21-Member CSR Society Formed; Focus on Education, Health, Rural Growth, and Environment
PATNA (India CSR): In a significant step towards inclusive development, the Bihar government on Friday rolled out its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy, 2025, aimed at channelising private sector CSR funds to supplement the state’s developmental priorities. The policy officially came into effect the same day and will remain operational for five years.
A key feature of the new policy is the formation of a 21-member CSR Society, chaired by the state chief secretary, which will function as the nodal body to monitor and guide the implementation of CSR-funded projects across the state. The principal secretary of the finance department will serve as the member secretary and nominate the CEO of the society.
CSR to Supplement Key Government Schemes
The state government aims to utilise CSR contributions to reinforce initiatives in crucial sectors such as education, health, sanitation, rural development, and environmental sustainability. These funds will be used to bridge resource gaps in ongoing government programmes and introduce new community-centric interventions.
“The policy addresses both new challenges and opportunities by leveraging the capacity and resources of the private sector for the benefit of the people of Bihar,” said the official statement. It also reiterated Bihar’s long-term goal of becoming a developed state by 2047, aligned with India’s national vision for that year.
Dedicated CSR Portal in the Pipeline
The Bihar finance department will soon launch a dedicated CSR portal to register corporate donors, list approved implementing agencies, and ensure transparency in fund utilisation. The portal will serve as a platform for collaboration and information exchange between corporates and the state administration.
Eligibility and Contributions
The CSR Policy, 2025 is aligned with the Companies Act, 2013, ensuring legal consistency and operational clarity. Companies with an annual turnover between Rs 500 crore to Rs 1,000 crore and above, or those with net annual profits exceeding Rs 5 crore, are eligible to contribute under this policy. These companies are expected to contribute 2% of their average net profits over the past three financial years.
In a forward-looking move, the government has also allowed for the possibility of crowdfunding to raise additional resources for developmental projects.
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Interdepartmental Coordination for Greater Impact
The CSR Society includes senior representatives from 20 departments, such as health, education, rural development, tourism, and industries, ensuring interdepartmental coordination and alignment with state-level priorities.
A Model for Corporate-Government Collaboration
This initiative marks a strategic shift in the state’s development approach by formally inviting the corporate sector to participate in building a new Bihar. The policy is expected to encourage responsible business practices and long-term investments in social welfare.
By offering a clear roadmap for CSR engagement and implementation, Bihar sets a model for corporate-government collaboration that could be replicated across other states in the years ahead.
(India CSR)
