The Karnataka government will work on a structured framework to connect Global Capability Centres (GCCs) with government departments for corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, Priyank Kharge, Minister for Home, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Governance, Government of Karnataka said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the GCC CSR Leadership Forum in Bengaluru, organised by SoulAce, Kharge said the framework would address difficulties companies face in identifying relevant departments, navigating government processes and obtaining approvals for CSR initiatives.
“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 facilitate partnerships aligned with 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 consider piloting solutions developed by startups and industry, with successful initiatives potentially adopted more widely.
Citing examples of corporate-supported community initiatives, the minister referred to the redistribution of around 1,000 refurbished computers to grassroots offices and hostels, as well as an eye-testing programme that has reached more than 200,000 people.
He also highlighted opportunities for GCCs to contribute to water conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and urban wastewater management. He called for responsible technology adoption, including safeguards for data privacy and cybersecurity, and pointed to potential corporate participation in public infrastructure, education, arts and culture.
The forum also saw the launch of SoulAce’s report, State of CSR in India’s GCCs 2025–26, which examines CSR priorities and practices among GCCs in the country.
The government has not announced a timeline for developing the proposed framework.
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