New Delhi: The CSC CSR Conclave 2025 held in Delhi brought a renewed focus on how technology, skilling, and corporate responsibility can together power rural India’s next phase of growth. Organised by CSC Academy and the Indian ESG Network, the event served as a platform for dialogue between government, corporate, and development leaders on using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to support digital inclusion and skill-based education in underserved regions.
Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, opened the conclave by describing Common Services Centres (CSCs) as “a radical idea bridging the urban-rural divide through technology.” He recognised CSC Academy’s efforts in aligning with national priorities, including schemes like PM Vishwakarma Yojana, while creating tangible social impact through vocational training and digital access.
Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Chairman and Secretary of CSC Academy, delivered the keynote address and spoke of CSCs as more than just digital infrastructure. He called them grassroots institutions powered by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), capable of delivering essential services and digital education. “CSR is not just a statutory requirement but a strategic driver for inclusive progress,” he said, stressing the need for scalable models that reach those left out of the mainstream.
The conclave included focused discussions on the role of CSR in tackling rural challenges such as access to healthcare, financial inclusion, women empowerment, and skilling in future-ready sectors like AI, Cybersecurity, and Healthcare. Dr Biswajit Saha from CBSE highlighted how CSC Academy is helping prepare rural youth for jobs of the future.
Speakers from various sectors added practical insights. Abhishek Gupta from UNICEF spoke about the “Passport to Earning” initiative aimed at connecting youth to career pathways. Parnal Vats from VISA discussed the company’s “Digital Village” initiative, and Geetanjali Gaur from Kyndryl shared how industry partnerships can improve digital outreach. Rajiv Malik, CEO of Graposs Connect, introduced the CSC Olympiad as a community-based learning initiative.
Thematic panels anchored the event’s second half. The Education, Skilling, and Employability panel was chaired by Sunil Dahiya from the Wadhwani Foundation and featured participants like Raj Kumar Srivastava (IFS, Karnataka) and Pallav Tiwari from UNICEF. Another session on Women and Child Healthcare brought together sector experts such as Punit Desai from Welcome Cure and Yogesh Patil from Biosense, under the moderation of Vashima Subha from Ernst & Young.
As the event concluded, CSC Academy reiterated its long-term vision to use digital infrastructure and public-private partnerships to improve lives in rural India. The conclave closed with a clear message: CSR, when applied strategically and locally, can become a lever for rural transformation.
BI Bureau
