How CSR Funds Can Transform Education in India

Businesses are closely connected to the communities they serve. They create jobs, work with local suppliers, serve customers, and contribute to the economy. This makes responsible business practices an important part of building stronger communities.

CSR in India allows eligible companies to support social and developmental causes through structured programmes. CSR can contribute to areas such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, skill development, and community development.

However, CSR should be about more than simply transferring money from one organisation to another. The real question is:

How can a CSR fund create meaningful and measurable change?

When planned carefully, CSR projects can help communities access resources, technology, knowledge, skills and opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach.

Education is one such area where CSR can create long-term value. A well-planned education initiative can provide students with better learning environments, technology, practical skills, teacher support and exposure to future opportunities.

This is where organisations such as Shikshak Solutions can help companies, NGOs and communities convert CSR support into practical educational initiatives.

What Is CSR?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the responsibility of eligible companies to contribute towards social, environmental and developmental objectives as provided under India’s CSR framework.

In India, CSR is governed primarily by Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, along with the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules and Schedule VII of the Act. Schedule VII identifies the areas in which CSR activities may be undertaken.

CSR can involve financial support, educational programmes, infrastructure development, skill-building initiatives, environmental programmes, community development and other eligible activities.

CSR Fund Meaning

The CSR fund meaning is best understood in the context of the company’s CSR obligation. It is the amount a company is required or chooses to allocate towards eligible CSR activities under its CSR policy and the applicable legal framework.

So, when someone asks what a CSR fund is, it is important to understand that CSR is not simply a general donation budget. For companies covered by Section 135, CSR expenditure must be planned and spent in accordance with the applicable law and approved CSR activities.

CSR can also involve more than money. Depending on the project, companies may contribute resources, technology, expertise, employee volunteering, or other forms of support.

What Is CSR Fund in India?

The CSR framework in India applies to companies meeting specified thresholds.

A company is required to comply with Section 135 when, during the immediately preceding financial year, it has:

• Net worth of ₹500 crore or more, or
• Turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or
• Net profit of ₹5 crore or more.

These are alternative thresholds, meaning satisfying any one of them can bring the company within the CSR provisions.

How Much CSR Fund Is a Company Required to Spend?

A company covered under Section 135 is required to spend at least 2% of the average net profits made during the three immediately preceding financial years, calculated in accordance with the Act and applicable CSR rules.

This is an important point:

The CSR requirement is 2% of the prescribed average net profit, not 2% of total turnover and not simply 2% of the company’s current-year profit.

The calculation uses the prescribed net-profit methodology under Section 198, with applicable adjustments. MCA guidance also clarifies that Profit Before Tax is used for this computation. 

Example of CSR Fund Calculation

Suppose a company has the following prescribed net profits for the three immediately preceding financial years:

• Year 1: ₹10 crore
• Year 2: ₹15 crore
• Year 3: ₹20 crore

Average net profit:

₹45 crore ÷ 3 = ₹15 crore

CSR obligation at 2%:

₹15 crore × 2% = ₹30 lakh

Therefore, the company’s prescribed CSR expenditure would be ₹30 lakh, subject to the detailed provisions applicable to that company.

The actual calculation should always be made using the company’s applicable financial records and the statutory rules.

What Programmes Are Covered Under CSR Activities?

The legal CSR framework covers a broad range of activities under Schedule VII. For readers, these can be understood through four broad areas.

1. Education and Skill Development

Education is one of the most important areas for CSR investment.

Schedule VII specifically includes the promotion of education, including special education, employment-enhancing vocational skills, and livelihood enhancement projects.

Education-focused CSR activities may include initiatives such as:

• STEM education
• AI and robotics education
• Digital literacy
• Coding and computational thinking
• School laboratory development
• Science and innovation programmes
• Teacher training
• Educational technology
• Vocational and skill development
• Learning resources
• Scholarships and educational support
• Digital learning infrastructure
• Career-oriented programmes

For example, CSR support can help a school establish an AI, robotics, STEM, ICT, or other experiential learning laboratory. Shikshak Solutions publicly offers end-to-end lab setup, curriculum support, teacher training and implementation support across these areas.

