Bhopal. In a significant move to boost rural tourism and community development, Signify, the global leader in lighting solutions, has partnered with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to illuminate 61 villages across the state under its ‘Har Gaon Roshan’ CSR program. Focused on tribal communities and regions near national parks, this initiative aims to enhance safety, visibility, and the tourist experience in underserved areas, while fostering economic opportunities for local residents. Supported by Signify’s NGO partner Haritika, the project will deploy energy-efficient outdoor lighting solutions, creating secure, well-lit environments that can serve as vibrant hubs for local artisans, cultural performances, and evening tourism activities.
The partnership was formalized through an MoU exchanged at a high-profile event in Bhopal, attended by Madhya Pradesh’s Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Yadav and Signify’s leadership. Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing and CSR at Signify Greater India, emphasized the company’s commitment to using innovative lighting solutions to positively impact rural communities and promote sustainable development. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board representatives highlighted that this initiative will unlock new avenues for community-based tourism, helping local artisans showcase their crafts, promote organic produce, and host cultural events, thereby strengthening livelihoods and boosting economic growth in these remote villages.
India Inc. Allocates Over Rs 34,900 Crore to CSR Activities in FY 2024, Reflecting Growing Corporate Commitment to Development.
India’s corporate sector demonstrated a strong commitment to social development in FY 2024, with 27,188 companies collectively spending Rs 34,908.75 crore on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, according to the National CSR Portal. Maharashtra emerged as the top beneficiary, receiving over 17% of the total CSR funds—Rs 6,065.95 crore—followed by Gujarat and Karnataka. Leading the CSR spending chart were major corporations like HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, and Tata Consultancy Services, investing over Rs 800 crore each in various social sectors. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) also contributed significantly, with a total expenditure of Rs 4,773.17 crore, underscoring the growing involvement of India Inc. in nation-building efforts.
The focus areas for CSR activities in FY 2024 underscored the importance placed on education, health, and livelihood initiatives, which together received over Rs 36,000 crore. Education alone garnered Rs 12,134.57 crore, highlighting its priority, while health and sanitation efforts attracted Rs 9,087.41 crore. Notably, development of sports also saw increased funding, reflecting a broader focus on holistic development. The data indicates a rising trend of corporate compliance, with over 15,345 companies surpassing the mandated CSR spending requirements. As India continues to pioneer legislation for corporate social responsibility, this sustained growth in CSR expenditure demonstrates the sector’s increasing role in fostering sustainable development and addressing critical social issues across the country.
