Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ section on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), where we delve into the essential aspects of CSR to help you understand its significance and impact. Whether you’re a business owner, employee, or simply curious about CSR, our detailed answers address common queries about integrating social and environmental concerns into business practices. From defining CSR and exploring its benefits to understanding best practices and reporting standards, we cover a broad spectrum of topics. Discover how CSR initiatives can enhance your brand’s reputation, foster community engagement, and contribute to sustainable development.

Explore our FAQs to gain valuable insights and stay informed about the evolving landscape of Corporate Social Responsibility.

S. No.	Question	Answer
1.0	Applicability of CSR
1.1	Which companies qualify for CSR under the Companies Act, 2013?	A company satisfying any of the following criteria during the immediately preceding financial year is required to comply with CSR provisions specified under section 135(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 made thereunder:net worth of rupees five hundred crore or more, orturnover of rupees one thousand crore or more, ornet profit of rupees five crore or more.
1.2	Whether a holding or subsidiary of a company fulfilling the criteria under section 135(1) has to comply with the provisions of section 135, even if the holding or subsidiary itself does not fulfil the criteria?	No, the compliance with CSR requirements is specific to each company. A holding or subsidiary of a company is not required to comply with the CSR provisions unless the holding or subsidiary itself fulfils the eligibility criteria prescribed under section 135(1) stated above. Example: Company A is covered under the criteria mentioned in section 135(1). Company B is holding company of company A. If Company B by itself does not satisfy any of the criteria mentioned in section 135(1), Company B is notrequired to comply with the provisions of section 135.
1.3	Whether provisions of CSRare applicable to a section 8 Company?	Yes, section 135(1) of the Act commences with the words“Every company……..” and thus applies to section 8companies as well.
1.4	Whether CSR provisions apply to a company that has not completed the period of three financial years since its incorporation?	Yes. If the company has not completed three financial years since its incorporation, but it satisfies any of the criteria mentioned in section 135(1), the CSR provisions including spending of at least two per cent of the average net profits made during immediately preceding financial year(s) are applicable.
		Example: Company A is incorporated during FY 2018-19,and as per eligibility criteria the company is covered under section 135(1) for FY 2020-21. The CSR spending obligation under section 135(5) for Company A would be at least two per cent of the average net profits of the company made during FY 2018-19 and FY 2019-20.

Listed companiesThree or more directors, out of which at least one shall be anindependent director.Unlisted public companiesThree or more directors, out of which at least one shall be an independent director.However, if there is no requirement of having an independent director in the company, two or more directors.Private companiesTwo or more directors. No independent directors are required as mentioned in theproviso under section 135(1).Foreign companyAt least two persons out of which:one shall be asspecified under clause(d) of sub- section (1) ofsection 380 of the Act, andanother shall be nominated by the foreign company.(Refer rule 5(1) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014)

2.0	CSR Framework
2.1	What is the composition of the CSR Committee?	The composition of the CSR Committee for various categories of companies is as under: Where the amount required to be spent by a company on CSR does not exceed fifty lakh rupees, the requirementfor constitution of the CSR Committee is not mandatory and the functions of the CSR Committee, in such cases,shall be discharged by the Board of Directors of the company.

2.2	What are the functions of the CSR Committee?	The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee shall — formulate and recommend the CSR policy to the Board;recommend the amount of expenditure to be incurred on CSR activities;monitor the CSR policy of the company from time to time; andformulate and recommend to the Board, an annual action plan in pursuance of its CSR policy, which shall include the items as mentioned in rule 5(2) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014. For companies covered under Section 135(9) of the Act and not required to have CSR Committee, thesefunctions shall be carried out by the Board itself.
2.3	What are the responsibilities of the Board in relation to theCSR provisions?	CSR is a Board-driven process. The responsibilities of the Board of a CSR-eligible company, inter-alia, include the following — approve the CSR policy;disclose contents of such policy in its report and also place it on the company’s website, if any;ensure that the activities included in the CSR policyare undertaken by the company;ensure that the company spends, in every financial year, at least two per cent of the average net profits of the company made during the three immediately preceding financial years;satisfy itself regarding the utilisation of the disbursed CSR funds; andif the company fails to spend at least two per cent of the average net profits of the company, the Board shall, in its report made under clause (o) of sub-section (3) of section 134, specify the reasons for not spending the amount and transfer the unspent CSR amount as perprovisions of sections 135(5) and 135(6) of the Act.