2. Healthcare, Sanitation and Well-being

CSR also covers activities relating to healthcare, preventive healthcare, sanitation and access to safe drinking water.

CSR programmes in this broad area can support:

• Preventive healthcare
• Health awareness
• Sanitation
• Safe drinking water
• Community health programmes
• Health infrastructure
• Awareness and well-being initiatives

Such programmes can be particularly valuable in communities where access to basic facilities remains limited.

3. Environment and Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is another major area under Schedule VII.

The framework includes ecological balance, protection of flora and fauna, animal welfare, agroforestry, conservation of natural resources and maintaining the quality of soil, air and water.

CSR activities can therefore support:

• Environmental awareness
• Water conservation
• Waste management
• Tree plantation and ecological programmes
• Renewable-energy initiatives
• Sustainable practices
• Biodiversity-related programmes
• Climate and environmental education

4. Community and Social Development

CSR can also support a wide range of community-focused initiatives.

Schedule VII includes areas such as gender equality and women’s empowerment, support for disadvantaged groups, rural development, sports, heritage and culture, and other specified social-development activities.

Depending on the applicable Schedule VII category, CSR projects may support:

• Rural development
• Women’s empowerment
• Community development
• Sports and youth development
• Support for vulnerable communities
• Heritage and cultural preservation
• Livelihood enhancement
• Social inclusion

Therefore, while people often think of CSR only as donations to schools or NGOs, CSR in India covers a much wider development framework.

What Are the Benefits of CSR?

The benefits of CSR extend beyond financial contributions.

A thoughtfully designed CSR programme can create value for communities while helping companies build meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

1. Creates Social Impact

CSR allows companies to contribute to areas where additional resources and support can make a difference. Instead of focusing only on financial contributions, companies can develop projects with clear objectives, beneficiaries, and measurable outcomes.

For example, an education-focused CSR project can help a school introduce better learning infrastructure, train teachers, and provide students with practical learning opportunities.

A well-planned project can contribute to:

• Better access to educational resources
• Improved learning environments
• Technology and digital access
• Skill development
• Community participation
• Long-term educational opportunities

The impact can become more meaningful when the project is designed according to the actual needs of the community.

2. Strengthens Education

Education is an important area where CSR support can create long-term opportunities. Many schools may have students and teachers who are willing to explore new technologies and practical learning but have limited access to infrastructure, equipment, or training.

CSR support can help bridge some of these gaps through initiatives such as:

• STEM and science laboratories
• AI and robotics labs
• Digital learning infrastructure
• Coding and computational-thinking programmes
• Learning kits and educational resources
• Teacher training
• Student workshops and practical activities

The objective is not simply to provide equipment. The infrastructure should be supported by appropriate curriculum, teacher readiness, and regular student engagement so that it becomes part of the learning process.

3. Supports Future Skills

Students are growing up in a rapidly changing technology environment. Exposure to areas such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, coding, and STEM can help them understand how technology can be used to solve real-world problems.

Through practical CSR projects, students can get opportunities to:

• Build and test working models
• Explore robotics and automation
• Learn basic coding and computational thinking
• Understand how AI can be applied to everyday problems
• Work on science and innovation projects
• Develop problem-solving and creative-thinking skills
• Collaborate with other students

Such experiences can complement classroom learning and help students connect concepts with practical applications.

4. Strengthens Teachers and Schools

A successful education programme also depends on the people who will use and sustain it. Providing a laboratory or technology infrastructure without preparing teachers to use it effectively may limit the long-term value of the investment.

Teacher-focused CSR initiatives can include:

• Hands-on training programmes
• Curriculum and lesson support
• Training on laboratory equipment and tools
• Guidance for conducting student projects
• Digital teaching resources
• Ongoing implementation support

When teachers are confident with the resources available to them, schools can integrate practical learning into regular educational activities rather than treating it as a one-time programme.

5. Encourages Employee Participation

CSR can also create opportunities for employees to contribute their knowledge, experience, and time. Depending on the project, employees can participate in activities that connect their professional skills with community needs.

