New Delhi, Feb 12 : State-owned oil companies have allocated 4% of their net profits towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives over the past three years, double the mandated 2%, according to Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Addressing a supplementary question during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Puri revealed that the total CSR expenditure by oil PSUs was just under ₹4,000 crore over this period. He explained that if an Oil Marketing Company (OMC) fails to meet the 2% CSR obligation in a given year, it can carry forward the shortfall for up to three years.

Puri emphasized, “All OMCs have spent twice the required amount on CSR, demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility.”

He also highlighted challenges faced by oil companies in certain states where exploration, production, and pipeline installation face opposition, impacting CSR activities in those regions. Despite this, CSR spending is typically concentrated in areas with active oil marketing or exploration facilities.

Puri cited West Bengal as an example, where ₹1,000 crore was invested by ONGC with 99 wells drilled, yet further progress was hindered.

Additionally, Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Jitan Ram Manjhi, noted that the PM Vishwakarma Scheme has not been implemented in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, citing lack of cooperation at the state level.

Earlier, a question related to non-payment of dues by housing developers in Noida and other cities of Uttar Pradesh was withdrawn, leading to protests from Opposition leaders.