Bringing corporate organisations and states together to identify school needs and explore targeted CSR partnerships was the key outcome of the National CSR Meet for School Education organised by the Union Ministry of Education in Gurugram, Haryana, on 31 October. The initiative seeks to channel corporate resources towards improving infrastructure, strengthening school facilities and creating better learning environments.
Organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL) through Vidyanjali, its school volunteer programme, the meet brought together corporate representatives, States and Union Territories, and implementing agencies to explore opportunities for collaboration.
A key feature was the CSR-State Interaction, which connected corporate representatives with State Nodal Officers, Ministry officials, the Programme Management Unit (PMU) and the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Discussions focused on building partnerships between companies and states, identifying areas for collaboration and matching resources with schools’ specific requirements.
States and Union Territories also shared their experiences with Vidyanjali. Andhra Pradesh spoke about implementing the programme, Karnataka highlighted its school adoption initiatives, Mizoram presented its experience of community participation, and Delhi showcased innovations and other activities.
Implementing agencies ChildFund India, SARD India, Inspiring Seniors Foundation and ETI Foundation shared their experiences of working with schools and facilitating their development.
Representatives of the State Bank of India (SBI) and Bharti Airtel presented their initiatives in school education during the technical sessions, highlighting how corporate participation can strengthen school resources and improve learning environments.
Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Archana Sharma Awasthi; Economic Advisor, DoSEL, A. Srija; and other senior Ministry officials attended the meet.
Vidyanjali is a DoSEL initiative that encourages communities, volunteers and private organisations to contribute to government and government-aided schools. Its digital platform connects schools with individuals, organisations and CSR partners willing to offer services, organise activities or provide assets based on schools’ needs.
The programme’s CSR framework has two components: the CSR Module and the Adopt-a-School Module. These allow organisations to meet specific school requirements or contribute to the broader development of a school.
By bringing companies, states and implementing agencies onto one platform, Vidyanjali aims to make it easier for schools to access resources and direct contributions towards areas where they can make a tangible difference.