Fulfilling the Dharma of Education: An Analysis of Csr Investment and Compliance in Skill Development by Top NSE Firms

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a statutory and ethical instrument for promoting inclusive development in India. The Companies Act, 2013 mandates eligible firms to allocate CSR funds toward socially relevant areas, including education and skill development. This study examines CSR investment patterns, compliance behaviour, and governance quality of top National Stock Exchange (NSE) listed companies selected on the basis of market capitalisation. Using secondary data from annual and sustainability reports of ten leading firms over the period 2020–21 to 2024–25, the study analyses mandated CSR, actual CSR expenditure, allocation toward skill development, and CSR compliance scores. “The findings reveal that most firms not only comply with statutory requirements but also engage in voluntary CSR overspending, reflecting ethical responsibility aligned with the Dharmic principle of duty. The study highlights the role of governance quality in strengthening CSR compliance and skill development initiatives.