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  • Ambuja Foundation hosts dialogue on empowering skill building for Viksit Bharat

    Ambuja Foundation hosts dialogue on empowering skill building for Viksit Bharat

    Ambuja Foundation, an independent pan-India social development group focused on rural transformation, convened an open dialogue on empowering skill building for Viksit Bharat at Bharat Mandapam here on Thursday.

    The event drew over 150 stakeholders, including government officials, global academics, industry leaders and on-ground practitioners, to explore how skill building can reshape tomorrow’s workforce and boost India’s economic trajectory.

    Keynote speakers, among them Dr Rashmi Singh, secretary for women and child development and art, culture and languages in the New Delhi government; Raman Wadhwa, deputy director of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana under India’s National Rural Livelihoods Mission; and Col Gunjan Chowdhary, director of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, outlined national skilling initiatives, access to opportunities and the need for cross-sector collaboration to realise Viksit Bharat.

    Swiss vocational education expert Urs Keller highlighted his country’s dual system, where two-thirds of training occurs on the job and nearly 66% of youth pursue vocational paths, backed by strong parental support and career guidance.

    Two panel discussions followed: one on corporate, agency and academic investments in skill building strategies; the other on industry leaders’ views of evolving sector needs and partnerships between government, business and academia.

    Attendees heard success stories from two graduates of Ambuja’s Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (SEDI), which have trained 1.34 million rural youth across 51 centres in 13 states for sustainable livelihoods. The event also launched a report on SEDI’s impact.

    “These discussions reaffirm our conviction that skill building will lead the path to Viksit Bharat,” said Pearl Tiwari, CEO of Ambuja Foundation. “Empowering individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds demands collaboration among social organisations, corporates and government for systemic change.”

  • HCLTech Grant adds water, biodiversity themes in second decade

    HCLTech Grant adds water, biodiversity themes in second decade

    HCLTech‘s grant program will expand its focus to include water and biodiversity as it enters its second decade, building on initiatives that have impacted over 300,000 individuals across India, the company said.

    The HCLTech Grant, which has supported community-driven development projects over the past 10 years, will add the new themes in its 11th edition alongside existing areas of health and education, according to a statement.

    The grant program has aligned interventions with 12 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing challenges in government and rural schools, maternal and child health in remote regions, and ecological restoration in forest-dependent communities, the company said.


    “Sustainable change is not achieved by charity alone, but by coupling research with empathy, technology with trust, and resources with measurable results,” the HCLTech Grant statement said.

    The grant program’s strategic roadmap through 2030 includes three phases: consolidation and scaling through 2027, deepening impact and diversification until 2029, and institutionalization and sustainability by 2030.

    The HCLTech Grant will strengthen its research framework by implementing Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodologies to quantify outcomes and expand digital monitoring tools for real-time impact tracking, according to the announcement.

    Technology integration within the grant program will include satellite-based water mapping, AI-enabled health diagnostics and digital learning platforms to scale community solutions, the company said.


    The water theme under the HCLTech Grant will align with India’s Jal Jeevan Mission and SDG 6, developing a national model for integrated water resource management, the statement added.

    HCLTech plans to establish a Centre for Social Research and Innovation through the grant program to synthesize learnings and contribute to sectoral policy dialogues, while creating an alumni network of grantees for peer learning and mentoring.

    The grant program has collaborated with state health departments and the National Health Mission to strengthen public health systems across multiple states, impacting thousands of students and educators across districts.

    In environment interventions, the HCLTech Grant has worked with rural and forest-dependent populations to restore degraded ecosystems, revive water bodies, and promote biodiversity-friendly livelihoods, contributing to climate adaptation and ecological resilience.

  • Empower CSR Careers in India: 2025 Prosperity Surge

    Empower CSR Careers in India: 2025 Prosperity Surge

    By Eldee

    Within the busy corridors of India’s corporate world, CSR careers in India are not a specialty field, but an exciting ecosystem with plenty of opportunities. With the national mandated CSR spend exceeding Rs 25,000 crore in FY 2024-25, young professionals have taken to these career paths, blending ethical impact with enviable paychecks.