2.4	What is the role of the Government in the approval andimplementation of the CSR programmes/projects of a company?	Provisions of section 135, read with Schedule VII of theAct and Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 provide thebroad framework within which the eligible companies are required to formulate their CSR policies including activities to be undertaken and implementation of the same. CSR is a board-driven process, and the Board of the company is empowered to plan, approve, execute, and monitor the CSR activities of the company based on the recommendation of its CSR Committee. The Government has no direct role in the approval and implementation of the CSR programmes /projects of a company.
2.5	What are the mechanisms for monitoring the CSR process?	CSR is a Board-driven process, and the Board of the company is empowered to plan, decide, execute, and monitor the CSR activities of the company based on the recommendation of its CSR Committee. The CSR architecture is disclosure-based and CSR-mandated companies are required to file details of CSR activities annually in MCA21 registry. Companies are required to make necessary disclosures in the financial statements regarding CSR including non-compliance. The existing legal provisions such as mandatory disclosures, accountability of the CSR Committee and the Board, and provisions for audit of accounts of the company provide sufficient mechanisms for monitoring.
2.6	What is the role of the Government in monitoring compliance of CSR provisions by companies?	The Government monitors the compliance of CSR provisions through the disclosures made by the companies in the MCA 21 portal. For any violation of CSR provisions, action can be initiated by the Government against such non-compliant companies as per provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 after due examination of records, and following due process of law. Non- compliance of CSR provisions has been notified as a civil wrong w.e.f. 22nd January, 2021.

3.0	CSR Expenditure
3.1	How is average net profit calculated for the purpose of section 135 of the Act? Whether ‘profit before tax’ or ‘profit after tax’ is used for such computation?	The average net profit for the purpose of determining the spending on CSR activities is to be computed in accordance with the provisions of section 198 of the Act and will also be exclusive of the items given under rule 2(1)(h) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014.Section198 of the Act specifies certain additions/deletions (adjustments) to be made while calculating the net profit of a company (mainly it excludes capital payments/receipts, income tax, set-off of past losses).
		Profit Before Tax (PBT) is used for computation of net profit under section 135 of the Act.
3.2	What is the meaning of the term ‘administrative overheads? What is the maximum permissible limit for administrative overheads?	Administrative overheads are the expenses incurred bythe company for ‘general management andadministration’ of CSR functions. However, the expenses which are directly incurred for the designing, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a particular CSR project or programme, shall not be included in the administrative overheads. Administrative overheads generally comprise of items such as employee costs, utilities, office supplies, legal expenses, etc. However, expenses which are attributed to the project implementation shall be included in project cost only. Example: Salary and training for the employees working in the CSR division of a company, stationery cost,travelling expenses, etc. may be categorised as administrative overheads. However, salary of school teachers or other staff, etc. for education-related CSR projects shall be covered under education project cost. The maximum permissible limit for administrative overheads is five per cent of the total CSR expenditure of the company for the financial year.

