Investigating the Role of the Indian Government in Regulating and Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility

This essay is an attempt to map the engagement and regulatory dynamics instituted by the Indian government in its endeavour to regulate and promote Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”). By systematically characterising its nature, it first conceptualises CSR's contemporary interpretation, rationale, and legitimacy in the age of globalisation and expanding markets. Secondly, it complements its relevance and highlights the legislative efforts undertaken by the Indian government to secure responsible business conduct, while the subsequent section underscores the government’s role in advancing the CSR agenda. It then critically examines the Government of India's (“GOI”) promotional policies and initiatives and argues for its strategic enhancement by synthesising international policy frameworks and implementation approaches to develop a comprehensive policy that best aligns with India’s unique socio-economic setting. Finally, it concludes by emphasising the need to address regulatory gaps in India’s current CSR governance model.