Corporate social responsibility in India has evolved into a key driver for social change, particularly in the education sector. Among its many impactful initiatives, the focus on providing quality education to underprivileged girls stands out as both urgent and transformative. By investing strategically in the education of girls from marginalized communities, companies are not only fulfilling their social commitments but also contributing to India’s socio-economic progress in profound ways. The Landscape of Corporate Social Responsibility in India With the Companies Act 2013 mandating certain companies to dedicate at least 2% of their average net profits to CSR, Indian corporations have actively embraced educational initiatives. The focus on corporate social responsibility in India has shifted towards driving sustainable development goals, with an emphasis on gender equality and education as essential pillars. Education for underprivileged girls remains a top priority given its far-reaching impact on health, economic empowerment, and social justice. Why Focus on Education for Underprivileged Girls? Educating girls from disadvantaged backgrounds creates a ripple effect that benefits families and entire communities. Girls who receive education are more likely to delay marriage, improve family health and nutrition, and later contribute economically. Therefore, companies' investments in girl child education through CSR initiatives are powerful tools to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion, producing benefits that multiply across generations. How Companies Are Investing in Girl Child Education Leading corporations across India channel their resources and expertise into various educational programs specifically designed for underprivileged girls: • Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many companies offer scholarships covering tuition fees, study material, uniforms, and transportation. This support reduces the economic burden on families, encouraging them to prioritize girls’ schooling. • Infrastructure Development: Corporations fund the construction and renovation of schools, including facilities that cater to girls’ specific needs such as separate sanitation blocks and safe drinking water—critical factors in improving enrollment and retention rates. • Skill Development and Vocational Training: To prepare girls for the workforce, several CSR programs focus on vocational skills and digital literacy. These initiatives boost employability and financial independence. • Community Engagement and Awareness: Companies partner with local NGOs to conduct awareness drives and workshops aimed at changing societal attitudes towards girls’ education, often addressing gender bias and early marriage. Notable Corporate CSR Initiatives in Girls’ Education • Tata Group: Widely recognized for its significant investments, Tata’s CSR programs support educational scholarships and community schools, focusing extensively on girl empowerment and retention. • Reliance Foundation

1. Corporate Social Responsibility in India: How
Companies are Investing in Education for
Underprivileged Girls
Corporate social responsibility in India has evolved into a key driver for
social change, particularly in the education sector. Among its many
impactful initiatives, the focus on providing quality education to
underprivileged girls stands out as both urgent and transformative. By
investing strategically in the education of girls from marginalized
communities, companies are not only fulfilling their social commitments
but also contributing to India’s socio-economic progress in profound
ways.
The Landscape of Corporate Social Responsibility in India
With the Companies Act 2013 mandating certain companies to dedicate at
least 2% of their average net profits to CSR, Indian corporations have
actively embraced educational initiatives. The focus on corporate social
responsibility in India has shifted towards driving sustainable
development goals, with an emphasis on gender equality and education as
essential pillars. Education for underprivileged girls remains a top
priority given its far-reaching impact on health, economic empowerment,
and social justice.
Why Focus on Education for Underprivileged Girls?
Educating girls from disadvantaged backgrounds creates a ripple effect
that benefits families and entire communities. Girls who receive education
are more likely to delay marriage, improve family health and nutrition,
and later contribute economically. Therefore, companies' investments in
girl child education through CSR initiatives are powerful tools to break
the cycle of poverty and exclusion, producing benefits that multiply across
generations.

2. How Companies Are Investing in Girl Child Education
Leading corporations across India channel their resources and expertise
into various educational programs specifically designed for
underprivileged girls:
 Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many companies offer scholarships
covering tuition fees, study material, uniforms, and transportation.
This support reduces the economic burden on families, encouraging
them to prioritize girls’ schooling.
 Infrastructure Development: Corporations fund the construction
and renovation of schools, including facilities that cater to girls’
specific needs such as separate sanitation blocks and safe drinking
water—critical factors in improving enrollment and retention rates.
 Skill Development and Vocational Training: To prepare girls for the
workforce, several CSR programs focus on vocational skills and
digital literacy. These initiatives boost employability and financial
independence.
 Community Engagement and Awareness: Companies partner with
local NGOs to conduct awareness drives and workshops aimed at
changing societal attitudes towards girls’ education, often
addressing gender bias and early marriage.
Notable Corporate CSR Initiatives in Girls’ Education
 Tata Group: Widely recognized for its significant investments,
Tata’s CSR programs support educational scholarships and
community schools, focusing extensively on girl empowerment and
retention.
 Reliance Foundation: Through various educational projects,
Reliance has contributed significantly to building girl-friendly
school infrastructure and providing digital classrooms.
 Infosys Foundation: The foundation has launched scholarship
programs and encourages STEM education for girls, fostering
inclusion in technology sectors.

3.  Mahindra Group: Supporting NGOs that deliver life skills and
education to rural girls, Mahindra’s CSR initiatives emphasize
holistic development.
Impact and Benefits of CSR in Education for Girls
The infusion of corporate funds into girls’ education translates into
tangible social and economic outcomes:
 Increased Enrollment and Retention: CSR initiatives have raised
enrollment rates among girls in marginalized regions, reducing
dropout rates significantly.
 Improved Learning Outcomes: Supplementary tutoring and
mentoring programs under CSR help girls excel academically and
build confidence.
 Health and Hygiene Improvements: Infrastructure projects under
CSR reduce absenteeism by ensuring hygienic facilities and better
healthcare access.
 Empowerment and Future Opportunities: Vocational training and
scholarships pave the way for underprivileged girls to aspire to
higher education and career opportunities.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the momentum is encouraging, challenges such as deep-rooted
societal attitudes, accessibility in remote areas, and the need for long-term
sustainability persist. Corporate CSR programs are increasingly adopting
integrated approaches involving government partnerships and grassroot
feedback to overcome these hurdles.
To maximize impact, companies are focusing on measurable outcomes,
leveraging technology, and ensuring that their CSR efforts align with
national education policies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Conclusion
Corporate social responsibility in India is proving to be a powerful
force for change by prioritizing education for underprivileged girls.

4. Through scholarships, infrastructure, skill-building, and community
engagement, companies are ensuring that girls from marginalized
sections gain the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully
to society.
This approach not only meets legal CSR mandates but also reinforces a
company’s commitment to inclusive growth and social equity. Education
remains the most impactful investment, and by focusing on girls,
businesses are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for India.