Airtel’s Heartfelt Contribution: Investing in India’s Future Through Robust CSR Initiatives
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In an era where corporate responsibility is increasingly paramount, Bharti Airtel Limited, a leading global communications solutions provider, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to societal well-being. The fiscal year 2024-25 marks a significant stride in the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) journey, with substantial investments aimed at empowering communities, fostering digital inclusion, and championing environmental sustainability. Airtel’s approach goes beyond mere compliance, embedding social impact directly into its core ethos, recognizing that true progress intertwines business success with the upliftment of society.
Key Facts Table – Airtel’s CSR Impact in FY 2025
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Group CSR Contribution | Rs 237.831 crore (Bharti Airtel Limited: Rs 47.282 crore; Subsidiaries: Rs 190.549 crore) |
| Additional Charitable Contributions | Rs 7.012 crore (including Rs 1.4 crore by Bharti Airtel Limited) |
| CSR Obligation (as per Companies Act) | ₹60.741 crore before set-off; Rs 47.115 crore after adjusting ₹13.626 crore excess from prior years |
| Direct CSR Spend by Airtel Ltd | ₹30.682 crore in FY 2024-25 |
| Unspent CSR Funds | ₹16.6 crore transferred to ongoing projects account (e.g., School of Future Technologies) |
| Education Initiatives | 164 Satya Bharti Schools in 4 states, Quality Support in 12 states, TheTeacherApp, Bharti Scholars Program (276 recipients, 22% girls) |
| Major Education Infra Project | ₹37 crore contributed for “School of Future Technologies” at Anant National University |
| Digital Inclusion in India | 44,564 rural sites covering 90,995 villages, benefiting over 85 million people |
| Digital Inclusion in Africa | Airtel Money transactions worth $136 billion; serving 44.6 million customers via 1.7 million agents |
| Environmental Goals | Committed to SBTi 1.5°C pathway; reduce emissions by 50.2% (operations) & 42% (value chain) by 2031 |
| Green Energy Initiatives | Solarization of 30,000+ network sites, Green 5G with Nokia, Nxtra joins RE100 |
| Carbon Emission Impact | Annual reduction of 143,413 MT CO₂; diesel use cut by 2M+ liters/month |
| Diversity & Inclusion | Women’s workforce representation increased to 18.5% |
| Technology-Driven Safety | AI-powered spam detection blocked 26.2B calls & 1.4B SMSs in 6 months |
A Deep Dive into CSR Spending for FY 2025
For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, Bharti Airtel Limited showcased a robust commitment to its social objectives. The company’s direct CSR contribution amounted to Rs 47.282 crore. Additionally, its Indian subsidiaries collectively contributed Rs 190.549 crore towards various CSR activities under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. When combined, the total CSR contribution from the Airtel Group reached an impressive Rs 237.831 crore. Beyond the mandated CSR, the company also made a charitable contribution of Rs 1.4 crore to various other charitable institutions, with the overall Group’s charitable contributions, including subsidiaries, standing at Rs 7.012 crore.
The company’s CSR obligation for FY 2024-25 was calculated based on 2% of its average net profit over the preceding three financial years, which amounted to Rs 60.741 crore. However, in line with regulations, Airtel was entitled to set off an excess contribution of Rs 13.626 crore from previous years (Rs 1.643 crore in FY 2021-22, Rs 0.648 crore in FY 2022-23, and Rs 11.335 crore in FY 2023-24). This brought its total CSR obligation for FY 2024-25 to Rs 47.115 crore. Out of this, Bharti Airtel Limited spent Rs 30.682 crore directly on CSR projects during the year. The remaining shortfall of Rs 16.6 crore has been appropriately transferred to an unspent CSR account for ongoing projects, notably the construction of the School of Future Technologies, ensuring its utilization in subsequent financial years.
Transforming Education: The Bharti Airtel Foundation’s Flagship Programs
At the heart of Airtel’s social endeavors lies the Bharti Airtel Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, established in 2000. The Foundation’s primary objective is to provide quality education and skill development programs, particularly for underprivileged children in rural India, with a special emphasis on equitable access for girls.
One of its standout initiatives is the Satya Bharti School Program, launched in 2006. This flagship program operates 164 rural schools across four Indian states, offering free, quality education and fostering holistic development among students. Beyond academics, students receive essential resources such as books, uniforms, shoes, and nutritious mid-day meals. The Foundation also extends its reach through the Quality Support Program, which actively aids government schools in 12 states, including aspirational districts in Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Punjab, significantly improving academic and co-scholastic opportunities.
