CSR: Bridging Business and Society
About the author: Madiha Ansari
Madiha Ansari is a versatile young professional who brings together strong business acumen, legal reasoning, and financial insight. Her journey has shaped a sharp analytical mindset, with the ability to view corporate issues from multiple dimensions. She combines strategic thinking with a practical understanding of how organizations operate in dynamic environments. With a passion for sustainability and responsible leadership, she explores how businesses can align profitability with social good. Her work reflects a belief that Corporate Social Responsibility is not just compliance, but a driver of long-term value. She is deeply interested in bridging the gap between strategy and impact in modern organizations. Through her writing, she offers fresh perspectives that inspire both professionals and academics to rethink the role of responsibility in business.
Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR implementation in different verticals
Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR means the voluntary contributions made by companies to a better society and a cleaner - greener environment.
Section 135 (1) of the Companies Act , 2013 provides that the board of any company having a net worth of Rs. 500 Crore or more, or turnover of 1000 Crore or more, or net profit of Rs. 5 crore or more ( in the preceding financial year ) , has to mandatorily formulate a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.
Need of CSR
CSR implementation in different verticals
Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR is not only about benefitting the society but also the company itself. It helps in fulfilling the dreams of the framers of the Constitution. The Directive Principles of State policy (DPSPs) and the Fundamental Duties of Indian Constitution directs
To promote social, economic and political justice.
To emphasise welfare , social justice and equitable development .
To protect and improve the natural environment.
CSR implementation in different verticals
CSR implementation in different verticals
CSR implementation in different verticals
The companies in India implement CSR w.r.t Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 but in practice it moves across multiple domains ;
Environment and Sustainability:
Education and Skill Development
Gender Equality and Women Empowerment
Community Welfare
Tech and Innovation
CSR is not only about fulfilling the societal needs but to contribute to nation building and inclusive growth.
CSR and India
CSR and India
CSR implementation in different verticals
CSR has been part of India since ages and it mainly involved charitable and philanthropic activities. During the Pre-Independence era traditions like Dana ( charity) in Hinduism , Zakat (almsgiving) in Islam and Seva ( service) in Sikhism shaped early CSR as a moral responsibility. At the time of Independence, Mahatma Gandhi urged the Indian companies to use their wealth for the benefit of society . Hence termed Indian companies as the ‘Temple of Modern India’ .
As the 1960s - 70s kicked in, the concept of ‘Corporate Governance’ came into effect and therefore it led to companies willingly shifting towards sustainable business strategies.
CSR in Action
CSR and India
Creating Value
TATA groups made Trusts - which received 63 percent of the profit from its parent company . Established TATA Steel Rural Development Society ( TSRDS) to promote welfare activities in rural part of India .
Coca- Cola’s ‘ Elixir of Life’ initiative helps in providing clean drinking water to children studying in panchayat schools.
Vantara - an animal rescue and rehabilitation programme by Anant Ambani ( Reliance Industries) is a CSR initiative for critically endangered species.
Creating Value
CSR and India
Creating Value
CSR is not just about fulfilling legal obligations, but about embedding moral and ethical practices into everyday business. Today’s CSR laws mandate companies to look beyond the boundaries of their organisation , to create value not just for shareholders, but for society and the planet as a whole.
