In the heart of India lies a state rich in cultural heritage, where history echoes through magnificent forts, ancient temples, and vibrant traditions. Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the “Heart of India,” is a land where tales of valour and splendour intertwine with the natural beauty of its dense forests and meandering rivers. But beyond its cultural riches and natural wonders, Madhya Pradesh has also been carving a unique identity for itself on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) map.

In the Financial Year 2023, Madhya Pradesh received an impressive sum of Rs. 656.42 Crores in CSR funds from 717 companies. The top three areas of focus for CSR programs in Madhya Pradesh during FY 23 were Health, Education, and Rural Development, with expenditures of Rs. 253.01 Crores, Rs. 227.03 Crores, and Rs. 87.68 Crores, respectively.

The top spenders in the state include M.P. Agrotonics Limited (Rs. 112.37 Crores), Northern Coalfields Limited (Rs. 84.65 Crores), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (Rs. 44.43 Crores). These companies have shown their dedication to effecting positive change within Madhya Pradesh’s communities.

Top CSR Projects in Madhya Pradesh

55 Villages in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, get Solar and LED Lights through CSR

Signify has brightened up 55 villages in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh under its ‘Har Gaon Roshan’ Corporate Social Responsibility program. Impacting over 70,000 lives, this initiative, empowers women safety, promotes tourism, enhances security, and socio-economic development through sustainable lighting solutions. The project is executed in partnership with Haritika, NGO, which includes the installation of 2000 energy efficient LED streetlights, 700 solar home lighting system, and 100 solar streetlights across these tribal villages, ensuring the safety of the residents and tourists.

Mobile Medical Vans under Project Arogya – CSR of GAIL

In March this year, four Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) were flagged off at Satna, Madhya Pradesh under the CSR Project of GAIL (India) Ltd. The MMUs were flagged off in a ceremonial program held at Satna, Madhya Pradesh.

The MMUs have been flagged off as a part of Project Arogya – a Flagship CSR Project of GAIL (India) Ltd. Under this project, free primary healthcare services will be provided at the doorstep of the underprivileged communities in the area. Through the qualified medical team in the MMU, free medical services and medicines are provided to these communities who otherwise have limited access to the established Public Health Care system.

CSR in Madhya Pradesh Govt School to enhance digital learning

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), in partnership with Y4D Foundation, installed two advanced digital smart boards at Government Kanya Higher Secondary School, Banda, Sagar District in October last year. The initiative was inaugurated by Shri Virendra Singh Lambardar, Member of Legislative Assembly, Banda, Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh.

This initiative is part of HCCB’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, focused on enhancing the educational experience for students in the Sagar district. By integrating technology into the classroom, the smart boards aim to foster an interactive, engaging, and dynamic learning environment. The digital smart boards will serve as an essential tool in modernising the classroom experience, enabling teachers to offer more interactive lessons and enhancing students’ ability to grasp complex concepts through visual and digital aids.

NCL’s Community Health CSR initiative in Singrauli

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), the Singrauli-based wholly owned subsidiary of Coal India Limited has launched a CSR initiative named ‘Charak’ in December. The Community Health initiative is aimed to benefit residents of coal mine areas of NCL’s headquarter Singrauli, serving as a ray of hope for people suffering from life threatening ailments. Residents of MP’s Singrauli and Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra districts having annual family income below Rs. 8 Lakhs from all sources will be eligible for benefit under this scheme.

Under the ‘Charak’ scheme, free treatment will be provided for include Malignancy, TB and related complications, HIV and related complications, Cardiovascular diseases, Organ Transplant, Burns with contractures leading to permanent disability, Liver disorders, Sudden hearing loss, Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Acute Surgical Emergencies, Neurological Disorders, Neurovascular disorders, Accidental trauma, Serious handicap, Multisystem disorders, Connective Tissue disorders, and Sudden vision loss etc.

CSR of NMDC in Khandwa district

Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer has extended remarkable support to the tribal communities in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, addressing critical infrastructure and welfare needs. NMDC has recently handed over essential resources to the district administration, including an air-conditioned mortuary vehicle for Khalwa Vikashkhand and two Vessel Banks, complete with utensils and kitchenware, for community use in Khalwa and Harsud Vikashkhand. The vessel banks, equipped with high-quality utensils and kitchenware are aimed at supporting large-scale community events and ceremonies.

Axis Bank Foundation’s rural livelihood project in Madhya Pradesh

In October 2024, Axis Bank Foundation and Action for Social Advancement announced the launch of the Sustainable Livelihood Programme in Madhya Pradesh with an aim to enhance livelihood of 60,000 rural households, predominantly small landholders who belong to tribal and marginalized groups. The programme will span over 350 villages across Jhabua, Alirajpur, Badwani, Shahdol, Anuppur, and Umaria districts. This 5-year long initiative aims to empower the rural communities in the region with comprehensive livelihood enhancement strategies focused on agriculture, natural resource development, and community institution building.