    Consider a graduate from an underprivileged background finding a way into a CSR careers in India job description, entering as an officer in a fintech space in Mumbai at Rs 4-6 lakh per year, making it to manager in 5 years at Rs 15 lakh. This is not aspirational marketing; this is a real opportunity in CSR careers in India, when purpose and profit create options with 15-20 % job growth annually.

    However, as climate considerations and the demands for social equity ramps up, one insists, can CSR careers in India democratize access or remain locked in privilege, only the urban elite create value from?

    The magnetic pull of CSR careers in India stems from regulatory firepower and market evolution. The Companies Act 2013’s 2% profit directive has morphed into a strategic imperative, with education gobbling 30% of funds, healthcare 25%, and sustainability initiatives claiming 20%. This fuels diverse CSR careers in India, from impact analysts crunching data for SEBI’s BRSR reports to coordinators spearheading rural skilling programs in Gujarat’s arid belts.

    Salaries for CSR careers in India are better than in many traditional sectors: entry-level CSR careers in India are between Rs 3-6 lakh, mid-management salaries are at Rs 8-15 lakh, and C-suite management salaries in the tech corridors of Bengaluru are Rs 25-40 lakh, with raises at 9.5% that are substantially over the national average. When reviewing LinkedIn’s job pulse report for CSR careers in India, over 600 live opportunities exist for a wide range of matters, including renewable energy in Chennai to community outreach in Delhi, catering for Gen Z’s quest for SDG careers.

    What makes CSR careers in India must have? Digital disruption – we are no longer phenomenon-driven philanthropy, nor CSR careers in India. CSR careers in India require full fluency in the use of technology for social change whether it is estimating community change outcomes using artificial intelligence or engaging in blockchain interaction with NGOs towards accomplishing a transparency agenda to raise aid. In this hybrid, new CSR careers begin to appear: ESG specialists auditing supply chains, or sustainability leads on circled economy initiatives.

    Salaries in CSR careers in India are superior to that of many more traditional career sectors: starting salaries for beginners in CSR careers in India range from Rs 3-6 lakh; mid-career salaries for managers are Rs 8-15 lakh; and senior executives or C-suite roles in tech hotspots in Bengaluru can make Rs 25-40 lakh with annual raises of 9.5% that outpace national averages. LinkedIn’s data shows there are over 600 live resumes in the CSR careers in India field of practice—ranging from renewables in Chennai to community outreach programs in Delhi—symbolizing some of the most exciting employment opportunities for Gen Z students looking to advance careers in CSR and the SDGs.

    What makes CSR careers in India exciting? The answer is digital disruption. Gone are the days of executing passive philanthropy. CSR careers in India today require a level of fluency in technology—using AI to track outcomes in communities or employing blockchain to work with NGOs. This technical fusion is creating exciting and innovative CSR careers in India, such as ESG (environmental, social, governance) specialists working to assess supply chains of products or sustainability lead working with companies on circular economy projects in Maharashtra.

    Further, CSR careers in India that focus on climate action will continue to be a growth area due to India’s goal of net-zero by 2070—everything from training in renewable energy to community drive for water conservation, all straddling corporate priorities with national goals. Newly emerging locations like Bihar offer a wide-open frontier for students seeking CSR careers in India, and the potential of jobs that shape policy and increase mobility and world exposure is very exciting.

    Although CSR careers in India are seen as exciting, there are important factors that take away from the experience. There are not enough qualified people for CSR careers. Seventy percent of the CSR jobs are in the Rs 15-50 lakh salary category. Barriers for entry also prevent many people from Tier-3 towns or non-elite institutions from getting CSR jobs. Examples of barriers include extensive certifications like GRI and field experience with NGOs.

    While women dominate social change work at the grassroots level, many get stuck in glass ceilings in senior CSR jobs in India. Regulatory hurdles can lead to long decisions that help organizations accomplish their CSR goals. Corporations express the need for more analytical and engagement skills, yet underinvest in training initiatives, leading to underwhelming outcomes from well-intentioned plans.

