Sanskar Bharati has urged both the government and corporate sector to significantly increase the allocation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for arts and cultural initiatives, highlighting the need to strengthen India’s cultural ecosystem. The organisation expressed concern that despite the importance of cultural preservation, only a small fraction of CSR spending currently goes toward this sector.
Drawing from India’s long-standing tradition of charity, the organisation emphasized that philanthropy has always been deeply rooted in the country’s values. This spirit has evolved into modern CSR practices, where businesses are expected to contribute to societal development. Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, eligible companies are mandated to spend at least 2% of their average net profits on social welfare activities.
While CSR funds are widely used in sectors such as education, healthcare, sanitation, environmental protection, and rural development, the share allocated to arts and culture remains minimal. According to recent data from the National CSR Portal for the financial year 2023–24, only around 2% of total CSR expenditure has been directed toward cultural initiatives. This low allocation has raised concerns among cultural organisations about the sustainability and growth of India’s artistic heritage.
The organisation pointed out that existing CSR provisions already include support for preserving national heritage, restoring historically significant sites, promoting traditional arts and handicrafts, and establishing public libraries. Various programmes such as art festivals, workshops, and cultural projects are being conducted across the country under these provisions. However, despite these opportunities, the scale of investment remains insufficient to meet the needs of artists and cultural institutions.
It further highlighted that art is not only a means of preserving tradition but also a powerful tool for social awareness. Many CSR initiatives in other sectors already use artistic mediums to communicate messages effectively to the public. This demonstrates that art can play a vital role in broader development goals, making a stronger case for increased funding in this area.
To address the issue, the organisation has called for better coordination among corporates, cultural institutions, and government bodies. It suggested that clearer guidelines and greater transparency in CSR provisions related to arts could encourage more companies to invest in this field. Simplifying the relevant rules and ensuring wider dissemination of information about CSR eligibility for cultural activities were also recommended as key steps.
Additionally, it stressed the importance of awareness among artists and cultural groups regarding CSR opportunities. By improving communication between companies and cultural organisations, more projects can receive funding and reach wider audiences, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The organisation believes that arts represent the “soft power” of India and are essential for maintaining the continuity of its cultural heritage. Increasing CSR support for this sector would not only preserve traditional art forms but also contribute to inclusive and sustainable development. It would help balance economic growth with cultural and ethical values, ensuring a more holistic approach to nation-building.
Overall, the appeal highlights the urgent need to rethink CSR priorities and allocate greater resources toward arts and culture. Strengthening this sector, the organisation argues, is crucial for safeguarding India’s rich heritage while fostering creativity and cultural awareness across society.
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