The Third National Conference and Exhibition on Corporate Social Responsibility (NCCSR 2026) concluded with a call for stronger governance, better coordination and measurable social outcomes to make Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) more effective in building a Viksit Bharat. The two-day conference brought together over 600 representatives from government, industry, international organisations, academia and civil society.
At the valedictory session, themed “From Compliance to Commitment,” Ajit Seth, former Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India, stressed that CSR should focus on improving people’s lives rather than simply meeting spending targets.“CSR should not be viewed merely as a statutory obligation but as a strategic instrument for India’s growth,” Seth said, emphasising the need for inclusive and sustainable development.
He called for expanding successful CSR initiatives, addressing regional imbalances in spending and directing more resources towards underserved districts. He also highlighted the role of technology in improving monitoring and accountability, while noting that digital tools must complement field knowledge and administrative judgement.
During the conference, discussions covered the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in CSR programmes, collaboration through the CSR Exchange Portal, women’s economic empowerment, regional development and employment-oriented skill development.
A high-level panel on AI and technology examined how digital tools and data systems could improve CSR planning, implementation and assessment. Another session on the CSR Exchange Portal highlighted the need for transparent processes, reliable information and stronger coordination between companies and implementing organisations.
Experts also discussed how CSR could support childcare, elder care and skill development for care workers to improve women’s participation in the economy. A separate panel recommended common indicators for assessing CSR projects while considering local needs and regional differences.Discussions on the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PM IS) focused on strengthening workplace exposure and connecting young people’s skills with industry requirements. Balamurugan D, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, encouraged businesses to use the scheme to improve employability.
Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General and CEO of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), said the conference reflected the growing maturity of India’s CSR ecosystem.The event also saw the release of the Compendium of CSR Best Practices 2025, documenting initiatives showcased during NCCSR 2025.
The conference concluded with a strong message: CSR must move beyond compliance and expenditure towards accountable partnerships, evidence-based planning and measurable results to support India’s development goals and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
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