Employee involvement may include:

• Mentoring students
• Conducting career or technology sessions
• Supporting workshops
• Sharing professional knowledge
• Volunteering at community programmes
• Supporting innovation or project-based activities

This can create a more direct connection between the company and the communities supported through its CSR initiatives.

6. Builds Stronger Community Partnerships

CSR can bring companies, NGOs, schools, educational organisations, communities and implementation partners together.

UNESCO notes that education-focused CSR can include school facilities, learning materials and technology, scholarships and teacher training, while effective CSR requires stakeholder engagement, implementation and monitoring.

The objective, therefore, should not simply be “Where can we spend the CSR fund?”

It should be:

“Where can our CSR fund create meaningful, measurable and sustainable impact?”

7. Supports Long-Term and Measurable Impact

One of the most important benefits of CSR is the opportunity to create programmes that can be monitored and improved over time.

A strong CSR project should have clearly defined:

• Project objectives
• Target beneficiaries
• Activities and milestones
• Budget and utilisation plan
• Implementation timeline
• Monitoring mechanism
• Documentation and reporting process
• Sustainability plan

For an education project, impact can be tracked through indicators such as schools reached, teachers trained, students participating, workshops conducted, projects completed, and utilisation of learning infrastructure.

What Can Shikshak Solutions Do Through CSR?

Shikshak Solutions can work with different stakeholders depending on their role and objective.

The approach can be different if you are an NGO, company, or individual.

If You Are an NGO

NGOs working in education and community development can approach Shikshak Solutions to explore education-focused CSR programmes.

Possible areas of collaboration include:

• AI lab setup
• Robotics lab setup
• STEM lab setup
• ICT and digital learning
• Science and innovation programmes
• Teacher training
• Student workshops
• Coding and robotics programmes
• Educational kits
• Future-ready skills programmes
• Technology-enabled learning

Shikshak Solutions’ publicly listed offerings include AI, robotics, STEM, IoT, ICT, AR/VR, and other school learning environments, along with implementation and teacher support.

An NGO can bring its understanding of the community and beneficiaries, while an education implementation partner can help with the planning and execution of the educational intervention.

If You Are a Company

Companies looking to direct their CSR funds towards education can approach Shikshak Solutions to discuss potential projects.

The process can begin with understanding:

• The company’s CSR priorities
• The target geography
• Number and type of schools
• Student requirements
• Available CSR budget
• Proposed project duration
• Infrastructure requirements
• Teacher training needs
• Monitoring and reporting requirements

Depending on the project structure, CSR support can be used for eligible educational programmes such as lab infrastructure, technology-enabled learning, STEM education, AI and robotics programmes, teacher training and other eligible initiatives.

Shikshak Solutions describes its work as including school transformation, lab planning, curriculum, teacher training, learning tools, implementation and long-term support.

Can a Company Contact Shikshak Solutions Directly?

Yes, a company can approach Shikshak Solutions directly to discuss a CSR education project.

However, the route through which CSR funds are legally disbursed depends on the structure of the project and the eligibility of the implementing entity.

A company does not have to wait for the government to assign a school or NGO to it. Under the CSR framework, companies can undertake eligible CSR activities themselves or through eligible implementing agencies meeting the prescribed conditions.

This means a company can begin by approaching Shikshak Solutions, discussing the requirement and developing a suitable project proposal.

The final fund-routing arrangement should then be structured according to the company’s CSR policy, Board approval, and applicable CSR rules.

If You Are an Individual

Individuals can also contribute to education and social development, although an individual’s contribution is not the same as a company’s statutory CSR expenditure.

Individuals may support educational initiatives through:

• Donations
• Sponsorships
• Educational resources
• Student support
• Volunteering
• Mentoring
• Community programmes

If your goal is to personally contribute towards improving educational opportunities for children, you can contact Shikshak Solutions to discuss possible initiatives.

What Can Shikshak Solutions Do With CSR Support?

The role of an education-focused implementation partner can go beyond supplying equipment.

A meaningful education CSR project can involve several stages:

1. Identify the Need

Understand the school, students, teachers, and community before deciding what should be provided.

2. Design the Project

Develop a project based on the school’s educational requirements, CSR objectives, available budget, and expected outcomes.

