CSR Conclave 2025 Showcases CSCs as Engines of Rural Empowerment and Digital Inclusion

Calling CSCs a "radical idea," Shri Tiwari underscored their capacity to strengthen social capital by integrating digital infrastructure into the heart of underserved communities.

The CSC CSR Conclave 2025 emerged as a defining platform for reimagining Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India, by anchoring it firmly within the vision of rural digital transformation. Held under the stewardship of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and organized by CSC Academy in collaboration with the Indian ESG Network, the event brought together a constellation of government officials, CSR professionals, corporate leaders, development experts, and grassroots entrepreneurs, all united by a single purpose—leveraging technology and collaboration for inclusive and sustainable growth in rural India.

A Vision Rooted in Empowerment

The Conclave was inaugurated by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, who eloquently highlighted the transformative potential of Common Services Centres (CSCs) as bridges between India’s rural and urban realities. Calling CSCs a "radical idea," Shri Tiwari underscored their capacity to strengthen social capital by integrating digital infrastructure into the heart of underserved communities.

He also spotlighted the CSC Academy’s pivotal role in executing impactful CSR programs, especially in vocational training, digital empowerment, and alignment with national development goals such as the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. “CSCs are not merely service points; they are embodiments of our vision for a digitally-empowered, inclusive Bharat,” said Shri Tiwari.

Technology as a Catalyst: The CSC Model

In his keynote, Shri Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Chairman and Secretary of CSC Academy, expanded on the CSC framework’s success in bringing digital infrastructure to the last mile. He lauded the Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) who operate these centres, positioning them as agents of transformation. “CSR is not just a statutory requirement but a strategic driver for inclusive progress,” Rakesh emphasized. He noted the importance of scalable, measurable, and community-focused CSR efforts, particularly those led by public-private partnerships.

Bridging Education, Skilling, and the Future of Work

A key highlight of the Conclave was the emphasis on education and future skills. Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director of Training & Skill Education at CBSE, acknowledged the collaboration between CSC Academy and the formal education system to prepare youth for the demands of tomorrow. He mentioned emerging sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Healthcare, calling them essential pillars for future employability.

This theme was extended in expert panel discussions, especially the Education, Skilling, and Employability panel, chaired by Shri Sunil Dahiya of the Wadhwani Foundation. The panel included prominent voices like Shri Raj Kumar Srivastava (IFS, Karnataka) and Shri Pallav Tiwari (UNICEF), who stressed on cross-sectoral collaboration to improve digital literacy and skill development in rural areas.

Advancing Inclusion through Innovative CSR Programs

The Conclave showcased numerous CSR initiatives that are already making waves:

• UNICEF's "Passport to Earning", discussed by Shri Abhishek Gupta, equips young people with essential skills for the digital economy.

• VISA's "Digital Village" program, presented by Ms. Parnal Vats, highlights the impact of financial literacy and fintech access in empowering rural households.

• Kyndryl’s CSR Manager Ms. Geetanjali Gaur shared stories of innovation in community support and digital inclusion.

• Shri Rajiv Malik, CEO of Graposs Connect, elaborated on the CSC Olympiad, which promotes competitive spirit and academic excellence across rural schools.

Healthcare and Women Empowerment: A Dual Focus

Another thematic panel focused on Women and Child Healthcare, chaired by Dr. Vashima Subha from Ernst & Young. The discussion brought together health-tech leaders like Shri Punit Desai (Welcome Cure) and Dr. Yogesh Patil (Biosense), who shared insights into how CSR-funded telemedicine and preventive care programs are transforming rural health landscapes.

A Resounding Call for Collaboration

Throughout the day-long event, one message was clear: collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors is essential to bring about systemic change in rural India. The discussions also emphasized the need for robust impact assessments, transparency in CSR funding, and capacity building for grassroots implementers.

The Conclave ended with a renewed pledge by CSC Academy to deepen its engagement with rural communities through digital skilling, financial inclusion, women-led development, and environmental sustainability. As the curtains drew on CSC CSR Conclave 2025, it was evident that CSR is no longer just about compliance—it is a strategic lever for transforming the very soul of rural India.

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