Chennai, Dec 14 : Tamil Nadu Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions, and Commerce, TRB Rajaa, has called on companies to prioritize investing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds within the state to foster inclusive growth and innovation. Speaking at the summit on ‘Viksit Bharat 2047: Driving Inclusive Growth through CSR and Technology’ at IIT-Madras, Rajaa highlighted Tamil Nadu’s rich talent pool and resources as untapped assets for driving progress. He emphasized the importance of local investment in CSR to maximize benefits for communities and ensure sustainable development.

Rajaa pointed out Tamil Nadu’s leadership in utilizing CSR funds effectively, ranking third among all states, and urged companies to leverage this momentum to invest in critical areas like energy storage and research and development. Citing IIT-Madras as a hub of innovation, he encouraged partnerships with the institute to develop cutting-edge solutions for industry challenges. IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti echoed this sentiment, showcasing how CSR has driven sustainability and innovation, citing initiatives like the Carbon Zero Challenge and advancements in devices for differently-abled individuals, made possible through CSR funding.

The summit, organized by IIT-Madras, convened corporate leaders, public sector executives, and CSR heads to explore collaboration opportunities between industry, academia, and government. Highlighting IIT-Madras’s expertise in technology and sustainable solutions, the event aimed to strengthen partnerships that align with the government’s vision for a sustainable and equitable future. By channeling CSR funds towards local innovation and community development, Tamil Nadu seeks to set a benchmark for inclusive growth.