    Reforms are necessary to strengthen CSR careers in India. Governments should finance the establishment of CSR academies within public colleges that will provide ample education, combining analytical frameworks with hands-on programs, improving both the number of people in the CSR pipeline and knowledge. Companies should establish and uphold diversity of talent mandates, shifting gaps in CSR talent to a workforce pipeline of diverse talent.

    For prospective pioneers yearning for CSR careers in India, the formula is straight forward: Start with an internship from Tata Trusts or an initiative with HUL on sanitation; take examples from free Coursera modules on ESG frameworks, and include data informed wins like “I orchestrated a Rs 5 crore initiative that impacted 10,000 lives” in your CV. The compassion and execution in the context of CSR careers in India is not replaceable in a world shape by AI.

    With CSR spending expected to reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2030, India is gearing up to create lakhs of CSR careers that will connect urban prosperity with rural resilience. And this green-collar transformation is not only economic; it’s cultural, changing the notion of work toward the lens of equity. For India’s youth, CSR careers in India beckon not as a sideline, but as the main event: Wear the mantle, and lead the legacy.

  • Western Financial, Wawanesa Donate $100,000 to Boost Manitoba Healthcare

    Western Financial, Wawanesa Donate $100,000 to Boost Manitoba Healthcare

    In a significant boost to Manitoba healthcare, the Western Communities Foundation, the charitable arm of Western Financial Group, and Wawanesa Insurance have jointly donated USD 100,000 to the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Foundation’s Operation Excellence Campaign.

    Announced on Wednesday, this contribution will fund state-of-the-art surgical equipment at Manitoba’s largest hospital, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and advance surgical innovation.

    The donation reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to foster healthier, stronger communities across Canada, ensuring that Manitobans have access to top-tier medical care when they need it most, the company said in a statement.

    The Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg is a cornerstone of Manitoba healthcare, serving countless families, friends, and neighbours across the province.

    Evan Johnston, President and CEO of Wawanesa, emphasized the personal connection many feel to the hospital. “As a company that calls Manitoba home, we all know someone who has relied on HSC’s care, whether it be a family member, friend, or neighbour,” Johnston said.

    “This donation continues our 129-year tradition of supporting Manitobans. By partnering with Western Financial Group, we’re helping ensure our community benefits from cutting-edge healthcare that saves lives and improves wellbeing.”

    Grant Ostir, CEO of Western Financial Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the human impact of the donation. “At the Western Communities Foundation, we’re dedicated to standing by Canadians in moments that matter,” Ostir said.

    “This $100,000 gift will support HSC’s investment in advanced surgical tools, leading to better patient care, higher survival rates, and stronger communities. We’re proud to work alongside Wawanesa to support the frontline healthcare teams who make excellence in Manitoba healthcare possible every day.”

    The donation is part of the broader mission of the Western Communities Foundation, established in 2001, to build safer and stronger communities across Canada.

    In 2025, the Foundation has continued its impactful work, from aiding wildfire recovery efforts to funding youth education through bursaries and supporting vital infrastructure projects nationwide.

    Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over USD 9 million to community initiatives, creating spaces where Canadians can thrive. For more details on their efforts, visit www.westerncares.ca.

    Wawanesa Insurance, a mutual insurer founded in 1896, also plays a significant role in community support, investing USD 3.5 million annually through its community impact program. This includes initiatives like Wawanesa Climate Champions, which funds projects to build climate resiliency, as well as other programs that strengthen the communities where their members, employees, and broker partners live and work.

    With over USD 4 billion in annual revenue and USD 11.5 billion in assets, Wawanesa serves 1.87 million members across Canada through its subsidiaries, Wawanesa Life and Western Financial Group. Learn more about their community efforts at www.wawanesa.com/canada/community-impact.

    The USD 100,000 donation to HSC’s Operation Excellence Campaign is a lifeline for Manitoba healthcare, ensuring that patients receive world-class treatment during critical moments.

    The campaign focuses on equipping the hospital with advanced technology to improve surgical precision and patient recovery, directly impacting lives across the province. For more information about the campaign and its goals, visit https://www.operationexcellence.ca.

