ANNOUNCEMENTS
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India has witnessed a remarkable evolution, transitioning from traditional philanthropy to a robust, legally mandated framework. This dissertation critically examines the legal landscape and sector-specific practices of CSR in India, with a particular focus on the energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. The study traces the historical progression of CSR, highlighting how pre-independence philanthropic traditions gave way to sporadic post-independence corporate social activities aligned with national development goals. The 1991 economic liberalization marked the beginning of formal CSR policies among Indian corporations. The watershed moment came with the passage of the Companies Act, 2013, which made CSR expenditure obligatory for qualifying companies, marking India as one of the few nations globally with a statutory CSR regime.
Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of government data, this research reveals the multifaceted significance of CSR in contemporary India. Developmentally, CSR initiatives have played a critical role in advancing education, healthcare, and skill development, with significant investments supporting thousands of schools, healthcare facilities, and skill centres nationwide. Regulatory analysis underscores India’s unique position in mandating CSR, thereby formalizing corporate contributions to social welfare and sustainable development. Strategically, CSR has increasingly become intertwined with business objectives, as a majority of major corporations now view it as integral to their core operations and competitiveness.
The sectoral analysis demonstrates diverging CSR practices, with approximately 48% of energy companies alone collectively investing over INR 430 crore annually in CSR initiatives. The dissertation argues that while regulatory frameworks have strengthened CSR implementation, sector-specific challenges and variations persist. The findings stress the need for enhanced integration of CSR with sustainability and robust monitoring mechanisms to maximize social impact. This legal analysis ultimately contributes to the understanding of CSR as both a corporate obligation and a strategic lever for inclusive and sustainable growth in India.
