Shriram Finance CSR Spending Report of Rs 131.46 Crore for FY25

NEW DELHI (India CSR): In an era where corporate responsibility is increasingly viewed not just as an obligation but as a fundamental pillar of sustainable business, Shriram Finance Limited stands out as a leading example of a company deeply invested in the social fabric of India. For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, Shriram Finance has demonstrated a profound commitment to community welfare, significantly surpassing its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations. This impactful expenditure highlights the company’s strategic approach to fostering inclusive growth and empowering underserved communities across the nation.

Shriram Finance Limited’s CSR performance for FY 2025:

A Commitment Beyond Compliance

Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), one of India’s foremost Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), operates with a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to social welfare. For the financial year 2024-25, the company’s average net profit mandated a CSR obligation of Rs. 131.44 crores. Demonstrating its dedication, Shriram Finance spent Rs. 131.46 crores on CSR projects, effectively exceeding its statutory requirement by Rs. 0.02 crores. This total expenditure includes Rs. 1.13 crores (Rs. 1,13,52,292.73) in administrative overheads and Rs. 15.98 lakhs (Rs. 15,97,728.00) on impact assessment activities, culminating in a grand total of Rs. 1,31.46 crores (Rs. 1,31,46,48,665.23). This diligent adherence and proactive exceeding of the CSR mandate underscore SFL’s integral role in driving positive societal change.

Strategic Allocation for Maximum Impact

The CSR initiatives at Shriram Finance are meticulously planned and overseen by a dedicated CSR Committee, comprising Mr. Umesh Revankar (Chairman), Mr. Pradeep Kumar Panja, and Mr. Y. S. Chakravarti. The core objective of SFL’s CSR Policy is to contribute towards social welfare projects, with a strong focus on providing education, vocational training, and promoting healthcare facilities for economically weaker and underprivileged sections of society. These activities align with the permissible scope under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Empowering Through Education and Skill Development

Education and skill development remain cornerstone initiatives for Shriram Finance. The company has actively supported Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), contributing to the advancement of basic sciences education and research growth. This support has not only expanded digital outreach through online lectures and seminars but has also enabled 569 students to graduate.

Beyond institutional support, SFL runs various scholarship programs, including the STFC India Meritorious Scholarship Program and Primary & Secondary Education Scholarship schemes, aimed at providing financial aid to deserving students.

Recognizing the importance of vocational training for livelihood enhancement, Shriram Finance has invested significantly in driver training programs. These include the Upskilling Driver Training Program, Women’s Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Driver Training Program, Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) Driver Training Program, and 2-Wheeler Mechanic Training Program. These programs are crucial for equipping individuals with practical skills, and the impact assessment notes high beneficiary satisfaction, particularly in enhancing road safety awareness and supporting license-linked livelihoods. Through these diverse projects, Shriram Finance’s CSR initiatives have positively impacted over 3 lakh beneficiaries.

Fostering Well-being and Inclusion

Shriram Finance also aligns its broader business practices with social responsibility, striving to ensure financial inclusion and customer well-being. A notable initiative is their “Jitne Samay Ka Loan, Utne Ka Hi Byaj” gold loan campaign. This multi-platform, multi-lingual campaign, crafted by renowned writers, promotes an innovative gold loan feature where customers pay interest only for the duration of the loan, starting from a minimum tenure of just seven days. Featured across television, digital media, cinema halls, and prominent events like the Pro Kabaddi League, this campaign demonstrates SFL’s dedication to customer-centric solutions and financial inclusion, empowering customers to overcome financial challenges. Complementing this, the Shri Swagatam Customer Connect initiative engaged over 24,000 walk-in customers at more than 600 branches.

While not direct CSR expenses, the company’s commitment to social well-being extends internally through comprehensive employee welfare programs. SFL is recognized among the top 50 companies in the ‘Great Place to Work’ list for employee health and wellness. They provide 100% of their employees with comprehensive health and personal accident insurance and offer structured learning programs, including a two-year Corporate Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration. Their in-house Management Education Scheme (MES-2024) provides specialized training, and they regularly conduct health, safety, and emergency preparedness sessions, with around 3,100 such sessions conducted in FY 2024-25.

Driving Towards a Greener Tomorrow

Beyond direct social spending, Shriram Finance is actively contributing to environmental sustainability through its comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. The company has a dedicated ESG Committee and a formalized ESG Charter. SFL has launched a new business vertical, Shriram Green Finance, which is dedicated to supporting sustainable development through financial solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging stations, renewable energy technologies, and energy-efficient machinery. The company has set an ambitious target to achieve Rs. 5,000 crores in Assets Under Management (AUM) within the next 3-4 years in its Green Finance vertical, with Electric Vehicles leading the charge.

Acknowledging its low operational environmental footprint due to its NBFC nature, SFL has nonetheless taken active steps to improve resource efficiency, such as adopting LED lighting, energy-efficient air conditioners, and promoting paperless operations. The company also tracks Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, including financed emissions, and has successfully reduced financed emission intensity by over 10% from FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24.

Upholding Transparency and Robust Governance

Shriram Finance maintains high standards of transparency and governance in its CSR and sustainability reporting. The company has adopted the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, publishing comprehensive Sustainability Reports. To ensure accuracy and accountability, an independent agency, Vinay and Keshava LLP, Chartered Accountants, provides reasonable assurance on BRSR core indicators. Furthermore, SFL has introduced a Value Chain Code of Conduct to outline ESG-related roles and responsibilities for its partners, enhancing transparency across operations. The company’s robust ESG performance is reflected in its strong ratings, including an ICRA ESG Impact Rating of 82 (Outstanding), an MSCI ESG Score of A, and an NSE ESG Rating of 71.

A Vision for Inclusive Growth

Shriram Finance Limited’s comprehensive CSR spending and broader sustainability initiatives in FY 2025 underscore its commitment to responsible and inclusive growth. As a leading NBFC, the company continues to play a vital role in transforming India’s credit ecosystem, broadening financial access, and empowering millions. With its strategic decisions, deep-rooted relationships with communities, and a clear vision for a sustainable future, Shriram Finance is not just delivering financial growth but also ensuring that this growth is accompanied by meaningful social and environmental impact. Its consistent performance and proactive CSR efforts solidify its position as a corporate leader truly dedicated to the nation’s progress.

(India CSR)