Delhi, as the capital city of India, holds a unique position on the national stage. As the political and economic epicentre of India, it offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges, making it an ideal location for businesses aiming to create a positive impact on society. Additionally, Delhi’s diverse population, encompassing affluence and poverty, urban and rural areas, mirrors India’s broader socio-economic spectrum.
In the financial year 2023, the Union Territory of Delhi garnered an impressive Rs. 1483.72 Crores in CSR funding from 2874 companies, solidifying its position as a preferred destination for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India. Delhi’s appeal to corporations can be attributed to various factors.
During FY 23, the primary areas of CSR focus in Delhi were Education, Healthcare and the Environment, with notable expenditures of Rs. 576.11 Crores, Rs. 554.52 Crores, and Rs. 116.9 Crores, respectively. These priorities reflect the acknowledgement by corporations of the pressing needs in these areas within the city.
Leading the CSR efforts in Delhi were corporate giants, with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited contributing an impressive Rs. 233.43 Crores, followed by the Infosys Limited with Rs. 99.83 Crores, and the Power Finance Corporation Limited, which allocated Rs. 51.94 Crores to CSR initiatives in the Union Territory.
As Delhi continues to attract CSR investments, it is crucial to delve into the initiatives and projects that are making a tangible difference in the lives of its residents. Let us explore the top CSR initiatives in Delhi, highlighting innovative projects, partnerships, and their transformative impact on the local community. From healthcare to education, environmental conservation to skill development, Delhi’s CSR initiatives are poised to leave a lasting impression, reaffirming the Union Territory’s status as a favoured destination for Corporate Social Responsibility.
Top CSR Projects in Delhi
CSR programme on School Hygiene Education launched by Ayushmann Khurrana
Consumer health and hygiene company Reckitt launched the Dettol School Hygiene Education Programme in Delhi in August 2024 under its flagship campaign, Dettol Banega Swasth India. In collaboration with Jagran Pehel, the social initiative arm of Dainik Jagran, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to implement the campaign across MCD schools in 12 zones of Delhi. The initiative aims to reach 4.5 million beneficiaries, including school children, teachers, and parents, encouraging and empowering communities to adopt better WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) behaviors and practices.
Launched by campaign ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana, the Dettol School Hygiene Education Programme will focus on promoting hygiene practices by training teachers and students and raising awareness through various activities in Delhi schools. As part of the campaign, practical sessions will be conducted to educate students on the importance of handwashing. Additionally, hygiene corners equipped with soaps, sanitizers, and handwashes will be installed.
Pediatric Cardiac Care Center established at Balakram MCD Hospital with CSR support
The Child Heart Foundation inaugurated a state-of-the-art pediatric cardiac center earlier this year at Balakram MCD Hospital in the presence of Mayor Shelly Oberoi and MLA, Timarpur, Shri Dilip Pandey. Since its inception, CHF has been able to screen about several 100 thousand children suspected of having heart disease and helped a few hundred of them with surgical treatment.
“We have taken this initiative to provide high-end super specialized pediatric care in a highly vulnerable age group. We hope to provide a holistic approach to the growth of pediatric cardiac care in Delhi by providing specialized, accessible, and timely treatment for children with heart diseases. Furthermore, the OPD will raise community awareness and knowledge about pediatric heart health, creating a more informed and proactive society, and setting a benchmark for similar healthcare initiatives in other regions,” shared Dr. Vikas Kohli, Founder of Child Heart Foundation.
CSR for menstrual hygiene awareness in Delhi
FICCI YFLO Delhi, in partnership with Ujaas, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, conducted a menstrual hygiene awareness drive across 14 sites in Delhi NCR in September 2024. The week-long initiative, designed to raise awareness and break menstrual health taboos, reached over 800 beneficiaries, with 62% of them being women.
The menstruation drive covered critical topics, including understanding menstruation, menstrual hygiene, product usage and disposal, exercises for pain relief, and combating superstitions. The program also addressed issues such as PCOS/PCOD, menopause, and how to support children during menstruation. The initiative also provided participants with practical tools to manage their menstrual health, with Sirona offering sanitary pads and menstrual cups to all attendees.
CSR for clean drinking water
Consumer electronics brand boat announced a partnership with Shoobhi Foundation in January this year to provide clean and safe drinking water to public and communities across Delhi NCR. This initiative comes under boAt’s CSR umbrella. Through this partnership, boAt will provide financial support to Shoobhi Foundation to enable them to provide clean and safe drinking water, readily accessible to the public.
