From Mandate to Momentum: The Transformative Power of CSR and NGO Partnerships in India

Reflecting on the transformative journey of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India over the past decade, we have observed a significant shift from scepticism to impactful partnerships between corporations and NGOs. The 2013 Companies Act mandated CSR, leading to a surge in corporate spending from INR 13,000 crore in 2014 to an anticipated INR 75,000 crore by 2024. This legislative framework was complemented by the launch of the National CSR Portal in 2014, which enabled companies to transparently report their CSR activities and track their impacts. Additionally, the focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has aligned CSR efforts with broader global objectives, ensuring that corporate initiatives contribute to national and international development goals. The introduction of the CSR Rules in 2021 has further streamlined the implementation of CSR initiatives.