Clarifications On The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Framework

Background

The broad framework of CSR has been provided in Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, Schedule VII of the Act and Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014. Further, Ministry had also issued clarifications including FAQs from time to time on various issues concerning CSR. A number of significant developments have taken place since then. The Ministry has notified the amendments in Section 135 of the Act as well in the CSR Rules on 22 January, 2021 with an aim to strengthen the CSR ecosystem, by improving disclosures and by simplifying compliances. In response to such amendments, Ministry has received several references and representations. from stakeholders seeking clarifications on the various issues related to CSR.