Global Jewellery Major Goes Beyond Compliance to Address Hunger, Shelter, and Social Equity in Local Communities
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a modest corner of Khambhat, Gujarat, the aroma of freshly cooked food drifts through newly built dining halls, offering more than nourishment—it offers dignity, safety, and hope. For thousands of women, children, and economically vulnerable families, these facilities represent stability in an otherwise uncertain life. These meaningful transformations are the outcome of Rajesh Exports Limited’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for the financial year 2024–25, as disclosed in its latest annual report. During the year, the company spent Rs 63.81 lakh on CSR activities, exceeding its statutory obligation of Rs 59.87 lakh.
While Rajesh Exports Limited is globally known as one of the world’s largest gold refiners and jewellery manufacturers, its CSR performance in 2025 highlights a quieter yet powerful commitment—investing corporate success into human well-being. By exceeding its mandatory CSR spending and focusing on hunger eradication and women’s housing, the company has reinforced its belief that sustainable business growth must go hand in hand with inclusive social development.
Table: Rajesh Exports Limited CSR Spending FY 2024–25
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Rajesh Exports Limited |
| Financial Year | FY 2024–25 |
| Applicable CSR Law | Section 135, Companies Act, 2013 |
| Average Net Profit (Last 3 Years) | Rs 29.93 crore |
| Prescribed CSR Obligation (2%) | Rs 59.87 lakh |
| Total CSR Spending | Rs 63.81 lakh |
| Excess CSR Spend | Rs 3.94 lakh |
| Unspent CSR Amount | Nil |
| Primary CSR Focus Areas | Hunger eradication, women & child welfare |
| Flagship CSR Project | Anna Dan Project |
| Total Beneficiaries Covered | Approx. 50,000 |
| Share of Marginalised Beneficiaries | ~93% |
| Geographical Focus | Khambhat, Gujarat |
| Nature of CSR Activities | Free meals, kitchens, dining halls, accommodation facilities |
| CSR Implementation Mode | Direct implementation |
| CSR Committee Chairperson | Rajesh Mehta |
| CSR Committee Members | Prashant Sagar, Asha Mehta |
| CSR Committee Meetings (FY 2024–25) | 2 |
| Total Turnover (FY 2024–25) | Rs 7,027.07 crore |
| Net Worth (FY 2024–25) | Rs 5,058.67 crore |
CSR Spending in FY 2024–25: Going Beyond the Statutory Requirement
Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, eligible companies are required to spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the previous three financial years on CSR activities. For FY 2024–25, Rajesh Exports Limited reported an average standalone net profit of Rs 29.93 crore.
Based on this calculation, the company’s prescribed CSR obligation stood at Rs 59.87 lakh. However, demonstrating a proactive and responsible approach, the Board approved a higher allocation. The company ultimately spent Rs 63.81 lakh on CSR initiatives during the year, exceeding the statutory requirement by nearly Rs 4 lakh.
Importantly, the entire CSR amount was utilized during the year, resulting in no unspent CSR balance, reflecting efficient planning and timely execution of projects.
Anna Dan Project: Feeding Communities with Compassion
The cornerstone of Rajesh Exports Limited’s CSR strategy in 2025 was the Anna Dan Project, a large-scale initiative aimed at combating hunger and food insecurity among underprivileged populations.
Through this programme, the company supported approximately 50,000 beneficiaries, offering free and nutritious meals to those in need. What makes the project particularly impactful is its focus on inclusion—nearly 93% of the beneficiaries belonged to vulnerable and marginalized sections of society, including economically disadvantaged families, women, and children.
By addressing hunger at the grassroots level, the Anna Dan Project has helped improve daily nutrition, health outcomes, and overall quality of life in the communities it serves.
Infrastructure for Dignity: Housing and Facilities for Women and Children
Recognizing that food security alone is not sufficient for long-term social upliftment, Rajesh Exports Limited also invested significantly in community infrastructure development.
CSR funds were used for the construction of kitchens, dining halls, and accommodation facilities in Khambhat, Gujarat. These facilities provide safe shelter for women and children, alongside access to free meals for the poor and needy.
This integrated approach—combining nourishment with secure housing—addresses two of the most pressing challenges faced by vulnerable populations. The initiative not only meets immediate needs but also contributes to personal safety, dignity, and stability, especially for women and children.
A Well-Defined CSR Policy with Broad Social Vision
Rajesh Exports Limited’s CSR initiatives are guided by a structured Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CSRS) Policy, aligned with national development priorities and Schedule VII of the Companies Act.
The company’s CSR framework extends beyond a single project or year and includes focus areas such as:
- Healthcare and Sanitation: Support for preventive healthcare, sanitation initiatives, safe drinking water, and contributions to Swachh Bharat-related funds.
- Education and Skill Development: Financial assistance to deserving students and vocational training programmes to enhance employability, particularly for women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
- Environmental Sustainability: Initiatives aimed at ecological balance, conservation of natural resources, and protection of air, water, and soil quality.
- Cultural and National Heritage: Preservation of heritage sites and promotion of traditional arts and handicrafts.
This comprehensive policy ensures that CSR spending creates long-term social value rather than short-term impact.
CSR Governance and Committee Oversight
Strong governance mechanisms underpin Rajesh Exports Limited’s CSR performance. The company’s CSR Committee oversees planning, implementation, and monitoring of all CSR activities.
As of March 31, 2025, the committee comprised:
- Mr. Rajesh Mehta – Executive Chairman (Chairman of the Committee)
- Mr. Prashant Sagar – Independent Director (Member)
- Ms. Asha Mehta – Independent Director (Member)
The committee met twice during the financial year, on February 14, 2025, and March 31, 2025, to review progress, ensure statutory compliance, and assess project outcomes.
Financial Strength Supporting Social Responsibility
Rajesh Exports Limited’s ability to consistently invest in social initiatives is backed by its robust financial performance. During FY 2024–25, the company reported:
- Net worth of Rs 5,058.67 crore
- Total turnover of Rs 7,027.07 crore
According to the company’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR), its manufacturing processes have minimal environmental impact, enabling it to channel resources toward social equity and community development.
Employee Welfare and Inclusive Workplace Practices
The company’s human-centered philosophy extends to its workforce as well. As of March 31, 2025, Rajesh Exports Limited employed 112 permanent employees and 48 permanent workers.
Notably, 100% of employees and workers are covered under health insurance, accident insurance, and statutory retirement benefits, including Provident Fund and ESI. The company has also ensured that its facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities, in compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Impact Through CSR
Looking forward, Rajesh Exports Limited plans to continue its existing CSR programmes while strengthening interventions in healthcare and education. The company’s CSR strategy remains focused on long-term community development, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
By exceeding its CSR spending mandate and prioritizing high-impact initiatives such as the Anna Dan Project and women’s housing facilities, Rajesh Exports Limited has demonstrated that corporate success can be a powerful driver of social good.
For the thousands of lives touched in FY 2024–25, the company’s contribution is not measured in gold—but in meals served, shelters built, and dignity restored.
(India CSR)