3. Set Up Learning Infrastructure

This may include AI, robotics, STEM, ICT, or other experiential learning environments, depending on the approved project.

4. Provide Learning Resources

Projects can include appropriate kits, tools, curriculum resources, and other educational materials.

5. Train Teachers

A lab becomes more useful when teachers know how to use it effectively. Shikshak Solutions provides teacher training and implementation support as part of its school solutions.

6. Enable Student Learning

Students can use the infrastructure through practical activities, projects, workshops, and hands-on learning.

7. Support Implementation

The objective should be to ensure that the project continues to be used rather than becoming a one-time installation.

8. Monitor and Document Progress

CSR projects should have suitable monitoring, documentation, and reporting mechanisms. The CSR rules require the company’s annual action plan to address project selection, execution, utilisation of funds, implementation schedules, monitoring and reporting.

What Has Shikshak Solutions Done So Far in CSR?

Shikshak Solutions has worked with organisations, NGOs and companies on education and school transformation initiatives across different parts of India.

The company’s work includes school lab setup, teacher training, student programmes and implementation support. Its public information also describes work across AI, robotics, STEM, ICT and other future-ready learning environments.

As part of its wider education work, Shikshak Solutions has conducted programmes and worked with reputed NGOs and companies across India.

The reach extends geographically from Jammu & Kashmir to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and from Gujarat to Mizoram, demonstrating the possibility of taking education and technology initiatives across very different regions and communities.

One important area of this work has been helping organisations and schools set up educational laboratories.

These initiatives can include:

• STEM Labs
• Robotics Labs
• AI Labs
• ICT Labs
• IoT Labs
• ATL-related learning environments
• Science and innovation spaces
• Smart classrooms
• Digital learning environments

The objective is not simply to install equipment. The larger aim is to create learning environments where students can experiment, build, test ideas, and develop practical skills.

Shikshak Solutions currently states that its school solutions have reached more than 3,000 schools, with more than 3,00,000 proficient students and 10,000+ trained educators. These figures are company-reported and should be treated as organisational claims rather than independently audited CSR impact figures.

For a CSR project, the impact can become even more meaningful when infrastructure is combined with curriculum, teacher training, student engagement and long-term implementation support.

How Can a Company Release Its CSR Fund?

One of the most common questions companies have is:

“We have a CSR fund. How do we actually use it?”

The process generally involves several steps.

Step 1: Check Whether CSR Provisions Apply

First, the company should determine whether it meets any of the Section 135 thresholds:

• ₹500 crore or more net worth
• ₹1,000 crore or more turnover
• ₹5 crore or more net profit

The applicable test relates to the immediately preceding financial year.

Step 2: Calculate the CSR Obligation

For a company covered by Section 135, the prescribed expenditure is generally at least 2% of the average net profits of the immediately preceding three financial years, calculated according to the Act and applicable rules.

Step 3: Identify the CSR Priority

The company should identify the social area it wants to support.

For example:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Environment
• Rural development
• Women and community development
• Skill development
• Other eligible Schedule VII areas

Step 4: Identify an Appropriate Project

The company can identify a specific project that fits its CSR objectives.

For education, this could be:

Example:

A company wants to support 10 government schools in a particular district.

The CSR project could include:

• STEM laboratories
• Robotics kits
• AI learning resources
• Teacher training
• Student workshops
• Curriculum support
• Monitoring and documentation

Step 5: Identify the Implementation Route

A company may undertake eligible CSR activities itself or through eligible implementing agencies.

The CSR rules specify permitted categories of implementing entities and require covered implementing agencies to register through CSR-1 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

For certain independent implementing agencies, the rules include requirements relating to registration under the Income Tax Act and an established track record of at least three years in undertaking similar activities.

Therefore, a company should verify the eligibility and documentation of the proposed implementing partner before releasing funds.

Step 6: Prepare the CSR Proposal

A CSR proposal can include:

• Project objective
• Target beneficiaries
• Location
• Number of schools
• Number of students
• Project duration
• Activities
• Budget
• Implementation plan
• Monitoring mechanism
• Expected outcomes
• Reporting structure

Step 7: Internal CSR and Board Approval

The company’s CSR Committee, where applicable, recommends the CSR policy/action plan and projects, and the Board oversees the required approvals and implementation framework.

