CSR, Social Stock Exchange and ESG Advisory
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Legal Applicability
CSR
Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) compliance for companies meeting specified financial thresholds in the immediately preceding financial year. It applies to every company with a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or net profit of ₹5 crore or more. Such companies must constitute a CSR Committee, formulate a CSR Policy, and spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the preceding three financial years on CSR activities specified under Schedule VII. Non-compliance attracts penal consequences under the Act, making it essential for eligible companies to ensure timely and accurate CSR compliance.
ESG Disclosure — BRSR in India
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, introduced by SEBI, mandates ESG disclosures for the top 1,000 listed companies in India by market capitalisation. Applicable from FY 2022-23, BRSR requires companies to report on environmental, social and governance (ESG) parameters, including principle-wise disclosures under the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC), through both qualitative and quantitative metrics. SEBI has further introduced BRSR Core, requiring mandatory assurance on 9 KPIs, applicable to a company in a phased manner starting with the top 150 listed entities and progressively extending to the top 1,000 for FY 2026-27. Non-compliance may attract regulatory action under SEBI's Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR).
Social Stock Exchange
The Social Stock Exchange (SSE) is a novel initiative by SEBI, launched as a separate segment under existing stock exchanges like the BSE and NSE, to enable social enterprises and non-profit organisations to raise funds directly from the capital markets for social causes. Registration on the SSE strengthens governance and reporting discipline, enabling NPOs to demonstrate transparent, measurable social impact to a broader base of investors and donors. The Social Stock Exchange offers Not-for-Profit Organisations (NPOs) enhanced credibility, wider visibility, and access to a structured, diversified pool of funding beyond traditional grants and donations. For corporate and retail donors, the SSE provides a regulated and transparent platform to channel CSR funds and impact investments, ensuring greater accountability and verifiable outcomes for their contributions.
Our Service Offerings
CSR Advisory
Positioning sustainability and CSR as essential for organisations to achieve long-term financial success in today's business landscape.
We work with corporates to design, implement, and monitor CSR strategies that go beyond compliance — from CSR policy drafting and CSR Committee formation to project selection, budgeting, implementation partner due diligence, impact assessment, and annual reporting under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
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Advisory and assurance support for Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) and broader ESG compliance and strategy.
We assist companies with BRSR and Sustainability reporting, training and assurance, helping you understand and comply with BRSR and ESG requirements more effectively and efficiently.
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Social Stock Exchange Advisory
Guidance on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE), a segment of the stock exchange enabling social enterprises to raise public funds.
The Social Stock Exchange is transforming how non-profits, social enterprises, and impact-focused organizations access funds — including CSR funds — by providing a transparent, regulated platform that connects social impact initiatives with investors and donors. For organizations aspiring to list on the Social Stock Exchange, expert handholding is even more critical, given the rigorous process and documentation for registration, fund raising and compliances. We at Mehta & Mehta have handled corporate IPOs for many years. We assist and provide end-to-end Social Stock Exchange advisory services to help NPOs successfully prepare, list, and raise funds through the SSE ecosystem.
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