CSR in India: From Rhetoric to Reality and Beyond

Abstract

This paper traces the political and bureaucratic influence on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India since the 1990s to the reality of the CSR mandate outlined in the Companies Act, 2013 to the beyond, where, CSR is perceived to be integrated within the purview of ethical businesses of the future and through responsible business practices. In addition to insightfully documenting this journey, this paper outlines three key perspectives, as brought about by the mandate that can be taken as the foundation of the future of CSR in India.