The CSC CSR Conclave 2025 reinforced India’s commitment to leveraging technology and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for rural empowerment, bridging the urban-rural divide through digital inclusion, skill development, and sustainability initiatives.
Inaugurated by Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the event emphasized the transformational role of Common Services Centres (CSCs) in advancing digital access, financial inclusion, and skill-based education across India’s rural communities. Tiwari highlighted CSCs as a radical initiative that aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for a digitally empowered Bharat.
Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Chairman and Secretary of CSC Academy, described CSCs as more than digital access points—they serve as catalysts for change, operated by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) who enable economic and technological progress within their communities. He stressed that CSR is not merely a statutory obligation but a strategic tool for inclusive development, advocating scalable and measurable CSR programs designed to reach underserved populations.
The conclave, jointly hosted by CSC Academy and the Indian ESG Network, gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and corporate representatives to discuss how CSR initiatives can drive sustainability, improve community development, and foster rural innovation. Key conversations centered on education, digital literacy, financial inclusion, women empowerment, and healthcare.
Prominent speakers included Abhishek Gupta, Programme Specialist at UNICEF, who discussed the “Passport to Earning” initiative, and Parnal Vats, Manager of Government Engagement at VISA, who shared insights on the “Digital Village” program. The event also featured Geetanjali Gaur, CSR Manager at Kyndryl, and Rajiv Malik, CEO of Graposs Connect, who highlighted the CSC Olympiad initiative.
Expert-led panels explored the intersection of CSR and economic growth, with industry specialists contributing valuable perspectives. The Education, Skilling, and Employability panel, chaired by Sunil Dahiya of the Wadhwani Foundation, included insights from Raj Kumar Srivastava (IFS, Karnataka) and Pallav Tiwari (UNICEF). The Women and Child Healthcare panel, chaired by Vashima Subha of Ernst & Young, featured discussions from Punit Desai (Welcome Cure) and Yogesh Patil (Biosense) on strengthening healthcare access for rural populations.
The event concluded with a collective commitment to using CSR as a vehicle for rural transformation, with CSC Academy reaffirming its mission to provide digital inclusion, skill-based education, and impactful public-private partnerships. The conclave underscored the essential role of collaboration in creating a sustainable and inclusive future, ensuring that India’s rural communities benefit from technological advancements and economic opportunities.
