategic research, policy advocacy, and capacity building to build an ecosystem rooted in trust, innovation, and accountability.
Prof. Garima Dadhich, Head of the School of Business Environment at IICA, emphasized the evolution of NCRBC—from raising ESG awareness to pushing for ESG action and convergence across sectors. She reaffirmed IICA’s role as a national ESG action hub, crafting sectoral frameworks and driving collaboration.
💼 Key Panel Discussions on Day 1
Day 1 featured four high-level panels exploring ESG integration:
1. The Rise of ESG in the Boardroom
With participants from Mahindra Group, ONGC, ICAI, NSE, and Engineers India Ltd, the panel, chaired by Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, CCI and NFRA, discussed board-level responsibilities in driving ESG strategies and fiduciary oversight.
2. Sustainable Finance: Capital for a Green Future
Experts from SEBI, NABARD, Indian Banks’ Association, and India INX explored the role of green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and impact investing in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
3. EU CSDDD and India’s ESG Readiness
Focused on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), this panel addressed India’s compliance needs and proactive alignment to retain global export competitiveness.
4. Future Workforce in the ESG Era
Industry, academia, and skill development leaders discussed building a green-ready workforce, inclusive employment models, and reskilling for sustainable jobs in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
🌏 What to Expect on Day 2
The second day of NCRBC 2025 will spotlight:
-
Decarbonising India’s industrial base
-
Sector-specific ESG frameworks
-
Aligning BRSR with global reporting standards
-
Resilient, inclusive, and sustainable supply chains
-
Diplomatic Panel: Ambassadors from partner countries to explore multilateral ESG cooperation
🤝 Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
Supported by UNICEF India, ICAI, ACCA, ILO, GAIN, ATNi, RBA, and other partners, NCRBC 2025 positions responsible business conduct at the heart of India’s growth story. It seeks to mainstream ESG across public and private sectors, building momentum towards Viksit Bharat @2047—an inclusive, climate-resilient, and ethically governed India.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