3.3	Are administrative overheads applicable only for expenses incurred by the company, or can they be applied to expenses incurred by the implementing agency as well?	According to rule 2(1)(b) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, administrative overheads mean the expenses incurred by the company in the generalmanagement and administration of CSR functions in the company. Therefore, expenses incurred by implementing agencies on the management of CSR activities shall not amount to administrative overheads and cannot be claimed by the company.
3.4	What is the meaning of surplus arising from CSR activities? How can this surplus be utilised?	Surplus refers to income generated from the spend on CSR activities, e.g., interest income earned by the implementing agency on funds provided under CSR, revenue receivedfrom the CSR projects, disposal/sale of materials used in CSR projects, and other similar income sources. The surplus arising out of CSR activities shall be utilisedonly for CSR purposes.
3.5	Whether contribution to the corpus of an entity is an admissible CSRexpenditure?	No, the provision relating to contribution to corpus as admissible CSR expenditure has been amended and the contribution to corpus of any entity is not an admissible CSR expenditure w.e.f. 22nd January, 2021.
3.6	Whether expenses related to transfer of capital asset as provided under rule 7(4) of Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, willqualify asadmissible CSR expenditure?	Yes, the expenses relating to transfer of capital asset such as stamp duty and registration fees, will qualify as admissible CSR expenditure in the year of such transfer.
3.7	If a company spends more than the requirement provided under section 135, can that excess amount be set off against the mandatory 2% CSR expenditure in succeeding financial years?	Yes, the excess amount can be set off against therequired 2% CSR expenditure up to the immediately succeeding three financial years subject to compliance with the conditions stipulated under rule 7(3) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014. This position is applicable from 22nd January, 2021 and has a prospective effect. Thus, no carry forward shall be allowed for the excess amount spent, if any, in financial years prior to FY 2020-21.

3.8	If a company cannot take the benefit of set off of excess amount spent in the previous financial year because of non- applicability of CSR provisions, will the excess amount lapse?	Yes, the law states that the excess CSR amount spent can be carried forward up to immediately succeeding three financial years; thus, in case any excess amount is left for set off, it will lapse at the end of the said period.Example: In FY 2020-21 a company had spent Rs. 2crores in excess. In FY 2021-22, it sets-off Rs. 50 lakhs from such excess. However, from FY 2022-23, the company is no longer subject to CSR provisions under section 135(1). In such case, the company may continue to retain the remaining excess CSR of Rs. 1.50 crores upto FY 2023-24,and thereafter the same shall lapse.
3.9	Whether it is mandatory for companies to carry outCSR in their local areas?	The first proviso to section 135(5) of the Act provides that the company shall give preference to local areas and the areas around where it operates. Some activities in Schedule VII such as welfare activities for war widows, art and culture, and other similar activities, transcend geographical boundaries and are applicable across the country. With the advent of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and emergence of new age businesses like e-commerce companies, process-outsourcing companies, and aggregator companies, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the local area of various activities.The spirit of the Act is to ensure that CSR initiatives are aligned with the national priorities and enhance engagement of the corporate sector towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Thus, the preference to local area in the Act is only directory and not mandatory in nature and companies need to balance local area preference with nationalpriorities.
3.10	Whether CSR expenditureof a company can be claimed as a business expenditure?	No, the amount spent by a company towards CSR cannotbe claimed as business expenditure. Explanation 2 to section 37(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 which was insertedthrough the Finance Act, 2014 provides that any expenditureincurred by an assessee on the activities relating to CSRreferred to in section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 shallnot be deemed to be an expenditure incurred by theassessee for thepurposes of the business or profession.

3.11	What tax benefits can be availed under CSR?	No specific tax exemptions have been extended to CSR expenditure. The Finance Act, 2014 also clarifies that expenditure on CSR does not form part of business expenditure.
3.12	Whether contribution in kind can be monetized to be shown as CSR expenditure?	The requirement comes from section 135(5) that states that “The Board of every company shall ensure that it spends…” Therefore, CSR contribution cannot be in kind and monetized.
3.13	Can CSR expenditure be incurred on activities beyond Schedule VII?	No, CSR expenditure cannot be incurred on activities beyond Schedule VII of the Act. The activities undertaken in pursuance of the CSR policy must be relatable to Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013. The items enlisted in Schedule VII of the Act are broad-based andare intended to cover a wide range of activities. Theentries in the said Schedule VII must be interpreted liberally to capture the essence of the subjectsenumerated in the said Schedule.
3.14	What are the different modes of incurring CSR expenditure?	CSR expenditure can be incurred in multiple modes: ‘Activities route’, which is a direct mode wherein a company undertakes the CSR projects or programmes as per Schedule VII of the Act, either by itself or by engaging implementing agencies as prescribed in Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014. ‘Contribution to funds route’, which allows the contributions to various funds as specified in Schedule VII of the Act. Contribution to incubators and R&D projects, as specified in item (ix)(a) and contribution to institutes/organisations, engaged in research and development activity, as specified under item (ix)(b) of Schedule VII of the Act.

