India Inc. Shifts CSR Focus To Sports, Art, And Empowerment

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending in India has shifted dramatically, with large investments in sports, art, culture, and empowerment programs. The Corporate Affairs Ministry’s data shows a significant increase in non-traditional CSR areas.

In 2022–23, India Inc. spent Rs 1,800 crore on CSR in non-traditional sectors such as sports, art, culture, women empowerment, and gender equality, a 68% increase over previous years. This exceeded a 13% growth in overall CSR spending (Rs. 29,987 crore). Sports training alone increased by 80%, driven mostly by preparations for the 2024 Olympics. These areas have grown significantly over the last five years, with spending on animal welfare increasing by 221% and on art and culture by 95%. Experts see this tendency as a manifestation of India Inc.’s determination to drive social change and acquire worldwide prominence.