Is CSR aligned to SDGs? – A Study of CSR Programs in Education

Abstract

 In 2013, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was made mandatory to encourage public-private participation in  sustainable development aimed at reducing income inequalities. Corporates invest CSR in education, healthcare,  and rural development, thus supporting public welfare. CSR spend has steadily increased over the years.  The study was conducted to understand the trends in CSR spend and how CSR is mapped or linked to Sustainable  Development Goals (SDGs). The study examines the qualitative and quantitative aspects of CSR and examines how  corporates map CSR to SDGs. The study examined the  nancial reports of ten corporates to analyze the nature of  CSR spend. To determine whether CSR is aligned to SDGs, the CSR interventions in Education were examined and  analyzed against the country speci c SGD - 4 targets set by the United Nations. The study reveals that Education  is the biggest benefactor of CSR spend. CSR interventions in Education are aligned with the SDG targets. However,  due to challenges in interpreting data an exact measurement is not possible. Gaps exist in implementation of CSR.  A collaboration approach adopted by Government will help corporates to ef ciently invest CSR in the SDG targets.