Driving Transformative Change: A New Benchmark in Corporate Social Responsibility
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a powerful demonstration of its unwavering commitment to societal well-being and environmental stewardship, Zydus Lifesciences Limited has announced a record-breaking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure of Rs 63.96 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2025. This significant investment, which surpasses the mandated CSR obligation, underscores the company’s profound belief that healthcare extends “beyond the pill” to encompass holistic community development and a sustainable planet. The initiatives, guided by a strategic framework aligned with global benchmarks like the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) framework and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, are making a tangible difference in the lives of millions across India.
Zydus Lifesciences FY25 CSR – Overviews
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CSR Spend (FY25) | Rs 64.00 crore (including Rs 0.04 crore for impact assessment) |
| CSR Obligation (Mandated) | Rs 43.40 crore (2% of Rs 2,174.60 crore average net profit) |
| Excess CSR Spend (Carry-forward) | Rs 28.67 crore available for future set-off |
| Major Frameworks Followed | IIRC Framework, GRI Standards |
| Key Implementing Agencies | Zydus Foundation, Ramanbhai Foundation, other registered NGOs |
| Primary Focus Area | Healthcare – Rs 58.71 crore spent |
| Flagship Project | Zydus Medical College & Hospital, Dahod – 4.2 lakh OPDs, 44,000 IPDs, 49,000 surgeries |
| Education Initiatives | Rs 1.77 crore spent – School redevelopment, scholarships for students |
| Skill Development (Livelihoods) | Rs 30.10 lakh – Training for women & specially-abled in Gujarat & Maharashtra |
| Innovation & Awareness (Shodh) | Rs 4.06 lakh – NAVAH Red Cross centre for blood/organ donation awareness |
| Environment Projects | Rs 2.83 crore – Seed Ball Campaign, lake rejuvenation, watershed projects |
| Total Groundwater Recharge | Over 11 lakh kilo litres recharged; 21,000+ beneficiaries |
| Impact Assessment Agency | Soulace (for CSR projects of Rs 1 crore and above) |
| Awards Received | Responsible Business of the Year 2024 (SABERA), Best Higher Education Initiative 2025 |
| CSR Governance | Oversight by CSR & ESG Committee with third-party audits |
Exceeding Expectations: A Commitment Beyond Compliance
Zydus Lifesciences’ CSR spending in FY2025 not only met but significantly exceeded its statutory obligation. While the company’s average net profit under Section 135(5) was Rs 2,174.60 crore, resulting in a required CSR spend of Rs 43.40 crore (2% of average net profit), Zydus voluntarily invested a total of Rs 63.96 crore directly into its CSR projects. Including an additional Rs 4 lakh for impact assessment, the grand total spent for the year reached Rs 64.00 crore. This proactive approach has resulted in an excess amount of Rs 28.67 crore available for set-off in succeeding financial years, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to social impact.
Also Read: Sun Pharma CSR Spending Report of Rs 50.83 Crore for FY25
Pillars of Impact: Transforming Health, Touching Lives
Zydus’s CSR mission is encapsulated within its ‘Zydus Srishti’ programme, structured around five strategic pillars: Swasthya (Health), Shiksha (Education), Shodh (Innovation), Saath (Community), and Saksham (Livelihoods), alongside a broader focus on Environment Sustainability. These initiatives are implemented either directly by the company or through esteemed registered trusts such as the Ramanbhai Foundation and the Zydus Foundation, and other recognized NGOs.
A Foundation of Health: The ‘Swasthya’ Pillar
The largest share of the CSR budget, Rs 58.71 crore, was dedicated to healthcare initiatives. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Zydus Medical College and Hospital (ZMCH) in Dahod, Gujarat, which received Rs 55.16 crore. This state-of-the-art facility, operating under a Public-Private Partnership with the Government of Gujarat, provides entirely free medical services to tribal and underserved communities, treating over 400,000 patients annually and extending its reach to neighboring districts in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In FY2025 alone, ZMCH conducted over 4.20 lakh OPDs and attended to over 44,000 IPDs, performing nearly 49,000 surgeries. Its role in nurturing medical talent is also vital, expanding its annual intake to 78 students across 16 specialties in 2024.
Beyond clinical care, Zydus also invested Rs 3.56 crore in a Sanitation Project in Maharashtra, constructing five large toilet blocks in rural schools, benefiting 2,800 students and setting a benchmark for hygiene initiatives.
