International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN: 2319-7064 ResearchGate Impact Factor (2018): 0.28 | SJIF (2019): 7.583 Volume 9 Issue 10, October 2020 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY An Analytical Study of the CSR Reporting in India - Aligning, Measuring and Reporting CSR with Global and National Goals Garima Dadhich 1 , Ravi Raj Atrey 2 Abstract: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India has some distinct features which makes it different from what the CSR is perceived in almost rest of the world. For the purpose of understanding CSR in its totality, this study analyses CSR as a global concept. It starts with providing conceptual understanding on the Corporate Social Responsibility and its Reporting; analysis of legal paradigm related to CSR Reporting in India including relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2013 and National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct etc. Apart from mandatory CSR reporting in India, the study also presents how eligible companies operating in India adopt and practice CSR Reporting more innovatively. This paper also presents the international eco-system on CSR Reporting by presenting some of the International Instruments of CSR Reporting. The research paper analyses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reporting regime in India and practices in CSR Reporting and also presents some cases. In the last it also presents how CSR Reporting can be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals analysing the contribution of CSR in International and National developmental agenda and goals by Indian corporate and systems and instruments of reporting adopted for this purpose. The study tries to fill the gap of information / analysis on relevance of different reporting instruments of CSR Reporting in the Indian context. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Reporting, SDGs, NGRBC, Nationally Determined Contributors, Business and Human Rights 1. Introduction The study has been done based on the analysis of secondary information on corporate social responsibility reporting instruments and practices in India and Internationally. CSR in India has some distinct features which makes it different from what the CSR is perceived in almost rest of the world. For the purpose of understanding CSR in its totality, this study analyses CSR as a global concept. It starts with providing conceptual understanding on the Corporate Social Responsibility and its Reporting; analysis of legal paradigm related to CSR Reporting in India including relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2013 and National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct etc. Apart from mandatory CSR reporting in India, the study also presents how eligible companies operating in India adopt and practice CSR Reporting more innovatively. This paper also presents the international eco-system on CSR Reporting by presenting some of the International Instruments of CSR Reporting. The research paper analyses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reporting regime in India and practices in CSR Reporting and also presents some cases. In the last it also presents how CSR Reporting can be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals analysing the contribution of CSR in International and National developmental agenda and goals by Indian corporate and systems and instruments of reporting adopted for this purpose. The study tries to fill the gap of information / analysis on relevance of different reporting instruments of CSR Reporting in the Indian context. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Sustainability terms are used interchangeably around the globe. However, Corporate Social Responsibility in India has some distinct features which make it different from what the CSR is considered in the rest of the world. CSR in India addresses the issues as prescribed under the Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 majorly comprising the social development and environment protection activities. Whereas Corporate Sustainability as adopted by globally, is an area where all business processes are aligned with sustainable or responsible way i.e. integrating sustainability in business value chains and supply chains. The responsible business practice is a continuous process in which the corporations integrate the responsible behaviour at each step and activity of the business. Starting from the sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, supplying, etc. the ethical behaviour of the firms towards natural resources should be the part and parcel of each of their activities. Socially responsible behaviour is also an integral part of it. 1.1 Importance of the CSR /Sustainability Reporting It has become a prerequisite for every company to create better CSR reports. CSR or Sustainability Reporting is a means for corporate disclosures, companies need to disclose to its stakeholders, the adverse impact they are making and potential risks to society, economy and environment by their operations. Not only the adverse impacts, but companies need to disclose the remedial and preventive measures being taken by them in order to address issues arising out of their operations.These disclosures not only help companies to take competitive advantages but also assist in attracting investments, value creation for share-holders and business stake-holders, attracting and retaining consumers/customers, positive branding, and competitive market advantages The popular statement - "You can‟t manage what you can‟t measure" is much relevant in terms of business sustainability / CSR reporting. Measuring the adverse impact a business is making on social, economic and environmental spheres through its existence and processes, and also measuring the initiatives being taken by the business in terms of protecting and taking remedial measures is utmost important. CSR and Sustainability Reporting is a way through which companies can disseminate their efforts towards social, economic and environmental sustainability and can win trust of different segments of business stakeholders. Paper ID: SR201018115937 DOI: 10.21275/SR201018115937 1145