3.15	Which are the funds specified in Schedule VII of the Act for the purpose of CSR contribution?	Contributions to the following funds shall be admissible as CSR expenditure: Swachh Bharat KoshClean Ganga FundPrime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief inEmergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund)Any other fund set up by the Central Government and notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, for socio-economic development and relief and welfare of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities andwomen.
3.16	Will contribution to any other fund set up for carrying out the activities mentioned in Schedule VII of the Act, be an admissibleCSR expenditure?	No, the Act does not recognise any contribution to any other fund, which is not specifically mentioned in Schedule VII, as an admissible CSR expenditure.
3.17	Can CSR funds be utilised to fund Government schemes?	The objective of CSR provisions is to involve the corporates as partners in the social developmentprocess. Use of corporate innovations and management skills in the delivery of ‘public goods’ is at the core of CSR implementation by the companies. Therefore, CSRshould not be interpreted as a source of financing the resource gaps in Government Schemes. However, theBoard of the eligible company may undertake similar activities independently subject to fulfilment ofCompanies (CSRPolicy) Rules, 2014.
3.18	Whether involvement of employees of a company in their CSR projects can be monetized and accounted for under the head of ’CSR expenditure’?	No, involvement of employees in CSR projects of a company cannot be monetized. Contribution and involvement of employees in CSR activities of the company will no doubt generate interest/pride in CSR work and promote transformation from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an obligation to Socially Responsible Corporate (SRC) in all aspects of their functioning. Companies, therefore, should beencouraged to involve their employees in CSR activities.

4.0	CSR Activities
4.1	Which activities do not qualify as eligible CSR activity?	Rule 2(1)(d) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 defines CSR and the following activities are specifically excluded from being considered as eligible CSR activity:Activities undertaken in pursuance of normal course of business of the company.However, exemption is provided for three financial years, till FY 2022-23, to companies engaged in R&D activities for new vaccines, drugs, and medical devices in their normal course of business, related toCOVID-19. This exclusion is allowed only in case thecompanies are engaged in R&D in collaboration with organisations as mentioned in item (ix) of Schedule VII and disclose the same in their Board reports.Activities undertaken outside India, except for training of Indian sports personnel representing any State or Union Territory at national level or India at international level;Contribution of any amount, directly or indirectly, to any political party under section 182 of the Act;Activities benefitting employees of the company as defined in section 2(k) of the Code on Wages, 2019;Sponsorship activities for deriving marketing benefits for products/services;Activities for fulfilling statutory obligations under anylaw in force in India.
4.2	Whether the companies can undertake any CSR activity mentioned under ScheduleVII of the Act for the exclusive benefit of their employees, workers and their family members?	Rule 2(1)(d)(iv) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 states that any activity benefitting employees of the company shall not be considered as eligible CSR activity. As per the rule, any activity designed exclusively for the benefit of employees shall be considered as an “activity benefitting employees” and will not qualify as permissible CSR expenditure. The spirit behind any CSR activity is to benefit the public at large and the activity should be non- discriminatory to any class of beneficiaries. However, any activity which is not designed to benefit employees solely, but the public at large, and if the employees and their family members are incidental beneficiaries, then, such activity would not be considered as “activity benefitting employees”and will qualify as eligible CSR activity.

4.3	What is the meaning of sponsorship activities derivingmarketing benefits for company’s products or services?	Sponsorship activities of an event are done with an aim of deriving marketing benefits for a company’s product or services. The intent of CSR is to encourage companies to undertake the activities in a project or programme mode rather than as a one-off event. Companies shall not use CSR purely as a marketing or brand building tool for their business, but brand building as a collateral benefit does not vitiate the spirit of CSR.
4.4	Are activities undertaken by companies outside India for the benefit of resident Indians, permitted as eligible CSR activity?	Rule 2(1)(d)(ii) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 clearly states that any activity undertaken by thecompany outside India shall not be an eligible CSRactivity. The only exception is training of Indian sports personnel representing any State or Union Territory at national or international level.
4.5	How can companies with small CSR funds take up CSR activities in a project mode?	A well-designed CSR project can be managed with small CSR funds as well.Further, there is a provision in the Companies (CSRPolicy) Rules, 2014 that enables such companies to collaborate with other companies for undertaking CSR activities by way of pooling their CSR resources. (Refer rule 4(4) in Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014).
5.0	CSR Implementation
5.1	What are the different modes of implementation of CSR activities?	Pursuant to rule 4 of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 a company may undertake CSR activities through following three modes of implementation: (i) Implementation by the company itself Implementation through eligible implementing agencies as prescribed under sub-rule (1) of rule 4.Implementation in collaboration with one or more companies as prescribed under sub-rule (4) of rule 4.

