Studying the Sugar Production Process in Pakistan
4 The Sugar Sector
I. CSR Awareness The managers were largely aloof from the concept of CSR. They linked it with philanthropy or solely with worker rights according to the labor law. For instance, they were conscious of laws regarding child labor and working hours. The managers stated that since sugar manufacturing was a safe procedure no environmental care was required although full utilization of sugarcane was stressed. Ex-chairman of PSMA on the other hand asserted that in regard of corporate governance all sugar mills of Pakistan are ensuring complete responsibility, clarity and justice towards all stakeholders, specifically the growers and the employees. “All mills have their own schools, dispensaries and fair price outlets for workers and farmers. We keep eyes on the farming community and facilitate them if any obstacle is present. We promote them to develop new seeds varieties to increase productivity. There are only 2 or 3 out of 80 mills that have issues with their providers but most mills maintain good civil relationships and try to provide all social benefits to people engaged with them.� The officer further accused that it is the media trying to flaunt minor issues generalizing them to the entire industry. PSMA as the rest of the industry also seemed to lack lucidity on the basic concept of CSR; it too attached CSR to philanthropy solely. It was also concluded that practices regarding social welfare were in the hands of the owner if he/she wishes to introduce some charitable scheme the managers will implement it happily. The managers asserted that sugar industry belongs to the private sector with profit maximization as the main objective; the managers are basically following orders from owners who appear to be interested in profit
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