The annual action plan includes the approved CSR projects, execution method, utilisation of funds, implementation schedule, monitoring and reporting mechanism.

Step 8: Release the CSR Fund

Once the project and implementation structure are approved, the company can disburse funds according to the approved project and agreement.

Funds may be released according to agreed milestones rather than necessarily being transferred as one unrestricted payment.

The company must satisfy itself that the funds have been utilised for the approved purpose, and the CFO or person responsible for financial management is required to certify the utilisation.

Can a Company Give Its CSR Fund Directly to an NGO?

Yes, CSR can be implemented through eligible NGOs or other eligible implementing agencies, but the NGO must satisfy the applicable legal requirements.

A company should not assume that any NGO automatically qualifies to receive statutory CSR expenditure.

The CSR rules provide for implementation through specified entities, including eligible Section 8 companies, registered public trusts and registered societies meeting the prescribed conditions, government-established entities and certain statutory entities. Eligible independent implementing agencies are also required to register through CSR-1.

Therefore, before transferring a CSR fund, a company should verify:

• Legal status of the organisation
• Applicable 12A/12AB and 80G status
• CSR-1 registration, where applicable
• Track record, where required
• Project eligibility under Schedule VII
• Project proposal and budget
• Monitoring and reporting arrangements
• Documentation and agreement requirements

Can a Company Come Directly to Shikshak Solutions?

Yes. Companies can directly contact Shikshak Solutions to discuss education-focused CSR opportunities.

Shikshak Solutions can understand the company’s CSR objectives and help explore suitable education interventions such as AI labs, STEM labs, robotics labs, digital learning, teacher training, and practical technology-based education.

However, the exact legal fund-transfer mechanism should be determined based on the company’s CSR structure and the eligibility of the entities involved.

Can the Entire CSR Fund Be Given to One NGO?

There is no general rule saying that a company must divide its CSR obligation equally among multiple NGOs.

A company may structure its CSR projects according to its approved CSR policy and applicable rules. However, the project must be an eligible CSR activity, the implementation route must comply with the rules, and the company must meet its reporting, monitoring, and utilisation responsibilities.

The decision should therefore be based on:

• CSR objectives
• Eligible Schedule VII activity
• Project requirements
• Implementing partner eligibility
• Geographic priorities
• Beneficiary needs
• Budget
• Monitoring and reporting
• Expected outcomes

How Much of the CSR Fund Can Be Used for Administration?

Companies should also understand that CSR expenditure is not simply an unrestricted operational budget.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs explains that administrative overheads are subject to a maximum limit of 5% of the company’s total CSR expenditure for the financial year. Costs directly attributable to designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating a particular CSR project are treated separately from general administrative overheads.

This distinction is important when preparing a CSR project budget.

For example, general CSR department administration may fall within administrative overheads, whereas costs directly related to implementing a particular education project may be treated as project expenditure where permitted under the rules.

What Should a Good Education CSR Project Include?

A strong education CSR project should not stop at purchasing equipment.

A complete project may include:

Infrastructure

AI, STEM, robotics, ICT, or other appropriate learning infrastructure.

Learning Resources

Kits, tools, curriculum, and educational materials.

Teacher Training

Training that helps teachers confidently use the infrastructure.

Student Engagement

Workshops, projects, activities, and hands-on learning.

Implementation Support

Support that helps schools integrate the programme into regular learning.

Monitoring

Tracking whether the programme is actually being used.

Documentation

Reports, photographs, beneficiary information, utilisation documentation, and other project records as required.

Sustainability

A plan for keeping the programme useful beyond the initial funding period.

This approach is particularly important for education because a laboratory can only create sustained value when teachers and students actually use it.

FAQs 

How Do I Apply for CSR Funding?

The first step is to identify a clear social or community need and develop a project that falls within an eligible CSR activity. An organisation can then approach companies with a structured proposal explaining the project’s objectives, beneficiaries, location, activities, budget, implementation plan, and expected outcomes.

