Corporate Social Responsility Practices As A Driver Of Financial Performance: A Study Of Selected Banks Of India.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the Indian banking sector primarily aim to promote financial inclusion and expand the reach of financial services to underserved and marginalized regions. These efforts focus on critical areas such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, rural development, financial literacy, education, and environmental sustainability, thereby contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation. This study specifically examines CSR practices of six leading banks in India—comprising the top three public sector and three private sector banks—over the period 2019–2023. The analysis seeks to explore the focus areas of CSR expenditure among these selected banks, offering insights into their strategic priorities and societal contributions. Furthermore, the study highlights a notable disparity in CSR practices between public and private sector banks. It provides a comparative evaluation of the CSR initiatives undertaken by these institutions, revealing differences in expenditure levels, target areas, and the extent of community engagement. The findings aim to enhance the understanding of how Indian banks, both publicly and privately held, are aligning their operations with broader developmental and sustainability goals.