New Horizon in Indian Villages - Corporate Social Responsibility a Driver for Rural Development

Abstract

Villages are the roots of a flourishing economy. The sustainability of villages is not only the prerogative of the Government but every individual who is a part of the ecosystem. Rural development is where this sustainability comes from. This paper is an endeavour to understand the contributions of a certain part of the society who are flourishing rather than harvesting the fruits of these villages in one form or another, “the Corporates”. Various corporates have a partnership with local communities to develop water and forest resources, open up new non-farm livelihoods, empower women, expand primary education, and drive future skilling in India. Corporates have triggered a large-scale transformation of villages in regions of endemic poverty, implementing health and nutrition rapid adoption of commercial agriculture; Agri-entrepreneurs were engaged as Value Chain Actors to facilitate the rapid adoption of commercial agriculture. This paper delves into the various activities; CSR initiatives are taken up in Villages for rural development. To find answers and probable solutions for the challenges these initiators face and the drivers for CSR activities in India. Truly it is a new horizon for Indian villages with the Government of India, Corporates, NGOs, and various local communities joining hands for rural development.

Keywords: Villages, CSR, Rural Development, Inclusive Growth

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