    This partnership between Wawanesa and the Western Communities Foundation underscores the power of collaboration in addressing community needs. By investing in Manitoba healthcare, these organizations are not only enhancing medical care but also reinforcing their commitment to the people of Manitoba. Whether it’s a life-saving surgery or a routine procedure, this donation ensures that HSC remains a beacon of hope and healing for all Manitobans.

  • India’s USD 120 mln e-Waste Management Plan for Circular Economy

    India’s USD 120 mln e-Waste Management Plan for Circular Economy

    India’s e-waste management initiative: A step toward sustainability

    India has launched a USD 120 million initiative to tackle e-waste management through a circular economy approach in its electronics sector, supported by the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    The five-year e-waste management project aims to address unsafe recycling practices in the world’s third-largest generator of electronic waste, where more than 80% of discarded electronics are processed informally using methods that release toxic chemicals.

    “The project comes at an important time when the Indian electronics sector is seeing rapid growth and development,” said S. Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    “The initiative will help us drive innovation in eco-design, recycling and circular business models.” The GEF approved USD 15 million in financing, unlocking over USD 105 million in co-financing from the Government of India and industry stakeholders for comprehensive e-waste management reforms.

    Addressing Informal Sector Risks

    Formal recycling infrastructure remains limited in India, exposing workers and communities to serious health risks from hazardous materials including mercury, lead, cadmium and persistent organic pollutants that do not break down easily.

    “Environmental and health risks from unsafe e-waste recycling practices are rising,” said Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative in India. “We are working with government and industry partners to ensure resources are used efficiently, workers are protected, and the sector grows sustainably.”

    The e-waste management initiative will strengthen institutional mechanisms and enforcement of regulations, support innovation in eco-design with manufacturers, pilot safe recycling and battery management systems, and improve infrastructure for valuable material recovery.

    A Global E-Waste Challenge

    Electronic waste now exceeds 60 million tonnes globally each year, growing five times faster than recycling rates, according to UNDP data.

    “This flood of discarded devices contains toxic chemicals which cause long-term damage to ecosystems and people’s health,” said Xiaofang Zhou, UNDP Chemicals and Waste Hub Director. “Addressing e-waste is central to building the circular economy we need for a healthier planet.”

    Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, GEF Chief Executive Officer, said the project could serve as a model demonstrating how toxic chemicals can be designed out of production and safely managed when products are discarded.

    Project Scope and Impact

    The e-waste management project will build India’s capacity to advance objectives of the National Policy on Electronics and implement E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.

    “This project will strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility and Resource Efficiency to meet critical minerals requirement of the Electronics Sector,” said Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    The initiative will strengthen collection and recycling systems, pilot eco-design and valuable material extraction technologies, test replacement-rebate business models, and implement gender-responsive schemes for upgrading the informal sector.

    The project expects to benefit 6,400 people directly while preventing release of 8,000 tonnes of toxic heavy metals, eliminating 25 tonnes of hazardous flame retardants, and cutting 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions.

    India’s electronics market is expanding rapidly, making effective e-waste management critical for sustainable growth and protecting public health and the environment from hazardous recycling practices.

  • Govt calls on firms to focus CSR efforts on tribal communities

    Govt calls on firms to focus CSR efforts on tribal communities

    Government officials urged corporations to direct their corporate social responsibility spending toward tribal communities, emphasizing measurable impact over large-scale investments at a national conference in New Delhi.

    Chanchal Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, called for companies to focus on “small, impactful projects” targeting healthcare, education and agriculture in underserved tribal and rural areas during his keynote address on October 6.

    “CSR efforts should reach every part of society, fostering inclusivity and equitable development,” Kumar said, highlighting artificial intelligence as a tool to improve efficiency and create jobs in tribal regions.

    The two-day National Conference & Exhibition on Leveraging CSR Excellence for Tribal Development, organized by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, drew over 300 delegates from government, industry and civil society.

    Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General of IICA, noted Indian companies are now spending more than the mandated 2% of profits on CSR, reflecting “a deeper commitment to social welfare.” He urged firms to move beyond financial contributions toward technology transfer and knowledge sharing with local communities.

    The conference, timed to mark India’s second annual CSR Day on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, featured three panel discussions on tribal livelihoods, entrepreneurship and health.