Key highlights of the programme include –
– Enhancing income generating opportunities for 60,000 rural households through improved agriculture practices, development of natural resources (land, water, trees), and promotion of horticulture

– Building strong agricultural value chains by expanding farmers’ collectives and developing market intelligence for sustainable and organic products such as cotton, with enhanced technology-based traceability systems

– Strengthening community institutions, including SHGs, Producers’ Groups, and Gram Panchayats, to ensure sustainable practices and governance

– Facilitating convergence with government schemes for financial resources and technical support to drive long-term rural development

Flipkart’s CSR to support women entrepreneurs in Madhya Pradesh

Homegrown e-commerce platform Flipkart partnered with National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and Policy Watch India Foundation (PWIF, a Delhi-based think tank) in September to transform the lives of women entrepreneurs of self-help groups (SHG) in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

As part of this initiative, a workshop to promote women’s livelihoods was organised. Women of self-help groups from different areas of Dhar received training at the workshop. Some also narrated their success stories, inspiring everyone in attendance.

Flipkart, through its Samarth program in partnership with NRLM, is training women of SHGs to leverage online platforms to sell handmade products so that they can widen their network and reach marketplaces beyond their immediate localities. The partnership between NRLM and Flipkart is a mission to bring change in the lives of rural communities. It is driven by the belief that e-commerce can bring positive change in rural India while preserving traditions and empowering women.

CSR of SECL for Tree plantation

In July 2023, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coal India Limited announced that will invest a whopping Rs. 169 crore for tree plantation Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the states in which it operates. The plantation will be carried out over a period of five years from FY 2023-24 to 2027-28 with its subsequent maintenance of 4 years for each consecutive year of plantation.

For execution of the project, the company has signed Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam and Madhya Pradesh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam. As per the MoU, SECL will spend Rs. 131.52 crore in Chhattisgarh and Rs. 38.11 crore in Madhya Pradesh for enhancing greenery in the central Indian states.

Six to twelve months old (polypot) plants will be used for the plantation work. Among the saplings that will be planted are different species including fruit bearing trees like Jamun, Imli, Bel, Mango, Sitaphal etc., and medicinal/ herbal plants like Neem, Amla, Karanj etc.

In addition to these, trees with high timber value such as Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Babool, Sissoo, Safed Sirus and ornamental or avenue plants like Gulmohar, Kachnar, Amaltas, Peepal, Jharul etc. will also be planted. Keeping in view the needs of the local communities, species of plants will be selected while paying heed to suggestions from local villagers.

CSR for Education – SECL ke Sushrut

SECL provides free residential medical coaching to students of Class 12th under its CSR initiative, “SECL ke Sushrut” or “SECL’s Sushrut”. The company mentors and provide coaching to students to help them prepare for the national medical entrance exam – NEET. The move aims to benefit students from poor economic background, especially in villages in coal belt areas of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Under the programme coaching is provided in partnership with a Bilaspur-based private coaching institute. The program is residential equipped with food and boarding facilities for students who have to sit for regular national-level test series.

Currently, children from Coal mining areas of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are getting free residential NEET coaching in Bilaspur under the SECL’s Sushrut CSR programme.

Rural Electrification – CSR of Tata Power

In the remote corners of Madhya Pradesh, where darkness once shrouded homes and villages after sunset, Tata Power’s CSR project is illuminating lives and igniting possibilities. Focusing on rural electrification, this initiative brings the gift of light and power to places where electricity was a distant dream.

Tata Power recognizes that access to electricity is not just about convenience; it’s a catalyst for economic growth and improved quality of life. The project involves the extension of electricity infrastructure to remote villages, enabling households and businesses to access reliable and affordable power.

The impact of rural electrification extends far and wide. It enhances the quality of life by providing better lighting, reducing indoor air pollution from traditional lamps, and enabling the use of electronic appliances. For businesses, it opens doors to new opportunities, whether it’s extending working hours, setting up small enterprises, or accessing digital technology.

In rural Madhya Pradesh, where agriculture is a significant livelihood, electricity plays a vital role in irrigation and farm operations. It boosts agricultural productivity, contributing to food security and rural economic development.

Tata Power’s commitment to rural electrification is more than just a CSR project; it’s a beacon of progress in the lives of Madhya Pradesh’s rural residents. It’s about bringing the benefits of modernity and opportunity to those who were once in the shadows.

Skill Development for Youth – Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

For the youth of Madhya Pradesh, L&T’s CSR project is a beacon of hope and opportunity. Focused on skill development, this initiative equips young individuals with the job-ready skills needed to secure gainful employment and pursue fulfilling careers.

L&T has established vocational training centers and skill development programs across the state. These centers offer training in various fields, from technical skills like welding and electrical work to soft skills like communication and teamwork. By providing comprehensive training, L&T ensures that the youth are not only job-ready but also equipped to excel in their chosen fields.

What sets this project apart is its emphasis on employability. L&T doesn’t just provide training; it actively collaborates with local industries and businesses to create a bridge between trained individuals and job opportunities. This approach fosters a direct path to employment, reducing the gap between skills acquisition and securing a livelihood.

The impact of L&T’s skill development project extends beyond individual success stories. It contributes to the overall economic growth of Madhya Pradesh by equipping its youth with the skills needed to participate in the workforce actively. By empowering the youth, L&T is not just investing in their futures but also in the prosperity of the state.