HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday said that the companies, which benefit from local infrastructure and resources, should allocate a significant portion of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for the development of regions they operate in.
During a meeting with the representatives of companies, the chief minister highlighted the need for a structured approach, stating that the government has appointed a dedicated special chief secretary to streamline CSR fund utilisation as there had been no clear policy framework in the past. He suggested that the corporate representatives coordinate with the designated officer to implement projects effectively.
The chief minister also listed several sectors where CSR funds can be utilised, including school education, healthcare, skill development, protection of heritage structures and environmental conservation such as forest protection. He emphasised that CSR funds should deliver 100 per cent meaningful outcomes and contribute directly to social progress.
The chief minister, however, said that companies are free to choose sectors of their interest. “You may identify priority areas yourselves. The government will extend all necessary support,” he said, underlining a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors.
Revanth Reddy noted that a combined effort by the government and corporate sector could transform Telangana’s students into globally competitive professionals. “Investment in education is an investment in future generations,” he said, stressing the long-term impact of such initiatives.
The chief minister pointed out that nearly 44 per cent of the state’s students are concentrated in Hyderabad, making it imperative to ensure access to quality education in the city. He also appreciated the proactive response from corporate groups.
Recalling that the Raheja Group and Ramky Group have committed Rs 50 crore each, while Yashoda Foundation has pledged Rs 10 crore towards educational development, the chief minister lauded these contributions and expressed confidence that more companies would come forward.
Corporate representatives, in turn, welcomed the initiative and said that this was the first time they had been engaged in such a structured dialogue on CSR funds utilisation. They lauded the chief minister’s proactive approach and expressed willingness to support initiatives in education, hospitals and heritage conservation.