Top CSR Projects in India: One strong means by which business organizations in India now take part in the country’s social and economic growth is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Mandatory under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, CSR has evolved from a voluntary charity into a methodical and responsible habit. Leading Indian companies are now investing deliberately in rural upliftment, healthcare, environmental sustainability, skill development, and education. Many CSR initiatives have become well known on the national stage for their scope, originality, and long-lasting social effect.
Table of Contents
The 5Ws and one H – Top CSR Projects in India
Which?
Often through their foundations or collaborations with NGOs and government agencies, big Indian firms including Tata Group, Reliance Industries, Infosys, ITC, Mahindra & Mahindra, HUL, and Adani Group carry out CSR activities.
What?
Important growth domains including quality education, public health, hygiene, clean energy, women empowerment, income creation, environmental preservation, and community development are the emphasis of CSR initiatives.
When?
Particularly following the legal requirement, CSR projects have momentum since 2014. Most initiatives are reviewed yearly, ongoing, long-term.
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Where?
These initiatives are carried out throughout rural and urban India with particular attention to backward regions, tribal areas, ambitious districts, and disadvantaged populations.
Why?
The main objectives are to tackle socio-economic disparities, foster inclusive growth, improve community well-being, and match business expansion with national development objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Why ?
Financial investments, capacity-building programs, technologically powered solutions, public-private partnerships, and cooperation with reputable NGOs and local governments help to realize CSR initiatives.
Significant CSR Activities in India (with Examples)
Tata Group: Projects in Healthcare and Education
- Higher Education Scholarships
- Aid for basic medicine, cancer treatment, and diet
- Community Development by Tata Trusts
Reliance Industries: Programs Under Reliance Foundation
- Rural development projects and farmer assistance
- Education for needy children
- Health care outreach and help in times of emergency
Infosys Foundation Projects
- Building of school facilities
- Teachers’ training and digital literacy
- women empowerment and vocational training
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ITC Social and Farm Forestry Project
- Sustainable farming and farmer livelihood
- Development of green cover and environmental preservation
- Water management initiatives
Mahindra & Mahindra: Skill Development and Nanhi Kali Project
- Undereducated girl youngsters
- For young people, employability and skill training
Project Shakti, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)
- Women entrepreneurs in rural regions
- Awareness of hygiene and creation of revenue
Adani Group Programs Adani Foundation
- Health, education, and community infrastructure
- Sustainability in life and skill development
Significant Problems and Difficulties
Despite its development, CSR in India still has several obstacles. These include overemphasis on short-term results, inadequate community participation in project development, unequal geographic distribution of funds, and limited monitoring and influence evaluation. Smaller nonprofits sometimes have capacity problems, while some initiatives have sustainability concerns when corporate funding stops.
Also Read: How NGOs can adapt to changing donor behaviour
Conclusion
CSR in India has become a major means of bridging the gap between social responsibility and corporate expansion. Leading Indian businesses’ flagship CSR initiatives highlight how deliberate planning, collaborations, and long-term commitment may generate significant social benefit. CSR has to be more accountable, transparent reporting, community-centered approaches, and alignment with national and worldwide development objectives if it is to reach its full potential. If proper executed, CSR can spark inclusive and sustainable development in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is CSR and why is it mandatory in India?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a company’s obligation to contribute to social and environmental development beyond profit-making. In India, CSR became mandatory under the Companies Act, 2013, requiring eligible companies to spend at least 2% of their average net profits on CSR activities. The objective is to ensure inclusive growth and shared responsibility in national development.
2. Which companies are required to undertake CSR activities?
CSR provisions apply to companies with:
A net worth of ₹500 crore or more, or
A turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or
A net profit of ₹5 crore or more in any financial year.
Such companies must form a CSR committee and disclose their CSR spending annually.
3. How much do Indian companies spend on CSR every year?
In FY 2023–24, Indian companies spent over ₹34,900 crore on CSR, marking the highest annual CSR expenditure since the mandate began. Since 2014, cumulative CSR spending in India has crossed ₹2.2 lakh crore, funding more than 59,000 projects annually across sectors.
4. Which sectors receive the highest CSR funding in India?
The largest share of CSR funds is directed toward:
Education and skill development
Healthcare and nutrition
Rural development
Environmental sustainability
Women empowerment and livelihood generation
Education and healthcare together account for nearly 60% of total CSR spending.
5. Who are the top CSR spenders in India?
Leading CSR contributors include HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, Tata Group companies (TCS, Tata Steel), Infosys, ITC, and ONGC. These companies invest hundreds of crores annually through structured foundations and long-term social programmers.
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