Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) became one of the top Indian corporations in the fiscal year 2024–2025, which illustrates the importance of tying corporate expansion to community development. The corporation exceeded its statutory obligation under the Companies Act of 2013 by investing Rs 38.56 crores in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects. This accomplishment is noteworthy because it demonstrates how GCPL allocates funds to solve some of India’s most time-sensitive issues, including rural livelihoods, environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment, and public health. GCPL has established itself as a leader in generating sustainable social impact, driven by its motto of “People and planet, alongside profit.” This way of thinking recognises that if communities continue to be at risk, profitability is insufficient. Through landmark initiatives like Salon-I, Project EMBED, and focused environmental stewardship programmes, GCPL has promoted the notion that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an investment in the future of the country rather than a burden.

According to India’s CSR law, big businesses must contribute at least 2% of their average net earnings over the previous three years to charitable causes. With an average net profit of Rs 1,924.41 crores for FY 2024–2025, GCPL met their statutory CSR requirement of Rs 38.49 crores. GCPL went over and beyond the required amount, spending Rs 38,558,363.195, which is Rs 7 lakh more than was necessary. This intentional overspending is a sign of the company’s proactive leadership and robust governance culture. Additionally, the company invested Rs 60.33 lakhs in impact assessment activities to increase accountability and Rs 1.10 crores in administrative overheads to ensure the seamless operation of CSR projects. By going above and beyond compliance standards, GCPL strengthened its “Good & Green” approach, which views CSR as a growth facilitator rather than just a box-checking process. Both legal compliance and a deliberate effort to produce quantifiable societal results are reflected in this financial commitment.

At GCPL, CSR also aims to give marginalised groups—women in particular—financial independence and dignity. In FY25, the Salon-I programme was one of India’s biggest livelihood projects. 208,397 women received training in salon management, wellness, and beauty through the programme, giving them the tools to make money. Numerous recipients were from semi-urban and rural areas with few economic options. By providing targeted CSR funding of Rs 36.24 crores, GCPL made sure that these women had access to entrepreneurship routes and technical training, allowing them to launch micro-businesses and provide for their families. Beyond Salon-I, GCPL has a strong organisational commitment to diversity and inclusion. Presently, women make up 28% of the company’s white-collar workers, and future initiatives seek to increase accessibility for people with impairments and LGBTQIA+ people. Remarkably, 15% of executive pay is directly related to People & Planet objectives, guaranteeing that leaders are held responsible for social advancement.