Detailed analysis of GAEL’s CSR spending in FY 2024–25 and its impact on over 4 lakh beneficiaries.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In many parts of rural India, access to education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure still depends on steady external support. For families living in these areas, even small interventions can make a real difference. Gujarat Ambuja Exports Limited (GAEL), a major agro-processing company, has continued to play a role in this space through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. In the financial year 2024–25, the company reported a total CSR spending of Rs 9.56 crore, according to its annual report.
The report presents a detailed account of how these funds were used across different sectors, with a focus on long-term community development. It highlights healthcare infrastructure, educational support, environmental sustainability, and rural welfare as key priority areas.
Overall CSR Spending and Compliance
According to the company’s annual report, Gujarat Ambuja Exports Limited had a CSR obligation based on its average net profits for the past three years. The report states that the total CSR allocation for FY 2024–25 stood at Rs 9.56 crore.
Out of this, around Rs 2.29 crore was spent directly during the financial year on various projects. A larger portion, approximately Rs 7.28 crore, has been committed to ongoing projects that will continue over multiple years. This structure reflects a long-term approach, where infrastructure and development programmes are given sustained funding instead of one-time support.
The report highlights that all CSR activities were carried out in line with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
Table: Gujarat Ambuja Exports Limited’s CSR Report 2025
| Category | Details (FY 2024–25) |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Gujarat Ambuja Exports Limited (GAEL) |
| Total CSR Allocation | Rs 9.56 crore |
| CSR Amount Spent During Year | Rs 2.29 crore |
| Amount for Ongoing Projects | Rs 7.28 crore |
| CSR Basis | 2% of average net profit (Rs 478.15 crore) |
| Key Focus Areas | Healthcare, Education, Environment, Rural Development |
| Healthcare Support | 3,900+ patients treated |
| Medical Camps Conducted | 15+ camps |
| Major Healthcare Project | Sri Sathya Sai Ambuja Nursing College |
| Education Initiatives | School upgrades, scholarships, classroom construction |
| Student Support | Bus donation, mattresses, infrastructure support |
| Environmental Initiatives | Tree plantation, solar streetlights, water conservation |
| Solar Streetlights Installed | 100 units |
| Water Conservation Project | Mission 500 Crore Litre Water |
| Plastic Reduction Initiative | Cloth bag vending machines at temples |
| Rural Development Support | Tarpaulin distribution, awareness programmes |
| Aspirational District Focus | Narmada district (education & hunger relief) |
| Total Beneficiaries | 4,00,000+ people |
| CSR Governance | CSR Committee oversight |
| Implementation Approach | Mix of direct projects and long-term ongoing initiatives |
Healthcare Initiatives and Medical Support
Healthcare remained one of the most important areas of CSR intervention for GAEL in 2025. According to the annual report, a major portion of the CSR funds was directed towards improving access to medical services.
One of the key projects mentioned in the report is the support provided for the construction of the Sri Sathya Sai Ambuja Nursing College in Ahmedabad. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare education while also addressing the shortage of trained medical professionals.
The report also highlights financial support extended to Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital in Nadiad. This contribution helped the hospital provide subsidized treatment to more than 3,900 underprivileged patients during the year. In addition, over 15 medical camps were organized to reach people in need of basic healthcare services.
Other healthcare-related efforts included nutritional support programmes. According to the report, pregnant women in certain districts received protein supplements, while elderly individuals were provided meals through old age home support initiatives.
Focus on Education and Student Support
Education continues to be a major pillar of the company’s CSR strategy. The annual report states that several initiatives were undertaken to improve access to quality education in underserved areas.
Schools in locations such as Prantij, Sitarganj, and Hubli received infrastructure support, including classroom improvements and essential learning resources. These upgrades were aimed at creating a better learning environment for students.
The report further highlights that a 52-seater bus was donated to a medical institute to support student transportation. This helped ensure that students could attend classes and clinical sessions more easily.
In addition, support was provided in the form of mattresses for hostel students and scholarships for economically weaker sections. The company also contributed to the construction of classrooms in selected schools in northern India.
Environmental Sustainability and Green Initiatives
The CSR report places significant emphasis on environmental responsibility. According to the annual report, GAEL undertook several initiatives focused on sustainability and resource conservation.
Tree plantation drives were carried out in multiple locations, including Himmatnagar, Rajkot, and Kadi. These efforts aimed to increase green cover and improve environmental conditions in surrounding areas.
The report also highlights the installation of solar-powered streetlights in rural areas. Around 100 such lights were set up in villages near Sitarganj, improving safety and reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
Water conservation efforts were also part of the CSR agenda. The company participated in projects aimed at improving water storage capacity, contributing to long-term sustainability in water-scarce regions.
Additionally, the report mentions the installation of cloth bag vending machines in temple areas. This initiative was designed to reduce plastic usage and encourage eco-friendly practices among the public.
Rural Development and Community Welfare
Beyond healthcare and education, the company’s CSR programmes also focused on broader rural development. According to the report, support was extended to communities facing economic and environmental challenges.
In Malda, West Bengal, tarpaulin sheets were distributed to help households cope with harsh weather conditions. The report highlights that such measures provide immediate relief to vulnerable families.
Awareness programmes were also conducted in rural areas to inform people about government welfare schemes. These initiatives aimed to help communities access benefits that are often underutilized due to lack of information.
A special focus was given to aspirational districts identified by the government. In the Narmada district of Gujarat, CSR funds were used to support education and address issues related to hunger.
Governance and Implementation Framework
The company’s CSR activities are guided by a dedicated CSR Committee. According to the annual report, the committee is responsible for reviewing project proposals, monitoring implementation, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
The report highlights that CSR projects are selected based on community needs and long-term impact. Regular monitoring helps ensure that funds are used effectively and that programmes deliver measurable outcomes.
Transparency is maintained through detailed disclosures in the annual report, allowing stakeholders to track spending and assess results.
Social Impact and Beneficiary Reach
The CSR initiatives undertaken during FY 2024–25 reached a wide range of beneficiaries across different states. According to the annual report, more than 4 lakh people benefited from the company’s CSR programmes during the year.
These beneficiaries included patients receiving medical treatment, students gaining access to education, farmers and rural families benefiting from development programs, and communities supported through environmental initiatives.
The report suggests that the company aims to continue expanding its reach in the coming years while maintaining focus on quality and sustainability.
You Learn
The CSR report indicates that Gujarat Ambuja Exports Limited plans to continue its focus on long-term community development. Future programmes are expected to build on existing initiatives while addressing emerging social and environmental challenges.
According to the annual report, the company’s CSR approach remains aligned with national priorities such as healthcare access, education, and sustainable development.
Overall, the CSR spending of Rs 9.56 crore in FY 2024–25 reflects a structured effort to address key issues affecting communities around the company’s operations. The report highlights a balanced mix of infrastructure development, direct support programmes, and sustainability initiatives.
As outlined in the annual report, these efforts are part of a broader strategy to create lasting value for society while maintaining responsible business practices.