In this endeavour, water brand, Wahter will act as a distribution partner, providing clean & safe drinking water in bottles to communities via special carts and strollers. Considering the environmental impact of discarded bottles, the brand has decided to use 100% recyclable bottles. By providing access to clean and safe drinking water, this partnership aims to address a critical public health issue and promote the overall well-being of residents in Delhi NCR.
CSR for nourishment
Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. and The Akshaya Patra Foundation have been working together since January 2023 to support the food & nutritional requirements of the children pursuing their elementary education in Government schools of New Delhi. This collaborative initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a healthier future for the country by fostering a robust and educated human workforce.
As per an announcement made in January this year, 50 lakh meals have been provided to students in 2023, the program has positively impacted over 49,000 students from low-income communities between January and December 2023 and meals have been successfully distributed to over 300 schools as part of the programme’s outreach.
CSR for healthcare
India’s largest power generation company, NTPC Ltd signed an Agreement with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on 13th February, 2024 to set up a Patient – Attendant Waiting facility/Shelter within the hospital Campus under NTPC CSR at an estimated cost of Rs. 8 crore.
The proposed facility will facilitate and accommodate approx. 1,000 patients and their attendants every day 24×7. The shelter will have separate and specific need-based space for men, women and physically challenged and equipped with CCTVs, drinking water, centralized pantry Hall, etc. This basic facility will provide security, personal safety & protection from the weather and also helps patients & their escorts to ease stress apart from providing privacy & safety to them.
Another patients’ waiting lounge is being constructed at AIIMS, New Delhi by the Ghaziabad Unit of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), as part of its CSR. BEL-Ghaziabad Unit has recently signed an MoU with AIIMS Delhi for the construction of a patients’ waiting lounge for needy patients and their attendants at an approximate cost of Rs 10 crore. The lounge is being built by BEL-Ghaziabad and to be maintained by AIIMS Delhi. The waiting lounge with a seating capacity of 1,000 would be constructed with pre-fabricated panels and equipped with required amenities and furnishings. Beneficiaries of the facility would comprise patients coming from different parts of India, seeking consultation and treatment for various medical complexities.
CSR for Education
Piramal Foundation completed its three-day annual convocation ceremony of the 15th batch of their Gandhi Fellowship Program on June 12, 2024 in Delhi. Gandhi Fellowship is a 2-year program for the youth to work at the grassroots of India and acquire an in-depth experience across areas of Public Health, Education, Climate Change and Digitization.
This year, 500 Gandhi Fellows graduated after an intensive two-year program, according to an announcement by Piramal Foundation. Their curriculum included activities such as Vipassana meditation to enhance self-awareness and the development of competencies in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Individual Work Analysis (IWA), and a commitment to excellence. As they move forward, these graduates are well-prepared to become leaders in the development sector, innovative entrepreneurs, or pursue higher education, all the while continuing their mission to drive sustainable social impact.
For the last 15 years, Gandhi Fellowship has empowered young women and men to groom themselves into change leaders who go on to create large-scale social and public systems change, where each fellow is fuelled by the philosophy of “Build Self, Build Nation”. Today, Gandhi Fellows are sparking change across sectors – such as chief ministers’ advisors, social entrepreneurs reshaping the globe, and members of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
There is an urgent need for Delhi and its nearby regions to switch to cleaner and renewable sources of energy for both industry and transport
Green Delhi, Clean Delhi
To combat pressing environmental challenges, the “Green Delhi, Clean Delhi” CSR initiative has been spearheaded by the Delhi Environmental Sustainability Coalition, with active participation of corporates such as ITC Limited, Aditya Birla Group, and Larsen & Toubro, among others. Corporations and environmental organisations have joined forces to enhance the city’s environmental sustainability.
The initiative conducts large-scale tree plantation drives to combat air pollution and enhance green cover throughout the city. It promotes responsible waste management practices, encompassing waste segregation, recycling, and waste-to-energy projects. Cleanliness campaigns involving local communities and volunteers contribute to tidying up public spaces, riverbanks, and parks.
Education plays a pivotal role in environmental conservation, and this project supports schools and community centres with resources and training to educate residents, especially children, about the importance of preserving the environment. Moreover, it advocates for the adoption of renewable energy sources in public institutions and low-income areas.
“Green Delhi, Clean Delhi” has resulted in noticeable reductions in pollution levels, improved waste management, and increased greenery, making Delhi a more sustainable and pleasant place to call home.
