IICA Celebrates Third CSR Day; National Conference NCCSR 2026 to be Held in New Delhi on October 6-7

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, celebrated the third 'IICA CSR Day' on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. During the event, Mr. Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General and CEO of IICA, addressed the participants of the 11th batch of the 'IICA Certified CSR Professional Program.' This virtual session, organized by the IICA School of Business Environment, served as a pre-event for the Third National Conference and Exhibition on Corporate Social Responsibility (NCCSR 2026).

The background of this event is based on a suggestion made in 2019 by then-President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, who proposed dedicating October 2nd to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Rooted in Mahatma Gandhi's concept of trusteeship, this day provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within India's CSR ecosystem. Dr. Garima Dadhich, Head of the School of Business Environment and Course Director, stated that more than 550 representatives from across India have already participated in NCCSR 2026.

During his address, Mr. Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh noted that the foundation of CSR in India is embedded in Indian tradition and the concept of trusteeship, rather than emerging solely from the Companies Act. Referring to Section 166(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, he emphasized that the responsibility of companies is not limited to shareholders but extends to employees, the community, and the environment.

Discussing the evolution of CSR, he mentioned that in the first year of mandatory CSR, expenditure was approximately 10,000 crore rupees, which increased to nearly 35,000 crore rupees in the 2023-24 financial year. He stressed that CSR should not be viewed merely as 'deficit financing' that boosts government spending, but should instead aim to bring innovation to the social sector through corporate resources and expertise.

Mr. Singh emphasized need-based CSR and community participation, advocating for the increased use of the Ministry's 'CSR Exchange Portal.' He stated that to achieve the goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), increasing the size of the economy is not enough; developed thinking and social consciousness are also required.

The upcoming NCCSR 2026 will be held on October 6-7, 2026, at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, under the theme 'Redefining the Spirit of CSR for Viksit Bharat: From Compliance to Commitment.' The conference will bring together senior representatives from the government, the corporate world, public sector enterprises, United Nations agencies, and academic institutions. The program will feature five high-level panels, a fireside chat, and a national exhibition with 30-40 stalls focusing on four thematic areas: youth, the poor, Annadata (farmers), and Nari Shakti (women empowerment).