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The landscape of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India has evolved significantly since its introduction under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. When strategically implemented, CSR becomes more than a compliance requirement – it is a powerful opportunity for businesses to integrate social, environmental, and economic objectives into their operations.
Over the years, amendments to CSR Rules and clarifications from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) have introduced new responsibilities, including CSR committee, mandatory registration of implementation partners, third-party CSR impact assessment, and enhanced CSR reporting and documentation. Companies today must balance regulatory compliance with creating measurable impact. This is where CSR advisory services play a crucial role.
Despite the opportunities, organisations often face hurdles across the CSR lifecycle:
Organisations often struggle to ensure their CSR policy is aligned with evolving CSR compliance requirements. Setting up effective oversight by the CSR committee and the Board is equally critical, along with building capacity within CSR teams to manage new regulatory expectations.
Companies face challenges in selecting CSR projects that align with Schedule VII, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and internal priorities. At the same time, they must ensure compliance with CSR rules, identify suitable geographic focus areas, and manage unspent CSR accounts and ensure administrative expense are within the prescribed limit.
Selecting the right NGO partner is vital to the success of CSR programmes. Organisations need robust CSR partner due diligence services to confirm credibility, assess alignment with social objectives, and implement safeguards for long-term relationships.
Clear frameworks for CSR project management are required to achieve successful outcomes. Regular monitoring helps identify gaps and track progress, while ongoing oversight from the CSR committee ensures accountability and compliance.
Meeting disclosure requirements through reliable CSR reporting and documentation services is a common concern. Organisations must aim for balance between adherence to compliances and investing in strategic project assessments, while preparing for reviews, audits, and scrutiny from both regulators and stakeholders.
At Grant Thornton Bharat, we combine our expertise in Corporate Social Responsibility consulting with deep sector knowledge to deliver practical and sustainable solutions. Our dedicated ESG and CSR advisory team supports corporates, foundations, philanthropic bodies, multilateral agencies, and not-for-profit organisations.
Explore key CSR rule changes, compliance, and strategic guidance for effective social impact in India.
Measure project effectiveness, ensure CSR compliance, and drive sustainable social impact with structured impact assessments.
Track project performance in real-time, optimise resources, and enhance CSR impact through effective monitoring frameworks.