5.2	Which entities are eligible to act as an implementing agency for undertaking CSR activities?	Rule 4(1) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014provides the eligible entities which can act as animplementing agency for undertaking CSR activities. These are:Entity established by the company itself or along with any other company – a company established under section 8 of the Act, or a registered public trust or a registered society, registered under section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.Entity established by the Central Government or State Government – a company established under section 8 of the Act, or a registered trust or a registered society.Statutory bodies – any entity established under an Act of Parliament or a State legislature.Other bodies – a company established under section 8 of the Act, or a registered public trust or a registered society, registered under section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and having an established track record ofatleast three years in undertaking similar activities.
5.3	Whether all three types of entities – a company established under section 8 of the Act, or a registered public trust, or a registered society, are required to have income-tax registration u/s 12A aswell as 80G of theIncome TaxAct, 1961?	Yes, as per rule 4(1) all three types of entities – acompany established under section 8 of the Act, or a registered public trust, or a registered society are required to have income-tax registration u/s 12A as well as 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 to act as implementing agency, except for any entities established by Central or State Government.
5.4	What is meant by ’registered public trusts’ in such states where registration is notmandatory?	Registered public trust (as referred to in rule 4(1) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules,2014) would include trusts registered under the Income Tax Act, 1961 in respect of those states where registration of publictrusts is notmandatory.
5.5	What is the purpose of registration of the implementing agency on MCA21 portal?	The identification of suitable implementing agencies is a major concern for companies. Registration of implementing agencies on MCA21 portal is aimed at creating a database of such agencies for companies who may want to engage them. Further, this will bring accountability and transparency in the implementation ofCSR activities and thereby strengthen the CSR eco-system.

5.6	Is it mandatory for every implementing agency to register on the MCA21 portal?	Yes, every implementing agency mentioned in rule 4(1) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 shall mandatorily register itself in the MCA21 portal w.e.f. 01stApril 2021 in order to enable it to undertake CSRactivities on behalf ofthe company.
5.7	Whether an ongoing project approved prior to April 01, 2021, may be implemented by an implementing agency not registered on MCA21 portal?	Since the requirement of registration has commenced from 01st April, 2021, any ongoing project which has been approved between 22nd January, 2021 and 31st March, 2021, may be carried out by an implementing agency which is not registered in MCA21 portal.However, the unregistered implementing agency is required to register in MCA21 portal before undertakingany new project after 01st April, 2021.
5.8	Whether registration of implementing agency by filing e-form CSR-1 is mandatory in case the company carries out CSRactivities directly?	No. The question of filing e-form CSR-1 does not arise in case the company carries out CSR activities directly.
5.9	Can internationalorganisations act as an implementing agency?	No, an international organisation cannot act as animplementing agency.
5.10	What is the role of international organisations in the context of CSR?	Pursuant to rule 4(3) of the Companies (CSR Policy)Rules, 2014, a company can engage international organisations for the limited purposes of designing, monitoring, and evaluation of the CSR projects or programmes, or for capacity building of personnel of thecompany involved inCSR activities.
6.0	Ongoing Project
6.1	What is the meaning of ‘ongoing project’? Which projects can be considered as ongoing?	Ongoing project has been defined under rule 2(1)(i) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 as: a multi-year project, stretching over more than one financial year;having a timeline not exceeding three years excluding the year of commencement;includes such project that was initially not approved asa multi-year project but whose duration has been

