India is one of the first countries in the world to take the bold move of requiring companies to spend a minimum portion of their net profits on social development. With the potential to unlock funding of USD 2.5-3 billion from around 16,000 eligible companies, Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 or the “CSR Law,” has presented a historic opportunity for companies to engineer the widespread change in the socio-economic landscape of India. This recognizes the power of business solutions and the role that the corporate sector can play in driving India’s development and improving the well-being of its citizens.
The CSR ecosystem in India is now at an inflection point. Two years since the Act came into effect, has the intent of the CSR Law been realized. To understand the influence of the law on stakeholders, and to garner insights for channeling opportunities in the most effective way, The Rockefeller Foundation engaged Samhita Social Ventures to conduct a study of the CSR sector in India. Through in-depth interviews and with companies,
To understand the influence of the law on stakeholders, and to garner insights for channeling opportunities in the most effective way, The Rockefeller Foundation engaged Samhita Social Ventures to conduct a study of the CSR sector in India. Through in-depth interviews and with companies, NGOs and social enterprises, this report, Transforming India: the CSR Opportunity, looks at the trends, challenges and ways forward for companies seeking to make an impact in India.