New Delhi
India’s CSR landscape is witnessing not only a significant growth but also a transformation. While a notable rise in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending by Indian companies, surpassing the 2% threshold, is being registered in the country, a shift towards community-driven, impact-oriented initiatives is also being seen.
This fact was highlighted by Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, DG & CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, during the two-day National Conference & Exhibition on Leveraging CSR Excellence for Tribal Development here. The Conference concluded on Tuesday.
The Conference, organised by IICA, aims to promote CSR excellence through innovation, inclusion and sustainable partnerships for holistic tribal development across India and mark the 2nd Annual CSR Day in India, commemorating the Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It also intends to promote the Gandhian philosophy of trusteeship in CSR initiatives with a focus on advancing CSR excellence for tribal development.
Singh pointed out that the rise in CSR spend reflects a deeper commitment to social welfare. He urged CSR programs to evolve beyond just financial contributions, advocating for stronger support in the form of technology, management, and knowledge sharing to empower local communities, particularly in tribal areas.
As India’s social sector continues to make tangible impacts through CSR, he stressed the importance of aligning CSR efforts with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. CSR, he noted, has shifted from being demand-driven to supply-driven, with companies now investing more than the required 2%. He emphasized the urgent need for capacity building within implementing agencies, underscoring IICA’s role in supporting these partners to drive sustainable development effectively.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Durgadas Uikey, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Corporate Affairs who visited the Exhibition and took a detailed tour of the vibrant stalls showcasing CSR best practices, along with a special delegation of tribal artisans marketing their merchandises from Pan-India, supported by TRIFED.
Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; M. Raja Murugan, Managing Director, TRIFED; Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India; and Prof. Garima Dadhich, Head, School of Business Environment, IICA inaugurated the conference.
Chanchal Kumar, Secretary of MDoNER, in his keynote address emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in CSR initiatives and urged corporations to focus on small, impactful projects that provide tangible benefits to all sections of society. He highlighted the need for qualitative resource expenditure rather than large-scale investments, aiming for measurable outcomes by 2047.
Kumar stressed that CSR efforts should reach every part of society, fostering inclusivity and equitable development. He also pointed out the North East Region’s readiness to attract greater investment, with enhanced infrastructure and improved project implementation capabilities. This, he noted, would contribute to the region’s development and serve as a model for balanced growth.
Kumar underscored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving efficiency, creating job opportunities, and addressing social inequalities, particularly in tribal and rural areas. AI can play a pivotal role in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture, transforming the lives of underserved communities. Focusing on education and skills, Kumar emphasized their critical role in reducing inequality. He called for CSR initiatives to prioritize these areas, as they empower individuals, provide economic opportunities, and create a more skilled workforce for sustainable national development.
In his special address, M. Raja Murugan stressed the role of value addition and entrepreneurship in tribal economies, stressing the need for skill development, branding, and digital market access to empower tribal artisans.
Shombi Sharp lauded India’s CSR framework, which he described as a global model of corporate accountability and social innovation, noting that India is now a leader in aligning private sector creativity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Garima Dadhich reaffirmed IICA’s commitment to strengthening CSR governance, capacity building, and cross-sectoral partnerships that drive sustainable and inclusive development, empowering India’s tribal communities through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.
The day featured three high-impact panel sessions that explored diverse dimensions of CSR’s role in advancing tribal livelihoods, health, and entrepreneurship.
The event witnessed the participation of over 300 delegates from government, academia, industry, and civil society.