Empowering Through Education: The ‘Shiksha’ Pillar
Recognizing education as a critical driver of progress, Zydus allocated Rs 1.77 crore to educational programmes. A significant portion, Rs 1.72 crore, funded the redevelopment of the Shri Bhurabhai Gandabhai Secondary and Higher Secondary School in Changodar, Ahmedabad. This project transformed a dilapidated institution into a modern learning environment with new classrooms, a computer laboratory, and a playground, directly benefiting over 350 students annually by providing a solid foundation for higher education. Additionally, Rs 5 lakh was dedicated to scholarship programmes for deserving students.
Fostering Innovation and Awareness: The ‘Shodh’ Pillar
Under its ‘Shodh’ pillar, Zydus committed Rs 4.06 lakh to research and innovation initiatives. A notable project is the Zydus Red Cross Experiential Centre “NAVAH” in Ahmedabad, an immersive art installation designed to raise awareness about blood and organ donation. In its first year, NAVAH engaged 2,496 visitors and successfully sensitized over 2,400 individuals to the importance of these life-saving acts.
Building Livelihoods: The ‘Saksham’ Pillar
Zydus’s focus on skill development under the ‘Saksham’ pillar saw an investment of Rs 30.10 lakh. This included Rs 6.30 lakh for skill development programs for specially-abled students (e.g., video making, sewing) to help them achieve economic independence. Furthermore, Rs 23.80 lakh was invested in skill-based development programs for underprivileged women and NGOs in Vadodara and Ahmedabad, empowering them through courses like soap making, beauty parlor skills, and food processing.
Nurturing Our Planet: Environment Sustainability
Zydus demonstrated its commitment to environmental protection with an expenditure of Rs 2.83 crore. Key initiatives included:
- Green Gujarat Initiative 2.0 (Seed Ball Campaign): An investment of Rs 13.40 lakh saw over 15,000 employees and 12,000 students participate in creating 1.34 lakh native tree seed balls, dispersed by drones in Gandhinagar to enhance green cover and biodiversity.
- Banganga Lake Beautification Project: Rs 4.40 lakh was spent on rejuvenating Banganga Lake in Modasar village, Ahmedabad, improving environmental quality, biodiversity, and community engagement.
- Zydus Watershed Projects: A total of Rs 2.65 crore was allocated to two major watershed projects:
- Shirpur, Maharashtra: Rs 1.30 crore facilitated the construction of five Concrete Recharge Bandharas (CRBs) and stream deepening, enhancing groundwater recharge and benefiting 150-160 families with improved water access and agricultural productivity. This project alone added a recharge capacity of 2,50,000 kilo Litres of water.
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Rs 1.35 crore was invested in constructing 81 structures, including farm ponds and recharge shafts, with a potential to recharge 8,55,595 kilo Litres of groundwater, improving the quality of life for over 21,000 residents.
Transparent Governance and Impact Measurement
Zydus Lifesciences reinforces its commitment to transparency and accountability through robust governance. The CSR and ESG Committee, whose composition and policies are publicly available, plays a crucial role in overseeing these initiatives. The company conducts regular internal and third-party audits to assess impact and ensure compliance. For FY2025, an independent agency, Soulace, conducted an impact assessment for CSR projects with outlays of Rs 1 crore or more, with the report made accessible to stakeholders. This diligent oversight ensures that every rupee spent generates maximum positive impact.
Recognition and Future Outlook
Zydus’s significant contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning them the “Responsible Business of the Year 2024” award by SABERA for their ESG initiatives. The Zydus Medical College and Hospital also received the “Best Higher Education Initiative of the Year – 2025” award at the Global CSR and ESG Awards 2025. Looking ahead, Zydus remains dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability, enhancing access to quality healthcare, investing in skill development, and promoting research and education.
Much like a carefully tended garden, Zydus Lifesciences’ CSR efforts are planting seeds of change and nurturing growth in communities, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant future for all. These sustained investments are not just financial figures; they represent lives transformed, opportunities created, and a commitment to a thriving ecosystem.
FAQs
1. How much did Zydus Lifesciences spend on CSR in FY25?
The company spent Rs 64 crore, exceeding its mandated obligation of Rs 43.40 crore.
2. What was the main focus area of Zydus’s CSR initiatives?
Healthcare was the largest focus, with Rs 58.71 crore spent, mainly on the Zydus Medical College & Hospital in Dahod.
3. How many people benefited from Zydus’s environment projects?
Over 21,000 people benefited from watershed and environmental sustainability initiatives.
4. Did Zydus invest in education during FY25?
Yes, Rs 1.77 crore was spent on school redevelopment and scholarships.
5. What awards did Zydus receive for its CSR work?
It won “Responsible Business of the Year 2024” (SABERA) and “Best Higher Education Initiative 2025” for ZMCH.
(India CSR)
