CSR at ₹40,794 crore FY 2024–25: regional disparity and input vs outcome
CSR at ₹40,000 Crore: Now, Count the Impact India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure has reached ₹40,794 crore in FY 2024–25, involving nearly 29,500 companies and 72,000 projects Issues : • Regional disparity: CSR spending is concentrated in States such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka, partly reflecting the location of corporate headquarters and operations. • Input vs outcome: Expenditure and project numbers indicate financial effort, not necessarily improvements in education, healthcare, nutrition or livelihoods. • Local needs matter: CSR projects must align with community priorities rather than merely corporate convenience. • Need for reform: Common outcome indicators, pooled funding and independent impact assessments can improve accountability and effectiveness Prelims connect: Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, provides the statutory framework for CSR Mains : Corporate Accountability and non state Actor being put to use for funding