    M. Raja Murugan emphasized value addition and digital market access for tribal artisans, while Shombi Sharp praised India’s CSR framework as “a global model of corporate accountability and social innovation.”

    The event showcased CSR projects by corporations, public sector units and foundations focused on tribal entrepreneurship, education, healthcare and environmental conservation.

    Kumar said the North East Region is ready to attract greater investment with improved infrastructure and implementation capabilities, positioning it as “a model for balanced growth” by 2047.

  • India’s Rs 30,000 cr CSR funds: Why It’s Pouring Billions into the Wrong Places!

    India’s Rs 30,000 cr CSR funds: Why It’s Pouring Billions into the Wrong Places!

    According to the Development Intelligence Unit’s (DIU) August report, “Investing in Tomorrow: Need for Realigning CSR Spends with Status of Development in Districts,” in FY 2022–23, India’s CSR spending hit Rs 29,989.92 crore, up 12.8% from the prior year, signaling post-pandemic recovery. Yet, deep flaws undermine its impact: geographical skews, poor evaluations, sectoral biases, opacity, overlap with government efforts, and minimal community involvement.

    Despite CSR being a statutory obligation for over five years, 70% of companies still lack a structured strategy for implementation, raising concerns about the CSR fund allocation and its lack of convergence with India’s commitment towards meeting SDG targets by 2030.

    Geographical Imbalance

    CSR funds chase corporate footprints—headquarters and operations—favoring industrialized states like Maharashtra (Rs 2,250 crore in FY 2021–22, 15% of total), Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Delhi. In contrast, high-need areas like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Northeast states—home to >60% of NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts—get <20% of funds. This starves underserved regions, eroding CSR’s equity role.

    Sectoral Skew and Lack of Impact Assessment

    Spending clusters in familiar areas (e.g., education, health), ignoring broader gaps. Worse, few projects face rigorous evaluation—relying on outputs (e.g., toilets built) over outcomes (e.g., sustained hygiene). This breeds unaccountable, inefficient choices, blocking data-driven tweaks and long-term value.

    Duplication and Coordination Gaps

    CSR often echoes government schemes (mid-day meals, sanitation, skills training), with multiple firms redundantly funding classrooms or health camps sans local sync. Resources waste on overlaps, bypassing critical “last-mile” needs like maintenance, tribal outreach, or supply chains for vulnerable groups (e.g., single-woman households).

    Top-Down Design Lacking Innovation

    Projects roll out via corporate templates, sidelining community input or deprivation data—turning CSR into branding over real change (e.g., flashy classrooms amid unchecked dropouts).

    Rare innovations like multi-year, place-based partnerships or outcome financing foster short-term fragmentation, missing systemic wins.

  • Matix Fertilisers wins Mahatma Award for CSR work in Bengal

    Matix Fertilisers wins Mahatma Award for CSR work in Bengal

    Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, promoted by Nishant Kanodia, has been awarded the Mahatma Award for CSR Excellence, becoming the only recipient from West Bengal this year. ‘

    The company was selected from over 2,100 entries for its community development initiatives around its Panagarh manufacturing facility.

    The crop nutrition company’s CSR programmes, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, have impacted over 52,000 beneficiaries across health, education and livelihood sectors.

    Under Project Dhadkan and Project Suraksha, the company has provided free medical treatment to 49,000 people.

    Its education initiatives, including a Mini Science Centre and Digital Education Project, have reached 3,265 students, while Project Shakti has trained 565 women in animal husbandry and other skills.

    The company’s Mobile Soil Testing Van has analysed over 9,500 soil samples across five states, supporting farmers with scientific guidance.

    “This recognition validates our belief that our responsibility extends beyond business to the communities we serve,” said Nishant Kanodia, Chairman of Matix.

    “Our CSR initiatives are a voluntary and heartfelt commitment to making a lasting difference.”

    Managing Director Manoj Mishra said the award would inspire the team to expand their community-focused work further.

  • Modi’s Independence Day Announcements: 8 Big Takeaways

    Modi’s Independence Day Announcements: 8 Big Takeaways

    In his longest Red Fort address yet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday turned India’s 79th Independence Day into a bold blueprint for the nation’s future, announcing a slew of ambitious initiatives ranging from homegrown semiconductor chips to a Rs 1 lakh crore employment scheme.