For NGOs seeking CSR support, it is important to have the required registrations and documentation in place. Companies will generally conduct their own due diligence before selecting an implementation partner.

For an education project, organisations can also approach Shikshak Solutions to discuss requirements such as STEM labs, AI labs, robotics education, digital learning, teacher training, and other technology-enabled learning initiatives.

Can a Company Choose the NGO or Organisation for Its CSR Project?

Yes. A company can identify an appropriate implementation partner for an eligible CSR project, subject to the CSR framework’s requirements.

The company should verify the organisation’s eligibility, registrations, experience, financial and project documentation, and ability to implement the proposed project.

The choice of an implementation partner should also be based on whether the organisation has the relevant experience and resources to deliver the proposed CSR project effectively.

Can CSR Funds Be Used to Set Up a School or STEM Lab?

Yes, an education-focused project can potentially include the development of learning infrastructure such as STEM, AI, robotics, or digital learning facilities when it falls within an eligible CSR activity.

A lab project can go beyond purchasing equipment. A well-planned initiative may include:

• Lab infrastructure and equipment
• Educational kits and learning resources
• Curriculum support
• Teacher training
• Student workshops
• Implementation support
• Monitoring and documentation

This approach helps ensure that the CSR investment creates an active learning environment rather than simply placing equipment in a school.

What Documents Does an NGO Need to Receive CSR Funding?

The exact documentation depends on the organisation and the proposed project. An NGO seeking CSR support should generally be prepared to provide its registration and tax-related documents, details of its governing structure, financial information, project proposal and relevant experience.

Where applicable, organisations acting as CSR implementing agencies must also comply with the prescribed CSR registration requirements, including CSR-1.

Companies may request additional documents as part of their due diligence before approving a project.

Can a Small Company Contribute to a CSR Project Even If It Is Not Legally Required to Spend on CSR?

Yes. A company that does not fall within the statutory CSR applicability thresholds can still choose to support social or educational initiatives.

However, voluntary support by a company that is not covered by Section 135 should not automatically be described as statutory CSR expenditure.

Such companies can still contribute to meaningful initiatives such as education, STEM learning, community development, environmental programmes, or skill development according to their objectives.

Can CSR Funds Be Used for AI, Robotics, Coding and STEM Education?

Education is an eligible CSR area, and projects can be designed around practical and future-ready learning when they satisfy the applicable CSR requirements.

This can include programmes involving:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• Coding
• STEM education
• Digital literacy
• Computational thinking
• Innovation and experimentation
• Technology-enabled learning
• Teacher training

For companies interested in education-focused CSR, these programmes can provide students with exposure to technologies and skills that are increasingly relevant to future education and careers.

Shikshak Solutions can help organisations explore suitable education programmes and lab-based learning solutions based on the needs of the schools and communities being supported.

How Long Does It Take to Get CSR Funding Approved?

There is no single fixed timeline for every CSR project.

The time required can depend on factors such as:

• Project complexity
• Company CSR priorities
• Internal approval processes
• Project budget
• Due diligence of the implementing organisation
• Legal and financial documentation
• Board or CSR Committee processes
• Location and scale of the project

A well-prepared proposal can make the evaluation process easier because the company has clear information about the project’s objectives, beneficiaries, budget, and expected outcomes.

Can CSR Funds Be Released in Instalments for a Project?

The manner and timing of fund disbursement can be structured according to the approved CSR project and the agreement between the relevant parties.

For larger projects, companies may structure payments around agreed stages or milestones rather than releasing the entire amount at once.

For example, an education lab project could have stages such as:

Project approval → Infrastructure and equipment → Installation → Teacher training → Student implementation → Monitoring and reporting

The actual payment schedule should be documented and aligned with the company’s approved CSR project and applicable requirements.

What Should a Company Check Before Selecting an NGO for CSR Activities?

A company should look beyond the organisation’s name and understand whether it can actually deliver the proposed project.

Important areas to review include:

• Legal and registration status
• Applicable CSR eligibility
• CSR-1 registration, where required
• Previous project experience
• Financial and organisational documentation
• Project implementation capacity
• Geographic reach
• Monitoring and reporting systems
• Beneficiary details
• Project budget and utilisation plan
• Expected outcomes

Companies should also assess whether the proposed project genuinely fits their CSR objectives and the eligible CSR activities under the applicable framework.

Can an individual contribute?

Yes. Individuals can support education through donations, volunteering, resources, or other forms of assistance. However, an individual’s contribution should not be confused with the statutory CSR expenditure obligation of a company.

Does the Government give CSR funds directly to NGOs?

CSR in India does not work simply as a system where the government collects every company’s CSR fund and distributes it to NGOs.

The government establishes and regulates the CSR framework. Eligible companies identify and approve CSR projects and can implement them themselves or through eligible implementing agencies.

What is CSR-1?

CSR-1 is the registration mechanism through which eligible entities undertaking CSR activities register with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The CSR rules require covered implementing entities to file CSR-1 electronically and obtain a CSR Registration Number.

What is Schedule VII?

Schedule VII of the Companies Act identifies the activities that may be included in a company’s CSR policy. It includes areas such as education, healthcare and sanitation, environmental sustainability, gender equality, rural development, sports, heritage and culture, certain research activities and other specified social-development areas.

Can CSR funds be used to set up a school laboratory?

An education laboratory can potentially form part of an eligible CSR project when the project falls within the applicable Schedule VII activity and satisfies the CSR rules.

This can include areas such as STEM, AI, robotics, ICT, and practical learning, depending on the project’s design and eligibility.

Can Shikshak Solutions help set up a CSR-funded lab?

Shikshak Solutions publicly offers AI, robotics, STEM, ICT, and other lab solutions, along with planning, installation, curriculum support, teacher training, and implementation assistance.

A company can therefore approach Shikshak Solutions to discuss an education-focused CSR project and determine what type of intervention may be appropriate.

How to Start Your CSR Education Project With Shikshak Solutions?

A CSR initiative does not have to begin with a complicated process.

It can begin with a simple conversation:

What do you want to change, who do you want to help, and where do you want your CSR fund to create an impact?

If you are a:

Company: discuss your CSR budget, objectives, and target communities.

NGO: discuss your beneficiaries, locations, and education requirements.

School or institution: discuss your infrastructure, student and teacher requirements.

Individual: discuss how you would like to contribute to education.

Shikshak Solutions can then explore suitable education and future-ready learning solutions based on the requirements.

The organisation’s publicly available information describes its work across AI, robotics, STEM, ICT, IoT, AR/VR and other learning environments, with support extending from planning and setup to teacher training and implementation.

Make Your CSR Fund Create Real Educational Impact

CSR is not only about fulfilling a percentage requirement.

It is about deciding what that contribution can achieve.

A CSR fund can help create a laboratory where a student builds a first robot. It can give a teacher the training needed to introduce a new technology in the classroom. It can provide students with access to AI, coding, STEM and practical learning that they may otherwise never experience.

When companies, NGOs, schools and education organisations work together, CSR projects can move beyond one-time donations and become long-term learning opportunities.

Shikshak Solutions’ vision is to help make future-ready education more accessible by connecting technology, curriculum, teacher readiness and practical implementation.

For companies looking to direct their CSR funds towards education, the first step can be as simple as starting a conversation.

Contact Shikshak Solutions

If your company, NGO, or organisation is looking to explore an education-focused CSR project, you can contact Shikshak Solutions directly.

Phone: +91 9599185056
Email: [email protected]

You can also discuss CSR planning, school requirements, lab setup, teacher training, and implementation support with the team.

The goal is simple: turn CSR support into meaningful opportunities for students to learn, build, experiment, and prepare for the future.

Important Legal Note

CSR provisions can change through amendments, notifications, and government guidance. The information above explains the framework in general terms based on the Companies Act, applicable CSR Rules, and Ministry of Corporate Affairs guidance available at the time of writing. Companies should verify their specific CSR obligation, project eligibility, implementing-agency status, and compliance requirements with their legal, finance, or CSR professionals before releasing funds.

CSR in India: https://www.csr.gov.in/content/csr/global/master/home/home.html