Talking about Kerala, the first things that flash on the mind are the magical backwaters, greenery, pristine beaches, spice and tea plantations and Ayurvedic therapies. Dubbed as ‘God’s Own Country’, one of the most beautiful states of India, Kerala is known for its backwaters and serene surroundings.
Located between the Western Ghats mountains and the Arabian Sea, scenic beauty of the tea gardens, beaches, waterfalls, houseboats, and wildlife sanctuaries make Kerala a preferred destination for tourists from other parts of India as well as from across the world.
As per data from National CSR portal, in the financial year 2023-24, the total CSR expenditure in Kerala has been Rs 387.91 crore, with a total of 633 companies donating their CSR funds across 16 districts of the state.
Top 3 districts
The top 3 districts to get CSR benefits in Kerala are respectively Ernakulam (amount spent towards CSR 166.6 cr), Thrissur (60.21 cr) and Thiruvananthapuram (33.6 cr). Palakkad, Kollam, Kozhikode, Kannur, Idukki, Kottayam, Wayanad and Alappuzha are some of the other districts enjoying CSR benefits in the state.
Top 3 sectors
The top 3 sectors in which most of the CSR activities have been performed in the state are
Education, Differently Abled, Livelihood (CSR spent 158.95 cr)
Health, eradicating hunger, poverty and malnutrition, safe drinking water, sanitation (CSR spent 132.57 cr)
Rural Development (CSR spent 32.79 cr)
Top 5 companies
The top five companies spending for CSR in Kerala in FY 2023-24 are respectively Muthoot Finance Limited (50.47 cr), Manappuram Finance Limited (38.52 cr), Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd. (15.86 cr), Sobha Limited (Rs 14.34 cr) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (Rs 11.42 cr).
Muthoot Finance Ltd
Muthoot Finance Ltd. is a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India, primarily focused on providing gold loans to individuals and businesses. They are known for their extensive branch network, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, and their commitment to financial inclusion. Beyond gold loans, they also offer services like money transfer, microfinance, and vehicle loans.
Muthoot Finance’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are guided by a policy that focuses on economic development, societal progress, and environmental protection, aiming to improve the overall quality of life. The company emphasizes a transparent and honest business approach, maintaining privacy and striving for customer satisfaction.
Highest spender for CSR in Kerala in the FY24, Muthoot Finance Limited has spent 50.47 cr towards CSR activities in the state focusing mostly on education and livelihood enhancement projects mostly in Ernakulam.
Manappuram Finance Limited
Manappuram Finance Ltd. is one of India’s leading gold loan non-banking finance companies (NBFC). Promoted by V.P. Nandakumar, the current MD and CEO, the origin dates back to 1949 when it was founded as a pawn broking and money lending firm in the coastal village of Valapad (Thrissur District) by his late father V.C. Padmanabhan. Incorporated in 1992, Manappuram Finance Ltd. has grown at a rapid pace.
The company mentions in its CSR policy, ‘We, at Manappuram Finance Ltd., believe that our business is built around strong social relevance of inclusive growth by supporting the common man in fulfilling their financial needs. We equally believe that creation of large societal capital is as important as wealth creation for our shareholders. As a responsible societal organization, we are committed towards the above objective and are keen on developing a sustainable business model to ensure and activate our future growth drivers.’
Second highest spender for CSR in Kerala in the FY24, Manappuram Finance Limited has spent 38.52 cr towards CSR activities in the state focusing mostly on education and healthcare projects mostly in Thrissur.
Manappuram Finance Limited’s CSR initiatives are primarily managed through the Manappuram Foundation, which was established in 2008. The foundation focuses on various areas including education, healthcare, environment, and community development. They offer programs like the Janaraksha Manappuram Free Health Insurance Scheme, which provides free medical care to BPL families, and the Manappuram Academy for Professional Education, which offers free coaching for professional courses.
CSR of Fertilisers And Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT)
The Fertilisers And Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) was incorporated in the year 1943 as the first large-scale fertilizer plant in India at Udyogamandal, Kochi, Kerala. FACT started production in 1947. Initially in the Private Sector, FACT became a Public Sector company in 1960 and the Government of India became the major shareholder in 1962. FACT is under the administrative control of the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India.
Third highest spender for CSR in Kerala in the FY24, FACT has spent 15.86 cr towards CSR activities in the state focusing mostly on Education and Rural Development projects mostly in Ernakulam.
CSR of Sobha Limited
Sobha Limited is a prominent Indian real estate developer with a strong focus on construction, development, and related activities. They are known for their backward integration, handling various aspects of projects from design to execution, including manufacturing components like concrete, interiors, and glazing. The company operates in both the real estate and contractual/manufacturing segments.
Sobha Limited, through its CSR arm, the Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust, focuses on social development in Kerala, particularly in the Palakkad district. Their initiatives include education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. Sobha Academy provides free education to underprivileged children, and they also support students pursuing higher education through the Sobha Icon program. Additionally, Sobha offers healthcare services and supports dowry-free weddings and widow rehabilitation.
CSR of Federal Bank
Federal Bank is personal, NRI and business banking partner for a growing expanse of customers across India. The Bank, which operates in urban as well as rural areas, is driven by the quest to be one of the most admired banking institutions in the country.
The bank focuses on values like commitment to excellence, agility, relationship orientation, ethics and sustainability. Corporate Social Responsibility is a major component of the operating philosophy of the Federal Bank Limited.
The CSR activities of the Bank are performed by Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation, a charitable trust set up by the Bank in 1996, in memory of its Founder KP Hormis.
‘The Bank desires to make a meaningful contribution for the improvement of those people who are at the bottom of the social pyramid, and thereby act as socially conscious, well governed and successful corporate citizen of the country, maintaining highest standards of corporate governance with the cooperation and involvement of its employees, constituents, society, shareholders and other stakeholders including the Government,’ Federal Bank mentions in its CSR policy.
Federal Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Kerala are primarily managed through the Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation. The foundation focuses on developing communities and promoting environmental sustainability, with key areas of focus including health, education, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability.Â
CSR of Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL)
Cochin Shipyard Ltd. was incorporated in the year 1972 as a fully owned Govt of India company. In the last three decades the company has emerged as a forerunner in the Indian Shipbuilding & Ship repair industry.
As per the company’s CSR Policy, they focus mainly on Healthcare, Education, Empowerment, Ensuring environmental sustainability & Animal Welfare, Protection of National Heritage, Sports, Defence veterans, Recognised Relief & Welfare funds, Incubators and R&D Projects, Rural Development / Slum Area Development and Disaster management, including relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) actively engages in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, focusing on areas like health, education, sanitation, and environmental sustainability, with a strong emphasis on empowering marginalized communities, including differently-abled individuals and transgender people. Their CSR projects aim to create a positive social and environmental impact, aligning with the company’s values and vision of equity and equality.
Other companies contributing towards CSR in Kerala
HDFC Bank Ltd, Tata Consumer Products Ltd, FCI OEN Connectors Ltd, Kitex garments LTD, Irel (India) Ltd, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Kitex Childrenswear Ltd and Reliance Industries Ltd, are some of the other major companies spending towards CSR in Kerala.
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