    1. India’s First Semiconductor Chip by 2025

    Modi announced India will produce its first ‘Made-in-India’ semiconductor chip by end of 2025. He said attempts to set up chip factories 50-60 years ago were “killed at birth” but India is now on “mission mode.”

    2. GST Reforms Coming on Diwali

    Next-generation GST reforms will be announced on Diwali 2025. These will reduce taxes on essential goods and provide relief to MSMEs, local vendors, and consumers.

    3. Nuclear Power Capacity to Increase 10x

    Work is underway on 10 new nuclear reactors. India aims to increase nuclear power generation capacity by over 10 times by 2047 as part of energy independence goals.

    4. Rs 1 Lakh Crore Employment Scheme

    The PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana will provide Rs 15,000 monthly to newly employed youth. The scheme targets 3 crore young Indians.

    5. Reform Task Force for $10 Trillion Economy

    A dedicated task force will drive reforms to accelerate growth, cut red tape, and prepare India for a $10 trillion economy by 2047.

    6. Challenge to Build Jet Engines

    Modi asked scientists and youth to develop indigenous jet engines, comparing it to India’s success with COVID vaccines and UPI payments.

    7. Demography Mission for Border Security

    A High-Powered Demography Mission will address demographic imbalances caused by infiltration and illegal migration in border areas.

    8. Ocean Resource Exploration

    The National Deepwater Exploration Mission will tap ocean resources while expanding solar, hydrogen, hydro and nuclear power to reduce dependence on fuel imports.

  • Beyond on size fits all: Industry-specific CSR takes root in India

    Beyond on size fits all: Industry-specific CSR takes root in India

    In a significant shift from one-size-fits-all approaches, Indian companies are increasingly adopting industry-specific Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.

    This sector-wise adaptation has emerged as companies recognise that effective social responsibility must address unique industrial challenges while meeting stakeholder expectations.

    Leading the charge is the manufacturing sector, where giants like Hindalco and Tata Steel have made environmental sustainability their cornerstone. At its Belagavi plant, Hindalco has implemented zero-liquid discharge systems while supporting 200 local schools. Tata Steel’s CSR initiatives in Jharkhand and Odisha have become a blueprint for community development in industrial belts.

    The technology sector presents a contrasting picture. While global tech majors like Microsoft operate in India with carbon-neutral commitments, homegrown firms like TCS and Infosys have pioneered digital literacy programmes. TCS’ Adult Literacy Programme has reached over 5 lakh beneficiaries across 12 states.

    In retail, Future Group and DMart have prioritised sustainable sourcing and waste management. Future Group’s skills training programme has empowered over 10,000 youth from underprivileged backgrounds, while DMart focuses on supporting local vendor ecosystems.

    The pharmaceutical sector’s approach reflects unique healthcare challenges. Dr. Reddy’s Foundation works extensively on healthcare accessibility in rural areas, while Cipla Foundation’s ‘Caring for Life’ initiative provides palliative care support across multiple states.

    Energy sector players like ONGC and Indian Oil Corporation have embraced renewable energy investments alongside traditional CSR. ONGC’s solar chulha initiative has impacted 1,000 households in remote areas, while Indian Oil’s Smokeless Village programme has transformed rural cooking practices.

    In the food and beverage sector, companies like ITC and Britannia have focused on sustainable agriculture. ITC’s e-Choupal initiative has reached 4 million farmers, while Britannia’s dairy development programme has enhanced rural livelihoods in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

    The banking sector, led by State Bank of India and HDFC Bank, emphasises financial inclusion. SBI’s youth skill development programmes have trained over 1 lakh candidates, while HDFC Bank’s Sustainable Livelihood Initiative has created 2 million sustainable livelihoods.

    Industry experts note that this sectoral approach has enhanced CSR impact.

    The success of these targeted initiatives suggests that the future of CSR lies in industry-specific solutions rather than generic approaches. As India pushes towards its sustainable development goals, such tailored strategies may prove crucial in addressing sector-specific challenges while contributing to national development objectives.