NSE to Route 10% of Annual CSR Corpus Through Social Stock Exchange Projects

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The Social Stock Exchange provides a regulated framework for social sector fundraising.

NEW DELHI (India CSR): National Stock Exchange of India, a leading exchange in India’s financial markets sector, will earmark 10% of its annual CSR corpus for deployment through projects listed on the NSE Social Stock Exchange to support transparent, accountable and outcome-oriented social impact initiatives.

The decision follows the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ Gazette Notifications dated May 27, 2026. These notifications permit companies to undertake CSR expenditure through subscription to Zero Coupon Zero Principal instruments listed on the Social Stock Exchange.

NSE said the move is aimed at strengthening India’s social impact ecosystem. It also seeks to support credible social sector organisations through a regulated and transparent funding route.

CSR Funds to Support SSE-Listed Projects

The National Stock Exchange of India announced that it will deploy 10% of its annual Corporate Social Responsibility corpus through projects listed on the NSE Social Stock Exchange.

The decision marks an important institutional use of the Social Stock Exchange platform for CSR deployment. The platform enables eligible social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations to raise funds for development-focused projects.

According to NSE, the commitment reflects its belief in the potential of the Social Stock Exchange as a market-based platform for channelising capital towards the social sector.

Decision Follows MCA Notification

In March 2026, the CSR Committee of NSE had agreed in principle to deploy 10% of NSE’s annual CSR corpus through the NSE-SSE platform. The decision was subject to enabling regulatory provisions.

The formal move has now been operationalised after the Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued Gazette Notifications on May 27, 2026. These notifications allow CSR expenditure through subscription to Zero Coupon Zero Principal instruments listed on the Social Stock Exchange.

The regulatory change is expected to provide companies with an additional route to support social sector projects under the CSR framework.

Focus on Transparency and Accountability

The Social Stock Exchange provides a regulated framework for social sector fundraising. It is designed to bring greater transparency, visibility and accountability to the deployment of funds.

Through this route, CSR funds can be linked to listed projects of eligible social organisations. The structure is expected to help companies evaluate projects through a formal platform.

NSE said that by deploying part of its own CSR corpus through NSE-SSE, it aims to encourage wider institutional participation in similar social financing models.

NSE Chairperson Welcomes CSR Route Through SSE

Injeti Srinivas, Chairperson of NSE, complimented the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for allowing CSR funds to be routed through the Social Stock Exchange.

He said the move will enhance transparency, visibility and impact of CSR contributions.

“In support of this move, the NSE has decided to earmark 10% of its CSR spending for selected projects listed on the NSE Social Stock Exchange,” he said.

He also expressed hope that many major CSR contributors would follow this route, making India a global role model in CSR.

NSE-SSE Has Mobilised Over Rs 44.5 Crore

The NSE Social Stock Exchange was launched in February 2023 under the guidance of the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

It is a regulated platform that facilitates fundraising by eligible social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.

Since its launch, NSE-SSE has facilitated all Social Stock Exchange fundraising issuances in India, according to the release. The platform has supported 16 listed projects, including two joint listings.

These projects have collectively mobilised over Rs 44.5 crore. The sectors covered include education, healthcare, women empowerment, climate action, sustainable livelihoods, skilling and poverty alleviation.

Institutional Relevance for India’s CSR Ecosystem

The decision has relevance for CSR leaders, social sector organisations, ESG professionals and policymakers.

It reflects a growing interest in structured and transparent social financing mechanisms. It also shows how stock exchange platforms can play a role in connecting CSR capital with listed social projects.

For companies, the development may offer a more formal route for CSR deployment. For social organisations, it may improve access to institutional funding, subject to eligibility and compliance requirements.

NSE said the move is intended to contribute to India’s developmental aspirations at scale through innovative social financing alternatives.