NEW DELHI (India CSR): In an unwavering commitment to societal well-being and sustainable development, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) has significantly ramped up its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the fiscal year 2024-25. The Bank’s substantial financial contributions and strategic programs are reaching deeper into communities, fostering empowerment and addressing critical developmental challenges across the nation. This report delves into the details of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s impactful CSR footprint, demonstrating how its financial backing is truly for the bold, aiming for a future where “Hausla hai toh ho jayega” (If there’s courage, it will happen).
Key Facts: Kotak Mahindra Bank CSR FY 2025
| Category | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Mandated CSR Spend | Rs 285.53 crore |
| Actual CSR Spend | Rs 285.74 crore |
| Direct CSR Projects Spend | Rs 236.44 crore |
| Administrative Overheads | Rs 3.55 crore |
| Impact Assessment | Rs 1.21 crore |
| Unspent Transferred to CSR Account | Rs 44.54 crore |
| Excess CSR Carry Forward | Rs 2.20 crore |
| Group CSR Spend | Rs 389.3 crore (vs mandate Rs 388.8 crore) |
| Lives Impacted | 14.6 lakh+ beneficiaries |
| Capital Assets Created | 37 assets worth Rs 69.63 crore |
| Major Healthcare Investments | PET CT Machine (Rs 11 cr), CT Simulator (Rs 7.38 cr), CT Scanner (Rs 4.9 cr), ambulances (Rs 4.91 cr) |
| Education Investments | Digital classrooms in 35 schools (Rs 3.32 cr), Kotak-IISc AI-ML Centre (Rs 35.35 cr in FY25; Rs 73 cr total) |
| Financial Inclusion | 6.5 lakh+ savings accounts via Kotak Saarthi; 2.32 lakh PMJDY accounts; 2.67 lakh APY subscriptions (219% of target); Rs 3,000+ crore PMMY disbursed |
| Innovation Support | Kotak BizLabs Accelerator for startups in agritech, climatech, fintech, healthcare, edtech, sustainability |
| Energy Consumption | 4,75,571 GJ (5.5% renewable = 25,109 GJ) |
| GHG Emissions (Scope 1 & 2) | 1,17,152 tCO2e (intensity reduced to 1.50 tCO2e/Rs cr revenue) |
| Scope 3 Emissions | 42,397.1 tCO2e |
| Water Management | Withdrawal: 2,63,789.9 KL; Consumption: 1,20,536.4 KL; Recycled: 53,477 KL |
| Waste Management | 1,536.8 MT generated; 735 MT reused/recycled |
| Paper Savings | 47 lakh A4 sheets reduced, 7.6 tonnes recycled paper used, avoiding 10.2 tCO2e emissions |
| Employees | 1.14 lakh+ Group; 75,300+ Bank standalone |
| Employee Retention | 16% reduction in permanent turnover |
| Customer Service | 28% YoY reduction in net complaints |
| Governance | Zero disciplinary actions for bribery/corruption; PCI DSS 4.0 & GDPR aligned |
Unpacking the Financial Commitment
For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, Kotak Mahindra Bank demonstrated robust adherence to its CSR mandate. The mandated CSR expenditure for the Bank stood at Rs 285.53 crore. Exceeding this, the actual CSR expenditure by the Bank reached Rs 285.74 crore. This comprehensive figure includes funds spent directly on CSR projects, administrative overheads, and crucial impact assessment costs. Furthermore, an unutilised amount of Rs 44.54 crore for ongoing CSR projects was transferred to a dedicated Unspent CSR Account, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to deploy these funds within stipulated timelines for approved initiatives. This prudent financial management ensured that a total of Rs 236.44 crore was spent directly on CSR projects, with Rs 3.55 crore allocated for administrative overheads and Rs 1.21 crore for impact assessment. Impressively, an excess CSR expenditure of Rs 2.20 crore for FY 2024-25 will be carried forward, ready to be set off in subsequent financial years, showcasing a sustained and forward-looking approach to social responsibility.
Looking at the broader impact of the Kotak Mahindra Group, the total Group CSR expenditure for FY 2024-25 reached Rs 389.3 crore, fulfilling its mandated obligation of Rs 388.8 crore. These efforts collectively touched the lives of a remarkable 14.6 lakh+ beneficiaries across the Group.
Strategic Pillars of Impact
Kotak Mahindra Bank’s CSR philosophy is rooted in creating lasting value across diverse areas. Its projects align with key focus areas defined under its CSR Policy, which includes Education, Livelihood, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Healthcare, Environment & Sustainable Development, Sports, and Relief & Rehabilitation. The Bank’s vision extends to contributing significantly towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting a holistic and globally conscious approach to corporate citizenship.
Investing in Critical Infrastructure: Capital Assets for Lasting Change
A notable highlight of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s CSR efforts in FY 2024-25 is the creation and acquisition of 37 new capital assets, reflecting a tangible and sustainable investment in community development. A substantial Rs 69.63 crore was spent on these capital assets during the year. These assets are designed to provide long-term benefits, particularly in crucial sectors like healthcare and education.
In healthcare, significant investments were made in life-saving equipment and infrastructure. This includes a PET CT Machine acquired for Rs 11.00 crore for Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, and a CT Simulator Machine for Rs 7.38 crore benefiting The Kuppuswamy Naidu Charity Trust for Education and Medical Relief. Other vital medical equipment, such as CT scanners (Rs 4.90 crore for K J Somaiya Hospital), dialysis machines, blood bank equipment, and laparoscopic surgical tools, were provided to various hospitals and medical trusts across India. The Bank also supported the procurement of ambulances, totaling Rs 4.91 crore, to enhance emergency medical services.