		extended beyond one year by the Board based on reasonable justification.The project should have commenced within the financial year to be termed as ‘ongoing’. The intent is to include a project which has an identifiable commencement and completion dates. After the completion of any ongoing project, the Board of the company is free to design any other project related to operation and maintenance of such completed projects in a manner as may be deemed fit on a case-to-case basis.Note: The term ‘year’ refers to financial year as defined insection 2(41) of the Act.
6.2	When will an ongoing project be regarded as ‘commenced’?	An ongoing project will have ‘commenced’ when the company has either issued the work order pertaining to the project or awarded the contract for execution of theproject.
6.3	What is the maximum permissible time period for any ongoing project? Can the time period of an ongoing project be extended beyond the permissible period?	As per the definition of an ongoing project, the maximum permissible time period shall be three financial years excluding the financial year in which it is commenced i.e., (1+3) financial years. Under no circumstances shall the time period of an ongoing project be extended beyond its permissible limit.
6.4	What are the responsibilities of the Board in case ongoing projects are undertaken by the company?	In case of ongoing projects, the major responsibilities of the Board, inter-alia, include:(i) identification of the ongoing projects;year-wise allocation of funds;transferring the unspent money to a separate bank account as prescribed under sub-section (6) of section 135;monitoring the implementation of the projects with reference to the approved timelines and year-wise allocation; andmaking modifications, if any, for smooth implementation of the projects within the overallpermissible time period.

Nature of unspent amount Action required Timelines : Unspent amount pertains to ‘on going projects’ Transfer such unspent amount to a separate bank account of the company to be called as ‘Unspent CSRAccount’.Within 30days from the end of the financial year.Unspent amount pertains to ‘other than ongoing projects’Transfer unspent amount to any fund included in Schedule VII of the Act.Within 6months from the end of the financial year.

6.5	Can ongoing projects be implemented through implementing agencies?	Yes, once the Board approves a project as an ongoing project, then it can choose to implement the project either itself, or through any of the implementing agencies as mentioned in rule 4(1) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014.
6.6	Does the Board have the power to abandon or modify an ongoing project within the permissible period of three years?	As per provisions of the CSR Rules, the Board may abandon or modify an ongoing project, partially or wholly, under exceptional circumstances, during the prescribed project period as per the recommendation of its CSR Committee, and by providing reasonable justification to that effect. It is important to keep in mind that the maximum permissible period for an ongoing project is three years excluding the year of its commencement.
6.7	Can funds earmarked for one project be used for another project?	Yes, the budget outlay dedicated for one project can be used against another project. In such a case, the Boardand CSR Committee should appropriately record thealteration in the target spending and modify the same inaccordance with the actuals.
7.0	Treatment of Unspent CSR Amount
7.1	What actions need to be taken if a company spends less than the amount required to be spent under CSR obligation in aparticular year?	If a company spends less than the amount required to be spent under their CSR obligation, the Board shall specifythe reasons for not spending in the Board’s report and shalldeal with the unspent amount in the following manner:

7.2	Where the company was unable to meet its CSR obligation, but transferred the said unspent amount to any fund included in Schedule VII of the Act, will the same be considered as compliance under section 135?	The compliance of CSR is fulfilled when the company spends the prescribed amount as per its obligation. However, in case the company fails to spend the requisite amount within the financial year, it shall fulfil its obligation by transferring the unspent amount to any fund included in Schedule VII of the Act. The same will be consideredas compliance with section 135(5) of the Act. Further, the Board of the company is required to give the requisite disclosure in the Board report and annual report on CSR.
7.3	A company has been given	No, companies are not permitted to spend the unspent
	six months’ time to transfer	CSR amount, other than the amount pertaining to ongoing
	the unspent CSR amount,	projects, on any CSR activity during the intervening period
	other than the amount	of six months after the end of the financial year. Such
	pertaining to ongoing	unspent CSR amount is required to be transferred to any
	projects, to any fund	fund included in Schedule VII of the Act.
	included in Schedule VII of
	the Act. Can the company
	spend this amount in the
	said period of six months
	on any CSR activity?
7.4	Whether disbursal of funds by a company to the implementing agency for the implementation of projects will be considered as spend under section 135(5) andrules made thereunder?	Section 135(5) of the Act prescribes minimum spending obligation for the company. The company may fulfil its CSR spending obligation directly by itself or though engaging an implementing agency. The implementing agency acts on behalf of the company and mere disbursal of funds for implementation of a project does not amount to spending unless the implementing agency utilises the whole amount.
		In the annual action plan, the CSR Committee of thecompany is required to provide for modalities of utilisation of funds. The CSR Committee shall recommend to the Board on budget allocation for any CSR project including modalitiesof utilisation of funds in every project. Further, as per rule 4(5) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, the Board of a company shall satisfy itself that the funds so disbursed have been utilised for the purposes and in the manner asapproved by it and the Chief Financial Officer or the personresponsiblefor financial management shall certify to the effect.

