NEW DELHI: A recent survey by Deloitte India indicates that corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives among Indian companies are evolving beyond regulatory compliance, with organizations increasingly exploring impact investment strategies such as social bonds and pay-for-success models.
The survey, which covered 185 organizations, found that 50% of respondents showed interest in innovative CSR models, including engagement with the Social Stock Exchange. However, only 28% of companies felt “very prepared” to navigate the complexities of impact investing.
“CSR has evolved from a compliance function to a strategic driver of corporate strategy, now prominently featured on boardroom and investor agendas,” said Sumeet Salwan, Partner at Deloitte India. He added that the growing trend of CSR expenditure highlights its role in contributing to societal development.
The survey also found that 50% of companies are reassessing their CSR strategies due to changing regulatory requirements and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure norms. Additionally, 25% of participating organizations reported an annual CSR expenditure exceeding Rs 100 crore, with established firms leveraging dedicated foundations to manage such initiatives.
The study revealed that 80% of organizations now view CSR as an essential component of their corporate strategy and vision. Deloitte India Partner Amit Tandon emphasized the increasing role of technology in CSR management, noting that over one-third of companies expressed interest in investing in tech solutions to enhance implementation. However, nearly half of the surveyed organizations identified technology adoption as a challenge, underscoring the need for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and training programs.
Since amendments to CSR regulations in January 2021 mandating impact assessments, 65% of organizations have adopted evaluation processes focused on output-driven decision-making. Key areas of focus for CSR programs include healthcare, sustainability, education, and gender equality.
The findings highlight the shift in corporate approaches toward CSR, emphasizing long-term strategic impact and integration with broader business objectives.
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