Kerala plans to earn Rs 500 crore via CSR funds in next 2 years

Kochi: Kerala is eyeing to bring in a whopping Rs 500 crore through CSR funds within the next two years. As of 2022, the Kerala social service sector received an amount of Rs 239.5 crore through CSR fund. 

This amount was received from 442 companies. Across India, an amount of Rs 14,000 crore arrived through the CSR funds in 2022. 

Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi have the highest CSR funds in India. Compared to these states, the amount that reaches Kerala is small.

People in this field say that although there are many voluntary organisations in Kerala, the legal ignorance in collecting funds is pulling the state backwards in the area. The unions in the sector are trying to encash the CSR funds after resolving these issues within two years. 

Efforts are being made to achieve the goal by making voluntary organisations functional in a practical manner. There are 8,000 such voluntary organisations in the state. 

At present, Ernakulam district is receiving the highest amount as CSR fund for Kerala.

Emphasise will be given to voluntary organisations to resolve various issues in society and to raise CSR funds. They will also be guided in the way of approaching social startups, said NGO Con Federation coordinator Ananthu Krishnan said.

The Confederation is on a mission to utilise the CSR funds to envisage more projects in backward districts like Wayanad. The project will also be activated in Malappuram district which has the most number of volunteers. 

What CSR Fund is
The law requires companies operating with social capital to set aside a portion of their profits for the benefit of society. It is known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund.