CSR Advisory
Corporate Social Responsibility has evolved from a statutory spending requirement into a critical governance and stakeholder responsibility framework. Companies falling within prescribed thresholds under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 are required to establish robust CSR governance systems, formulate compliant CSR policies, identify eligible projects, monitor implementation and ensure accurate disclosures. Our CSR advisory services help organisations build a compliant and effective CSR framework while aligning social impact initiatives with regulatory expectations.
Suitable for
Listed companies subject to CSR provisions
Regulatory coverage
Companies Act, 2013 / Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 / Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 / Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 / MCA circulars and clarifications relating to CSR / Board and committee governance requirements
Engagement type
Ongoing compliance and governance support
Typical deliverables
CSR applicability memorandum; CSR policy drafting or review
How this mandate is understood in practice.
CSR compliance extends beyond expenditure and includes governance, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting obligations.
A properly structured CSR framework reduces compliance risk while improving accountability, transparency and social impact outcomes.
Effective CSR governance helps organisations manage regulatory expectations, stakeholder confidence and board-level oversight responsibilities.
Compliance discipline protects governance credibility.
Incorrect CSR applicability assessment or spending treatment can create regulatory exposure and governance concerns.
Boards and CSR Committees are expected to maintain adequate oversight over CSR planning, implementation and reporting.
Proper CSR governance supports sustainable impact creation while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
Who needs this
Listed companies subject to CSR provisions
Unlisted public companies crossing CSR thresholds
Private companies covered under Section 135
CSR Committees and Board members
Corporate groups managing multiple CSR initiatives
Companies requiring CSR governance review and compliance support
Initial work areas
CSR applicability assessment
CSR policy drafting and review
CSR committee advisory support
Annual CSR action plan preparation
CSR project evaluation and structuring
Implementing agency due diligence
CSR governance framework review
Board report disclosure support
CSR reporting and compliance monitoring
What this service typically covers.
CSR Applicability and Governance Review
Assessment of CSR applicability under Section 135
Review of CSR governance obligations
Evaluation of committee constitution requirements
Review of existing CSR framework
Identification of compliance gaps
Policy and Project Structuring
Drafting or review of CSR policy
Preparation of annual action plan
CSR project eligibility assessment
Schedule VII mapping review
Project implementation framework advisory
Compliance and Reporting Support
CSR committee documentation support
Board reporting assistance
CSR expenditure review
Unspent CSR compliance support
Annual compliance monitoring and reporting
Regulatory coverage
Companies Act, 2013
Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014
Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013
MCA circulars and clarifications relating to CSR
Board and committee governance requirements
Regulatory Matrix
Coordinated touchpoints across governance frameworks.
MCA
SEBI
FEMA
CSR
NCLT
RBI
Laws, regulations, and governance touchpoints.
Section 135 of Companies Act, 2013
Prescribes CSR applicability thresholds
Establishes CSR governance obligations
Provides framework for CSR expenditure and oversight
CSR Rules, 2014
Provide operational framework for CSR implementation
Prescribe policy, monitoring and reporting requirements
Schedule VII
Specifies eligible CSR activities
Provides guiding framework for project identification
Risk areas that usually create pressure for boards, management teams, and compliance owners.
Incorrect CSR applicability assessment
Improper identification of eligible CSR activities
Weak CSR governance framework
Committee documentation deficiencies
Implementing agency due diligence concerns
Unspent CSR compliance issues
Board disclosure gaps
Inadequate monitoring and reporting systems
Deliverables
CSR applicability memorandum
CSR policy drafting or review
CSR governance framework recommendations
Annual action plan support
CSR project evaluation reports
Committee documentation templates
Board report disclosure support
CSR compliance tracker
A structured sequence from mandate framing to execution.
Step 1
Assess applicability and existing governance framework.
Step 2
Review CSR obligations, committee structure and policy requirements.
Step 3
Support project evaluation and implementation planning.
Step 4
Strengthen monitoring, reporting and board oversight processes.
Step 5
Establish a sustainable compliance framework for ongoing CSR governance.
Connected mandates often reviewed alongside this service.
Listed Company Compliance
Boardroom-grade governance, disclosure, and stock exchange compliance support for listed entities operating under SEBI LODR, Companies Act, stock exchange, PIT, and SAST-linked compliance expectations.
Secretarial Audit
Independent secretarial audit support for companies requiring governance, statutory, board process, filing, register, disclosure, and compliance review under Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Corporate Governance Advisory
Board-level governance advisory covering governance framework design, board effectiveness, committee governance, director responsibilities, governance controls, SEBI and Companies Act governance requirements, risk oversight, ESG governance, and governance maturity enhancement.
FAQs
Which companies are required to comply with CSR provisions?
Companies meeting the prescribed thresholds under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 are required to comply with CSR obligations.
Is forming a CSR Committee mandatory?
CSR Committee requirements depend upon the applicable legal framework and company-specific circumstances prescribed under the Companies Act and CSR Rules.
Can all social welfare activities qualify as CSR?
No. CSR activities should fall within the framework prescribed under Schedule VII and related regulatory guidance.
What happens if CSR obligations are not properly fulfilled?
Failure to comply may result in governance concerns, disclosure issues and regulatory consequences under the Companies Act framework.
Can CSR compliance be outsourced entirely to implementing agencies?
No. The Board and company management continue to retain responsibility for governance, monitoring and compliance oversight.