Sustainable Development Goals through public sector social responsibility of Indian energy firms - a qualitative analysis

Public sectors have been regulated by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) CSR guidelines since 2010, and thus have the experience and expertise of formally carrying out corporate social responsibility (CSR). These organisations also fall under the ambit of the CSR law, which prevails over the DPE CSR guidelines. Understanding the potential of these organisations to contribute to CSR, the government aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through CSR. Consequently, the country has linked the SDGs with its national development goals and has set ambitious goals for their implementation. This study analyses and documents the CSR practices of the Indian public sectors concerning the CSR law and the SDGs for sustainable growth in a holistic manner for the people and the planet. Further, the interviews from the key functionaries have helped understand the policy level changes that need to be introduced for successful CSR implementation and achievement of the goals.