Karnataka is planning a structured approach to help Global Capability Centres (GCCs) direct their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives towards the state’s development priorities. The framework will connect companies with relevant government departments and simplify the process of setting up collaborative projects.
Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Governance, announced the plan on Wednesday at the GCC CSR Leadership Forum in Bengaluru, organised by SoulAce.
Kharge said the framework would address challenges companies face in identifying the right government departments, navigating official procedures and securing approvals for CSR projects.
“GCCs have the willingness and resources to contribute to Karnataka’s development. We will work on a more structured approach to connect their CSR priorities with the needs of the state and facilitate collaboration with the relevant government departments,” Kharge said.
He urged GCCs to identify the communities and development areas they want to support so the government can help establish partnerships that match the state’s priorities.
Potential areas of collaboration include education, skilling and livelihoods, water management, sustainability, nutrition and community development. Kharge also encouraged companies to test solutions developed by startups and industry, with successful initiatives potentially expanded for wider use.
Highlighting existing community efforts, the minister cited the redistribution of around 1,000 refurbished computers to grassroots offices and hostels. He also referred to an eye-testing programme that has reached more than 200,000 people.
Kharge identified further opportunities for GCCs in water conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and urban wastewater management. He also called for responsible technology adoption, with safeguards for data privacy and cybersecurity.
Corporate participation could extend to public infrastructure, education, arts and culture, he added.
The forum also marked the launch of SoulAce’s report, State of CSR in India’s GCCs 2025–26, which examines CSR priorities and practices among GCCs across the country.
The Karnataka government has not yet announced a timeline for developing the proposed framework.
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