No data on innovation or social entrepreneurship in CSR spending, answer states

The MP asked the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to state whether the government has explored using CSR resources for innovation and social enterprises, and to detail the frameworks, contributions, and initiatives supporting this area.

Asked by Shri Ve Vaithilingam; Answered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (Minister Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman).

• CSR legal framework is under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, Schedule VII, and Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014.
• Schedule VII includes eligible activities such as education, healthcare, and contribution to funds like Clean Ganga, PMNRF, PMCARES, and Swachh Bharat Kosh.
• Item (ix) of Schedule VII allows contribution to incubators or R&D projects in science, technology, engineering, and medicine.
• Total CSR expenditure in India was ₹31,183.28 crore in FY 2022-23, ₹35,917.98 crore in FY 2023-24, and ₹40,794.00 crore in FY 2024-25.
• Education was the largest sector with ₹13,877.34 crore in FY 2024-25, followed by Health Care at ₹8,530.60 crore.
• Partnerships are facilitated through Section 8 companies, registered trusts/societies, or entities established by Central/State Governments.
• A notification dated 27.05.2026 added item (xiii) to Schedule VII, allowing subscription to zero coupon zero principal instruments on the Social Stock Exchange for Not-for-Profit Organisations.

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