A recent report has revealed that India’s disability sector receives only around 1% of total corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding, highlighting a major gap in financial support for organisations working with persons with disabilities. The findings have raised concerns among non-profit organisations and social sector experts, who say the lack of adequate funding is limiting long-term impact, inclusion efforts, and access to essential services for millions of people across the country.
The study surveyed 52 non-profit organisations from different parts of India that work in areas related to disability support, rehabilitation, education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion. According to the report, many of these organisations continue to face serious financial constraints despite growing awareness about diversity and inclusion in the corporate sector. Limited CSR contributions have made it difficult for such organisations to expand operations, hire skilled professionals, adopt technology, or reach underserved communities.
Experts involved in the study noted that disability-focused programmes often receive less attention compared to sectors such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and environmental sustainability. While many companies include inclusion and accessibility in their public messaging, actual financial allocation toward disability initiatives remains very small. The report suggests that disability welfare is still not viewed as a mainstream development priority by a large section of corporate India.
The findings also indicate that several non-profit organisations working in the disability sector depend heavily on short-term grants and donor support, making long-term planning difficult. Many organisations reportedly struggle with operational sustainability and are unable to scale successful programmes due to funding uncertainty. This affects services such as assistive technology access, vocational training, inclusive education, mental health support, and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Social sector representatives have called for a more inclusive CSR framework that recognises disability rights as an important part of social development. They argue that greater investment in accessibility, education, skill development, and employment support can significantly improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities while also strengthening economic participation. According to disability rights advocates, inclusive policies and financial backing are essential for achieving equal opportunities and social justice.
The report also stressed the importance of partnerships between corporates, governments, and non-profit organisations to create sustainable support systems. Experts believe that targeted CSR investments can help bridge gaps in infrastructure, digital accessibility, healthcare services, and inclusive workplaces. Increased collaboration could also encourage innovation in assistive technologies and accessible public services.
The findings come at a time when conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion are gaining momentum across industries. However, activists say meaningful inclusion cannot be achieved without stronger financial commitment toward disability-related initiatives. They have urged companies to allocate a larger share of CSR budgets toward programmes that directly benefit persons with disabilities and support long-term social integration.
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