The CSC CSR Conclave 2025, inaugurated by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), marked a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of inclusive growth and rural empowerment. Held under the theme of leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for sustainable development, the event underscored the transformative role of Common Services Centres (CSCs) in bridging the urban-rural divide through technology.
Inaugural Address: A Vision for Rural Empowerment
Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari emphasized the revolutionary impact of CSCs, stating, “CSC represents a radical idea bridging the urban-rural divide through technology.” He highlighted their alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision for rural digital empowerment and praised CSC Academy’s contributions to vocational training and digital literacy, particularly through initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
Keynote: CSCs as Catalysts for Change
Shri Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Chairman and Secretary of CSC Academy, described CSCs as more than just digital access points. Operated by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), CSCs empower communities by delivering essential services. He noted, “CSR is not just a statutory requirement but a strategic driver for inclusive progress,” emphasizing the Academy’s focus on scalable CSR programs for rural populations.
Key Discussions and Panels
Organized by CSC Academy and the Indian ESG Network, the Conclave brought together leaders from government, corporate, and development sectors. Key discussions focused on:
- Education, Skilling, and Employability: Chaired by Shri Sunil Dahiya (Wadhwani Foundation), with insights from Shri Raj Kumar Srivastava (IFS, Karnataka) and Shri Pallav Tiwari (UNICEF).
- Women and Child Healthcare: Led by Dr. Vashima Subha (Ernst & Young), featuring experts like Shri Punit Desai (Welcome Cure) and Dr. Yogesh Patil (Biosense).
- Digital Literacy and Financial Inclusion: Highlighted through initiatives like UNICEF’s “Passport to Earning” (presented by Shri Abhishek Gupta) and VISA’s “Digital Village” program (shared by Ms. Parnal Vats).
Dr. Biswajit Saha from CBSE also underscored CSC Academy’s role in preparing youth for emerging fields like AI, cybersecurity, and healthcare.
Notable Initiatives and Speakers
The Conclave showcased impactful CSR initiatives, including the CSC Olympiad (presented by Shri Rajiv Malik, CEO of Graposs Connect) and contributions from corporate leaders like Ms. Geetanjali Gaur (Kyndryl). These efforts highlighted the power of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable change.
Why This Matters
The CSC CSR Conclave 2025 reinforced the critical role of CSR in addressing rural challenges, from digital exclusion to skill gaps. By empowering VLEs and leveraging technology, CSCs are transforming rural India into a hub of opportunity, aligning with national goals of sustainability and inclusivity.
Looking Ahead
The Conclave concluded with a renewed commitment to rural transformation through digital inclusion, skill-based education, and collaborative partnerships. CSC Academy’s mission to empower underserved communities remains at the forefront, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future.