Role of CSR in Education: Special Emphasis on India

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in education follows as a natural investment in the future of human development for sustainability of the business ecosystem. While some scholars are of the opinion that providing equitable education should be the responsibility of the government, others opine that quality education comes from healthy competition between the private sectors. Whatever may be the outcome of the debate, it is a reality in today’s world that there are massive educational gaps within and across countries. From illiteracy as a global problem to un-employability of educated human resource in some countries, education requires inputs that are innovative, structured and scaled. Under the circumstances, it is inevitable that the Government and corporate sector comes together to contribute to this education and bring about a win-win both for the Government as well as businesses world over. It is with this thought that the chapter has been documented where it discusses the broad role of CSR in education both in developed as well as emerging economies, with special emphasis on India especially after the passing of the Companies Act, 2013 that puts CSR under its statute.