In a move to embrace technology in education, the Foundation launched TheTeacherApp, an innovative platform aligned with the National Education Policy, 2020. This app provides teachers with access to high-quality digital courses, leadership modules, and pedagogical resources. Furthermore, the Bharti Scholars Program, a merit-cum-means scholarship, was introduced to support deserving youngsters, particularly girls, in pursuing undergraduate technology-based engineering and integrated courses at top-ranked universities. In its launch year (2024), the program saw 276 recipients, with 22% being girls, receiving full coverage for annual fees, meals, accommodation, and a high-end laptop. These scholars commit to supporting future students, fostering a powerful cycle of giving back. The Foundation is also actively involved in the construction of the “School of Future Technologies” at Anant National University, Gujarat, having contributed Rs 37 crore in FY 2024-25 towards this ongoing project.
Connectivity for All: Driving Digital Inclusion Across India and Africa
Bharti Airtel’s CSR efforts are intrinsically linked to its core business of providing connectivity. Recognizing the transformative power of digital access, the company has made significant investments in expanding its network, particularly in underserved and remote regions. Through its Rural Acceleration Programme, Airtel deployed 44,564 sites across 90,995 villages over three years, bringing high-quality, affordable connectivity to over 85 million people in India. This expansion is bridging the digital divide, unlocking opportunities in education, healthcare, commerce, and digital banking. The total smartphone data customer base has expanded to 276.8 million, demonstrating growing penetration of smart devices and digital connectivity.
In Africa, Airtel is transforming lives through increased digital and financial inclusion. Its mobile money services, such as Airtel Money, reported an impressive $136 billion (approximately Rs 11.51 lakh crore) in transactional value, serving 44.6 million customers through 1.7 million agents. The MyAirtel app alone witnessed a 62% increase in transactional value, reaching Rs 40,540.8 crore from 7.1 million users. Initiatives like achieving 95% 4G coverage in Rwanda and launching VoLTE are testament to Airtel’s commitment to overcoming barriers and bridging the digital divide across the continent.
A Green Footprint: Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices
Airtel’s CSR commitment extends significantly to environmental stewardship, with a clear ambition to build a sustainable future. The company is aligned with global leaders in adhering to the 1.5°C trajectory set by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to reduce emissions by 50.2% from its operations and 42% across its value chain by 2031.
Key initiatives in FY 2024-25 include the accelerated solarization of over 30,000 network sites, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Partnering with Nokia, Airtel launched the “Green 5G” initiative, which leverages AI/ML and advanced digital solutions to optimize energy usage, estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 143,413 metric tonnes annually. Furthermore, Nxtra by Airtel, the company’s data center arm, became the first data center company in India to join the prestigious RE100 initiative, pledging to source 100% renewable electricity. These efforts led to a monthly reduction of over 2 million liters of diesel consumption over the last two years.
A Holistic Approach to Corporate Responsibility
Bharti Airtel’s comprehensive CSR strategy encompasses diverse areas, underpinned by its “Customer Obsessed. The Safe Network” ethos. From innovative AI-powered spam detection solutions that identified over 26.2 billion spam calls and 1.4 billion spam SMSs in six months to fostering a diverse workforce with women’s representation increasing to 18.5%, Airtel’s initiatives reflect a deep-rooted commitment to responsible business practices. The company’s consistent recognition through numerous awards and accolades underscores its leadership not only in telecommunications innovation but also in sustainability and corporate governance.
As Airtel continues its journey of digital transformation and expansion, its dedication to creating sustainable value for customers, investors, employees, communities, partners, and regulators remains steadfast. The robust CSR spending in FY 2024-25 is a clear indicator of Airtel’s vision to be a globally renowned Environmentally conscious, Socially responsible, and Governance-led company, truly enriching lives and empowering connections.
FAQs – Airtel CSR FY 2024-25
1. How much did Bharti Airtel spend on CSR in FY 2024-25?
Airtel Group contributed Rs 237.831 crore in total CSR spending, with Rs 47.282 crore from Bharti Airtel Limited and Rs 190.549 crore from subsidiaries.
2. What are Airtel’s flagship education initiatives?
Through the Bharti Airtel Foundation, Airtel runs 164 Satya Bharti Schools, supports government schools in 12 states, and offers the Bharti Scholars Program.
3. How is Airtel driving digital inclusion?
In India, Airtel’s rural network expansion covered 85 million people. In Africa, Airtel Money handled \$136 billion in transactions for 44.6 million users.
4. What environmental goals has Airtel set?
Airtel is aligned with the SBTi 1.5°C pathway, targeting a 50.2% cut in operational emissions and 42% in value chain emissions by 2031.
5. What major infrastructure projects are part of Airtel’s CSR?
Key projects include the Rs 37 crore-funded “School of Future Technologies” at Anant National University and large-scale solarization of 30,000+ network sites.
(India CSR)
