The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility for Sustainable Development in India

Abstract Corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development in India. Under the Companies Act, 2013, eligible companies are required to spend 2% of their net profits on social and environmental causes. CSR promotes poverty eradication, education, healthcare, gender equality and environmental protection, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key initiatives include the Tata Group's education and renewable energy projects, Hindustan Unilever's Project Shakti (empowerment of rural women), ITC's e-Choupal (agricultural sustainability), and Mahindra's Hariyali (tree plantation and water conservation). In 2022-23, Indian companies spent Rs 26,000 crore on CSR, with education and healthcare being the top priorities.