Published Paper Details:

Primary education is the pillar of a country's growth, the foundation of lifelong learning and societal change. In India, though there are numerous government initiatives, primary education still grapples with serious issues like poor infrastructure, shortages of teachers, poor learning outcomes, and inequalities in access. On this background, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has arisen as a strategic means by which the corporate world can make positive contributions to the education sector. This research paper discusses the significance of CSR in improving primary education in India and the nature, extent, and effect of corporate interventions. It discusses how, as per the mandate of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, the CSR funds of companies are being utilized for primary education activities such as school infrastructure development, e-learning, training of teachers, and community programs. The article introduces secondary data analysis and case studies of the chosen companies recognized for effective educational CSR initiatives. Findings reflect that CSR interventions have improved access and quality significantly in many of the underserved areas, but sustainability, accountability, and regional imbalances still pose challenges. The report concludes with suggestions for aligning CSR interventions with national education priorities like the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and proposing frameworks for increased public-private partnerships to enable long-term education development.