		Accordingly, the CSR Committee and Board should ensure that CSR fund should be disbursed to implementing agencies, partially or wholly, in such a manner so that they can be utilised by them during the financial year. Mere disbursal of funds for implementation of a project does not amount to spending unless the implementing agency utilises the whole amount.
7.5	Should a company open a separate ’Unspent CSR Account’ for each ongoing project?	No, a company can open a single special account, called ‘Unspent Corporate Social Responsibility Account’, for a financial year in any scheduled bank, to transfer the unspent amount w.r.t ongoing project(s) of that financial year. A company needs to open a separate ’Unspent CSR Account’ for each financial year but not for each ongoing project.
7.6	Can the amount transferred to ‘Unspent CSR Account’ of the company be utilised for regular business of the company?	No, the provisioning of a separate special account, namely the ‘Unspent CSR Account’, in any scheduled bank is to ensure that the unspent amount, if any, is transferred to this designated account and used only for meeting the expenses of ongoing projects, and not for other general purposes of the company. The special account cannot be used by the company as collaterals or creating a chargeor any other business activity.
7.7	Can an ongoing project initiated by a company in any previous financial year (for instance in FY 2019-20) be classified as anongoing project under section 135(6) of the Act. Is the unspent amount of previous financial years also required to be transferred to the Unspent CSR Account?	No, the provisions related to ongoing projects have come into effect from 22nd January 2021, i.e., from FY 2020-21 onwards. The said provisions are prospective in effectand not applicable to projects of previous financial years.Further, the Board of the company is free to decide the treatment of the unspent CSR amount of previous financial years prior to FY 2020-21. The Board can either transferthe amount to ‘Unspent CSR Account’ or continue as per the previous accounting practices adopted by the company.

CompanyTwice the unspent amount required to be transferred to any fund included in Schedule VII of the Act or Unspent CSR Account, as the case may be, or onecrore rupees, whichever is less.Every Officer in Default1/10th of the unspent amount required to be transferred to any fund included in Schedule VII of the Act or Unspent CSR Account, or two lakh rupees, whichever is less.

8.0	CSR Enforcement
8.1	What are the penal provisions for non- compliance with the provisions regarding transfer of unspent amount?	The said non-compliance is a civil wrong and shall attract the following penalties:
8.2	Will the penal proceedings apply even after the unspent amount has been transferred to the Unspent CSR Account or to the funds mentioned in Schedule VII of the Act?	The penalty does not relieve the company from the obligations under the law, and the penalty is over and above the obligated amount required to be transferred under section 135(5) or 135(6). The penalty is the consequence of not abiding by the law, and not an alternative for the same.
8.3	Is the penal provision in section 135(7) specific to non-transference of the unspent CSR amount?	Yes, section 135(7) clearly states the penalty for defaultin complying with the provisions of sub-section (5) or sub- section (6) only.
8.4	What are the penal provisions relating to non- compliance with provisions other than section 135(5) and 135(6) of the Act?	In case of non-compliance with any other provisions of the section or rules, the provisions of section 134(8) or general penalty under section 450 of the Act will be applicable. Further, in case of non-payment of penalty within the stipulated period, the provisions of section 454(8) will be applicable.

