CSR in India

This chapter provides Indian profile which includes key information about the relevant corporate sustainability and responsibility (CSR) history, country-specific issues, trends, research, education and leading organizations. India has predominantly been an agrarian economy, but mercantile traditions. The British East India Company entered India in the early 17th century, with primary interests in trading, but later expanded affairs to governance. During colonial times, some industrial pioneers in India demonstrated leadership through active interest in public life and social reforms. The economic policy of liberalisation in India has unleashed the Indian entrepreneurial spirit and several entrepreneurs, largely operating in the organised manufacturing and services sectors–such as information technology, biotechnology and automobile manufacturing –have put India on the global stage. India has progressive legislation and policies that supports CSR on several fronts. India's track record on energy efficiency, use of renewable resources, and management of effluent and natural resources, including efficient use of water, has been weak.