TAKING STOCK OF COMMUNITY BASED CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN OIL & GAS COMPANY WITH MANDATORY GUIDELINES: CASE OF OGDCL IN DISTRICT SANGHAR

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a business approach that contributes to sustainable development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits to all stakeholders. Despite significant economic and social importance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Pakistan has not been extensively researched. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources through the Director General Petroleum Concessions (DGPC) regulates and oversees the grant of permits, licenses and leases for exploration, development and production to exploration & production (E&P) companies. The E&P Companies operating in Pakistan are contractually obliged to make specified payments in lieu of exploration rights and  privileges. The aim of this study is to assess the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices implemented in the surrounding community by OGDCL-Sinjhoro field pertaining to DGPC social welfare obligations guidelines. OGDCL Sinjhoro field is located near Rawtiani, 22.5 Km northwest of Sanghar in Sindh province. This study is based on qualitative research design whereby semi structured in-depth interviews and focused group techniques are used. The sample size for data collection comprises 20 focal persons from 20 villages who are living within 05 Kilometers premises of the OGDCL, Sinjhoro-Field. According to the findings of this study the current CSR practices provided by OGDCL-Sinjhoro field are insufficient in terms of health, education, environmental protection, infrastructure, and employment facilities. The study calls to policy makers for applying stringent implementations measures so that the corporate bodies aid and support the society in the matters such as education, health, environment, and raising living standards.