9.0	Impact Assessment
9.1	What is the objective of providing impact assessment of CSR activities?	The purpose of impact assessment is to assess the social impact of a particular CSR project. The intent is to encourage companies to take considered decisions before deploying CSR amounts and assess the impact of theirCSR spending. This not only serves as feedback for companies to plan and allocate resources better but shallalso deepen the impact of CSR.
9.2	Which companies are required to undertake impact assessment?	Rule 8(3) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 mandates following class of companies to conduct impact assessment:companies with minimum average CSR obligation of Rs. 10 crore or more in the immediately preceding 3 financial years; andcompanies that have CSR projects with outlays of minimum Rs. 1 crore and which have been completed not less than 1 year before undertaking impact assessment. Impact assessment shall be carried out project-wise only in cases where both the above conditions are fulfilled. In other cases, it can be taken up by the company on a voluntary basis.
9.3	Whether companies are required to undertake impact assessment for FY 2020-21?	The provisions for impact assessment have come into effect from 22nd January, 2021. Accordingly, the company is required to undertake impact assessment of the CSR projects completed on or after January 22, 2021.However, as a good practice the Board may undertake impact assessment of completed projects of previous financial years.
9.4	Who can conduct impact assessment?	Rule 8(3) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 requires that the impact assessment be conducted by an independent agency. The Board has the prerogative to decide on the eligibility criteria for selection of the independent agency for impact assessment.

9.5	Is expenditure on impact assessment over andabove the administrative overheads of 5%, or included in the same?	Yes, the expenditure incurred on impact assessment is over and above the specified administrative overheads of 5%. Expenditure up to a maximum of 5% of the total CSR expenditure for that financial year or 50 lakh rupees (whichever is lower) can be incurred separately forimpact assessment.
9.6	Whether impact assessment reports of all the CSR projects shall be annexed to the annual report on CSR?	Rule 8(3)(b) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 provides that impact assessment reports shall be placed before the Board and shall be annexed to the report on CSR. It is clarified that web-link to access the complete impact assessment reports and providing executive summary of the impact assessment reports in the annual report on CSR, shall be considered as sufficientcompliance of the said rule.
9.7	When two or more companies collaborate for implementation of a CSR project, should the impact assessment carried out by one company be shared with other companies?	Yes, in case two or more companies choose tocollaborate for the implementation of a CSR project, then the impact assessment carried out by one company for the common project may be shared with the other companies for the purpose of disclosure to the Board and in the annual report on CSR. The sharing of the cost of impact assessment may be decided by the collaborating companies subject to the limit as prescribed in rule 8(3)(c) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 for eachcompany.
10.0	CSR Reporting & Disclosure
10.1	Whether reporting of CSR is mandatory in Board’s Report?	Yes, as per rule 8(1) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, the Board’s Report pertaining to any financial year, for a CSR-eligible company, shall includean annual report on CSR containing particulars specified in Annexure I or Annexure II of the said rules, as applicable.
10.2	Is it mandatory for foreign companies to give reports on CSR activities?	Yes, as per rule 8(2) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, in case of a CSR-eligible foreign company, the balance sheet filed under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 381 of the Act, shall include an annual report on CSR containing particulars specified in Annexure IorAnnexure II of the said rules, as applicable.

10.3	What are the disclosure requirements on the website of the company?	As per rule 9, the Board of Directors of the company shall mandatorily disclose the following on their website, if any, for public access:(i) Composition of the CSR Committee;CSR Policy; andProjects approved by the Board.
10.4	Whether every CSR projectirrespective of outlay andpercentage to the total CSRexpenditure of thecompany needs to bedisclosed on the website ofthe respective company interms of rule 9 of theCompanies (CSR Policy)Rules, 2014?	Yes, as per rule 9 of the Companies (CSR Policy)Rules,2014, all CSR projects approved by the Board are requiredto be disclosed on the website of the company, if any, forpublic access.

Contact us to explore collaboration opportunities, learn more about our initiatives, or contribute towards making a difference that truly matters.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrishtiFoundationTrust/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/drishtifoundation

Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/drishtifoundationtrust

Twitter : https://www.twitter.com/dftindia

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/drishtifoundationtrust