Companies’ spending to tackle COVID-19 to be considered CSR: Government

Under the Companies law, certain classes of profitable entities have to shell out at least 2% of their three-year annual net profit towards CSR activities in a particular financial year.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. File

Companies’ expenditure to deal with the coronavirus outbreak will be considered as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, according to the government.

Over 400 people in India have been infected by COVID-19 and at least seven people have died while many States have announced lockdowns to curb spread of infections.

Under the Companies law, certain classes of profitable entities have to shell out at least 2% of their three-year annual net profit towards CSR activities in a particular financial year.

“It is hereby clarified that spending of CSR funds for COVID-19 is eligible CSR activity,” the corporate affairs ministry said in a circular.

The ministry is implementing the Companies Act.

Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted the circular.

“In view of the spread of novel #CoronaVirus in India, its declaration as pandemic by the WHO, and decision of Government of India to treat this as notified disaster, it is hereby clarified that spending of CSR funds for COVID-19 is eligible CSR activity...,” she tweeted quoting the circular.