How Much Did the Indian Corporate Sector Spend on CSR?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian corporate sector spent Rs 92,981 crore on CSR over three years.
- Significant investment in education and healthcare.
- Mandatory CSR spending is 2 percent of average net profits.
- Top regions for CSR funding include Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Reflects corporate commitment to inclusive growth.
Jaipur, July 30 (NationPress) The Indian corporate sector has invested a staggering Rs 92,981 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives over the last three financial years, according to Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra, in reply to a query from Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore.
This investment has significantly bolstered the nation’s development across various sectors, including education, health, environment, and vocational training.
MP Madan Rathore indicated that Indian firms allocated Rs 27,141 crore in 2021–22, Rs 30,932 crore in 2022–23, and Rs 34,908 crore in 2023–24 for CSR, demonstrating a steady increase of Rs 7,000 crore during this span.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is experiencing a consistent rise in entrepreneurship, with the private sector not only creating jobs but also enhancing their commitment to societal welfare.
Rathore noted that the highest CSR expenditures during this time were reported in Maharashtra (Rs 17,177 crore), followed by Gujarat (Rs 6,380 crore), Karnataka (Rs 6,161 crore), and Tamil Nadu (Rs 5,046 crore).
In Rajasthan alone, businesses contributed over Rs 3,000 crore towards CSR endeavors in the past three years.
He stated that Indian companies are mandated to allocate approximately 2 percent of their average net profits towards CSR, targeting 26 various categories including agro-forestry, animal welfare, education, healthcare, natural resource conservation, sanitation, safe drinking water, women’s welfare, senior citizens' care, socio-economic equality, art and culture, sports, and vocational training. Data from the Corporate Data Management Cell indicates that education was the primary focus for CSR funding.
Companies allocated Rs 6,717 crore in 2021–22, Rs 10,414 crore in 2022–23, and Rs 12,134 crore in 2023–24 specifically for educational initiatives. Other key sectors receiving significant funding include healthcare, rural development, environmental sustainability, and skill development.
Rathore underscored that the increasing CSR contributions illustrate the corporate sector’s dedication to inclusive growth and national development, ensuring that the advantages of economic progress are distributed among all societal segments.