• Vikram G B

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a critical dimension of business ethics, governance, and sustainable development in the 21st century. In India, the evolution of CSR reflects a unique synthesis of traditional philanthropy, Gandhian principles of trusteeship, and modern corporate accountability. The statutory recognition of CSR under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 represents a landmark transformation — shifting CSR from a voluntary, discretionary domain to a legally mandated and systematically monitored business obligation. This paper examines the historical trajectory of CSR in India from its philanthropic beginnings to its institutionalization within corporate law, focusing particularly on the period up to 2018. Using secondary data from official government documents, corporate sustainability reports, academic literature, and CSR surveys, the study explores the legal and policy frameworks, implementation mechanisms, sectorial allocation of CSR funds, and the socio-economic impact of CSR initiatives across India. The findings reveal that the CSR mandate catalysed substantial corporate contributions toward social and community development, particularly in the areas of education, health care, sanitation, and rural development. Between FY2014–15 and FY2017–18, Indian companies collectively spent over ₹50,000 crore on CSR activities, indicating a growing culture of social accountability and structured philanthropy. However, despite positive outcomes, challenges persist in the form of uneven regional distribution of funds, inadequate impact assessment, compliance-driven approaches, and limited stakeholder engagement. The study concludes that CSR in India, while pioneering in its mandatory nature, must evolve beyond regulatory compliance to become an integral part of corporate strategy and sustainable business models. The paper offers policy recommendations for enhancing CSR governance, improving transparency, and aligning corporate initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby positioning CSR as a driver of inclusive and equitable growth in India.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Companies Act 2013; Schedule VII; India; Mandatory CSR; Corporate Governance; Sustainable Development; Philanthropy; Stakeholder Theory;

"Corporate Social Responsibility in India: Evolution, Implementation, and Impact ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 1, page no.344-354, January-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1901J50.pdf

"Corporate Social Responsibility in India: Evolution, Implementation, and Impact ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 1, page no. pp344-354, January-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1901J50.pdf