In education, the Bank invested in digital classrooms across 35 schools in District Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, costing Rs 3.32 crore. Furthermore, office equipment and laptops/peripherals, valued at Rs 1.87 crore, were procured, with a portion dedicated to upgrading municipal schools. Beyond direct capital assets, the Bank continued its support for the construction of the Kotak-IISc AI-ML Centre, disbursing Rs 35.35 crore in FY 2024-25, completing the full utilisation of the Rs 73.00 crore CSR project budget for this cutting-edge facility.
Empowering Communities Through Financial Inclusion & Innovation
Beyond direct infrastructure, Kotak Mahindra Bank continued to drive financial inclusion. Its indigenous digital platform, Kotak Saarthi, enabled the opening of over 6.5 lakh customer savings accounts as of March 31, 2025. This platform played a pivotal role in delivering banking products and services to underserved communities. Under the government’s flagship financial inclusion program, PMJDY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana), over 2.32 lakh accounts were opened through Kotak Saarthi. The Bank also supported financial stability for the unorganised sector, facilitating 2,67,468 Atal Pension Yojana (APY) subscriptions, with 1,32,440 sourced in FY 2024-25 alone, achieving 219% of its annual regulatory target. Additionally, over Rs 3,000 crore was disbursed under the PMMY (Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana) Scheme, fostering income generation and employment.
Innovation and entrepreneurship are also key focuses. The Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme, launched in FY 2024-25, provides tailored mentorship, strategic partnerships, and grant funding to early-revenue stage startups in critical sectors such as agritech, climatech, fintech, healthcare, edtech, and sustainability.
Nurturing Environmental Stewardship
Kotak Mahindra Bank’s commitment to sustainability extends to proactive environmental management. In FY 2024-25, the Bank’s standalone operations reported a total energy consumption of 4,75,571 GJ, with renewable energy accounting for 25,109 GJ, approximately 5.5% of total purchased electricity. The Bank’s energy intensity per rupee of turnover reduced to 7.01 GJ/Rs crore revenue from 8.58 GJ/Rs crore revenue in the previous year, indicating improved efficiency.
Regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for the Group were 1,17,152 tCO2e. The Bank’s standalone Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission intensity per rupee of turnover decreased to 1.50 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent/Rs crore revenue from 1.68 in FY 2023-24. The total Scope 3 emissions for the Group amounted to 42,397.1 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Water management initiatives are also a priority. The Bank’s key corporate offices reported a total water withdrawal of 2,63,789.9 kilolitres and a total consumption of 1,20,536.4 kilolitres. Importantly, 53,477 kilolitres of recycled water were used for non-potable purposes in three key corporate offices, reducing dependence on fresh water sources.
Waste management efforts saw 1,536.8 metric tonnes of waste generated across key corporate offices, of which 735 metric tonnes were reused or recycled. The Bank continued its push for resource conservation by achieving a reduction of approximately 47 lakh A4 sheets through duplex printing and migration to electronic statements. Furthermore, 7.6 tonnes of virgin paper were saved by utilizing recycled paper, preventing 10.2 tCO2e emissions. The acquisition of Sonata Microfinance also contributed to digital transformation by digitizing its entire loan management process, reducing physical documentation.
A Holistic Approach to Corporate Responsibility
Kotak Mahindra Bank’s commitment extends to its people and customers. With 1.14 lakh+ full-time employees across the Group and over 75,300 full-time employees at the Bank standalone, the institution prioritizes employee well-being and growth. The Bank recorded a 16% reduction in its permanent employee turnover rate, highlighting its focus on talent retention. A strong customer-centric approach led to a 28% year-on-year reduction in net complaints, reflecting enhanced customer service and grievance redressal systems.
The Bank also maintains high standards of governance, with zero disciplinary actions taken against directors, key managerial personnel, or employees for bribery/corruption charges. Its robust policies on data security, data privacy, and regulatory compliance, including PCI DSS 4.0 standards and GDPR alignment for EU customers, reinforce its commitment to ethical operations.
Sustaining Value for a Bold Future
Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited’s comprehensive CSR efforts in FY 2024-25 illustrate a deep-seated commitment to not just financial performance, but also to creating enduring value for society and the environment. By strategically investing in healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability, the Bank is actively contributing to a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for India. These initiatives underscore Kotak Mahindra Bank’s philosophy of responsible growth, cementing its role as a trusted partner in the nation’s progress. As the Bank moves forward, its continued dedication to these core principles promises to build a truly sustainable franchise for its stakeholders and the wider community.
FAQs
Q1. How much did Kotak Mahindra Bank spend on CSR in FY 2024-25?
A1. The Bank spent Rs 285.74 crore on CSR initiatives.
Q2. What were the key focus areas of Kotak Bank’s CSR?
A2. Education, healthcare, livelihood, innovation, environment, sports, and relief.
Q3. How many beneficiaries were impacted by Kotak Group’s CSR in FY 2025?
A3. Over 14.6 lakh beneficiaries were supported across India.
Q4. Did Kotak Bank invest in infrastructure projects under CSR?
A4. Yes, the Bank created 37 new capital assets worth ₹69.63 crore.
Q5. What innovation initiatives were supported by Kotak Bank’s CSR?
A5. Programs like Kotak Saarthi for financial inclusion and Kotak BizLabs Accelerator for startups were launched.
(India CSR)
