ICSSR Sponsored Research

National Level Study on Corporate Social Responsibility in India

The corporate Corporate today have realized the importance of Corporate Social
Responsibility and have come up with initiatives for the upliftment of the society at large.
According to the Companies Act 2013, Company shall spend, in every financial year, at least
two per cent of the average net profits of the company made during the three immediately
preceding financial years in pursuance of its Corporate Social Responsibility Policy. The 12th
five year plan aims to bring in inclusive growth, social inclusiveness being an integral aspect.
The government initiatives are aimed at achieving social inclusiveness, which requires
investment of huge money, resources and commitment from all stakeholders of the society.
The government has taken initiatives in the past and is also actively involved in
implementation of initiatives to meet the above objective. But iIn view of the scale of
resources required to meet the dream of social inclusiveness come true, it is important that
organizations work hand in hand with the government. Synergizing the CSR initiatives of the
organizations with the initiatives of the government will be a positive and effective step in
fulfilling the commitment for ensuring social inclusiveness.
In view of the above background, an national level exploratory study was conducted by the
Centre for CSR at Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderbad to understand the scope of CSR as
a tool for social inclusiveness. The research was aimed to study the existing CSR practices of
organizations and also reflect on the role of various stakeholders in effective implementation
of CSR. An impact assessment study was also conducted to understand effectiveness of CSR.
This national level study was conducted in the backward districts of the four select states of
the country representing the four zones. The need assessment study was conducted in the
ST/SC majority villages of the backward districts of Telangana, Odisha, Rajasthan and
Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1846 households were surveyed as part of this research. Both
qualitative and quantitative data was collected as part of this study with the use of
questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions. Both primary and secondary data has
been extensively used as a part of this research. Primary data was also collected from
Corporate, local Local administration and NGOs to understand their perspective on CSR and
also understand the role they need to assume for effective implementation of CSR. Along
with primary data various secondary sources of data has also been used for this research.The
research identifies various areas where CSR can be undertaken.