An Analytical Study of Activity-wise CSR Spending by Companies in Achieving Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a significant alternate mechanism through which corporate entities contribute to national development.1 In India, CSR spending became mandatory after the enactment of the Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, which requires eligible companies to allocate at least 2% of their average net profits towards social development activities listed under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.2 The present study analyses CSR spending patterns across major Schedule VII activities in India by the corporate entities and examines how these contributions align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.3 The research is based on secondary data obtained from government reports, CSR databases, and published studies. The analysis focuses on major CSR sectors such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, rural development and livelihood enhancement.2 The Government of India has envisioned Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to transform India into a developed nation by the year 2047 being the 100th year of independence, focusing on economic growth, social development, sustainability, and inclusive progress.3 Corporate CSR initiatives can play a significant role in supporting these national goals by directing resources toward social welfare, environmental protection, skill development, and rural development.1 Therefore, analyzing CSR spending across Schedule VII activities helps understand how corporate contributions support the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.3 The findings reveal that education and healthcare receive the highest share of CSR expenditure, together accounting for more than half of total CSR spending in recent years.4 Other sectors such as environmental sustainability and rural development also receive considerable funding but remain comparatively under-represented. The study highlights the growing role of corporate participation in achieving sustainable development objectives and strengthening India’s social infrastructure. The paper concludes that strategic CSR investments can significantly contribute to inclusive growth and support the long-term developmental vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.3 1 Carroll, A. B. (1979). A Three-Dimensional Conceptual Model of Corporate Social Performance. Academy of Management Review. 2 Government of India. Companies Act, 2013, Section 135 and Schedule VII, Ministry of Corporate Affairs. 3 Government of India. Viksit Bharat 2047: Vision for a Developed India, Official Government Initiatives and Policy Documents. 4 Ministry of Corporate Affairs. National CSR Data Portal / CSR Annual Reports, Government of India.