The time has come for the better-off sections of our society to understand the need to make our growth process more inclusive; to eschew conspicuous consumption; to save more and waste less; to care for those who are less privileged and less well-off; to be role models of probity, moderation and charity.

I invite corporate India to be a partner in making ours a more humane and just society. We need a new Partnership for Inclusive Growth based on, as I would describe it, a Ten-Point Social Charter.

• First, have a healthy respect for your workers and invest in their welfare. Unless workers feel they are cared for at work, we can never evolve a national consensus in favour of the much needed more flexible labour laws aimed at ensuring that our firms remain globally competitive

• Two, corporate social responsibility must not be defined by tax planning strategies alone. Rather, it should be defined within the framework of a corporate philosophy, which factors the needs of the community and the regions in which a corporate entity functions. The wealthy have an obligation to society. I am aware that some of our companies are doing creditable work. I compliment them. But we need more such inspiring examples

• Three, the industry must be proactive in offering employment to the less privileged at all levels of the job ladder. The representation companies give to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, other Backward Classes, minorities and women in their workforce and staff must increase

... contd.