Spotlight on the Shadows:
Understanding India’s Underserved Sectors
India’s underserved sectors encompass communities, regions, and essential rights that often go unnoticed despite being widely discussed. From the LGBTQIA+ community to the remote regions of the Northeast, and even fundamental human rights like access to clean drinking water, these areas face significant challenges.
While numerous government schemes exist to tackle various issues, the critical question remains: is there practical data demonstrating the effectiveness of these solutions? To address these challenges, the government mandates that companies meeting specific criteria allocate a portion of their annual funds toward Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). In this article, we explore how CSR initiatives are making a difference in India’s underserved sectors.
What Does “Underserved” Really Mean?
Consider the stark contrast between the infrastructure of a bustling metro city and that of a rural village. A city may boast numerous flyovers and extensive development projects, while the roads leading to rural areas might only be updated once every three to five years. This disparity illustrates the bias in providing equal amenities and opportunities across the country, resulting in the emergence of the “underserved” classification.
The Northeast region of India , for example, is frequently overlooked in mainstream media, receiving attention only during significant protests. Around only 2.4% of the actual CSR spent was allocated for Northeast region .This lack of representation contributes to its status as an underserved area.
Popular CSR Funding Projects in India
CSR initiatives not only aim to improve the conditions of various sectors in India but also help companies build credibility and goodwill among the public. Companies gain visibility when their contributions lead to meaningful societal change. Here’s a snapshot of some of the most popular areas receiving CSR funding:
● Child Education: Approximately ₹1,000 crores annually (Source: Ministry of Corporate Affairs).
● Healthcare Programs: About ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 crores annually (Source: Corporate CSR Disclosures).
● Environmental Sustainability: Roughly ₹800 – ₹1,200 crores annually (Source: KPMG and PwC reports).
● Skill Development Programs: Around ₹500 to ₹700 crores annually (Source: Skill India Mission reports).
● Women & Child Empowerment: Approximately ₹600 to ₹900 crores annually (Source: NITI Aayog and various corporate disclosures).
● Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation: Estimated at ₹300 to ₹500 crores annually, varying during disaster events (Source: National Disaster Management Authority).
● Sanitation & Hygiene: Approximately ₹400 to ₹600 crores annually (Source: Government reports).
While these initiatives address pressing national issues, it’s essential to recognize that substantial change often requires more than just funding.
Underserved Areas in India That Need CSR Funding
Despite some prominent issues receiving support, several lesser-known areas urgently require attention:
The LGBTQIA+ Community
Censorship remains a significant barrier for the LGBTQIA+ community in India. Despite growing acceptance, advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights often lacks sufficient backing . According to The Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2020, LGBTQIA+ youth are 1.5 times more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Yet from 2014–2021, only 1.5% of CSR funds were allocated towards gender equality. While the youth are increasingly vocal about these issues, many efforts to promote inclusivity face legislative hurdles.
Rural Tribes
Tribal populations in India face challenges from modernization and encroachment, with urban expansion threatening their lands and way of life. Despite legal protections, many remain vulnerable. Scheduled Tribes, comprising 8.6% of the population (104 million people), face low literacy rates at 59%, compared to the national average of 74%. Additionally, their infant mortality rate is 44 per 1,000 live births, higher than the national average of 33. CSR funding can play a key role in advocating for stronger protections and preserving their cultural diversity.
Isolated Villages
Many isolated villages in India lag significantly in terms of development. These communities often lack access to basic human rights, such as clean drinking water and healthcare facilities. Despite government initiatives to improve connectivity, there’s still a long way to go. CSR funding can help bridge these gaps, particularly in child development and sanitation efforts.
Additionally, areas like mental health, sports, and disaster relief require immediate attention and sustained funding to create long-term solutions.
Making a Difference Through CSR
CSR funding often amounts to substantial contributions aimed at addressing various causes. However, the real impact lies in the effectiveness of these initiatives. Acknowledging and resonating with a cause can spark meaningful change, and knowing how contributions make a difference is crucial.
At Let It Count, we connect you with causes that align with your values and ensure that your contributions lead to tangible impacts. We specialize in due diligence on NGOs, ensuring they meet essential criteria and genuinely serve their communities.
If you or someone you know feels inspired to give back, explore how you can make a difference through meaningful contributions. Visit the Let It Count website for more information and to discover the impact of your support. Together, we can bridge the gap between NGOs and potential donors, fostering a stronger, more inclusive society.