Bridging the urban-rural divide: CSC academy leads the way in digital inclusion and skilling
The CSC CSR Conclave 2025 marked a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward inclusive growth and rural empowerment, placing technology at the heart of social transformation. Inaugurated by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the event spotlighted the powerful role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in bridging the urban-rural divide through Common Services Centres (CSCs).
“CSC represents a radical idea bridging the urban-rural divide through technology,” said Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), during the inauguration of the CSC CSR Conclave 2025. His remarks highlighted the central theme of the event leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for a sustainable tomorrow through rural empowerment and inclusive growth.
Shri Tiwari also cited the visionary role of Common Services Centres (CSCs) in strengthening India’s social capital, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for rural digital empowerment. He acknowledged the vital role of CSC Academy in advancing CSR initiatives, especially in vocational training and digital empowerment for rural populations, and praised CSC’s alignment with national goals, particularly through programs like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
The Conclave, organized by CSC Academy and the Indian ESG Network, brought together leaders from government, corporate, and development sectors to discuss how CSR can drive environmental sustainability, community development, and transformative change in rural India.
In his keynote address, Shri Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Chairman and Secretary of CSC Academy, expanded on the transformative impact of the Common Services Centres (CSCs) across the country. He described CSCs not just as digital access points but as catalysts for change, operated by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) who empower their communities. “CSR is not just a statutory requirement but a strategic driver for inclusive progress,” said Rakesh, emphasizing the Academy’s focus on scalable and measurable CSR programs aimed at reaching underserved rural populations.
Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Training & Skill Education) at CBSE, also highlighted the role of CSC Academy in preparing the next generation for future challenges, particularly in fields like Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Healthcare.
The event featured a series of expert-led discussions that explored the intersection of CSR, environmental sustainability, and community development. Key topics included education, skilling, digital literacy, financial inclusion, women empowerment, and healthcare.
Notable speakers at the Conclave included Shri Abhishek Gupta, Programme Specialist at UNICEF, who discussed the “Passport to Earning” initiative, and Ms. Parnal Vats, Manager of Government Engagement at VISA, who shared insights on the “Digital Village” program. Other distinguished speakers included Ms. Geetanjali Gaur, CSR Manager at Kyndryl, and Shri Rajiv Malik, CEO of Graposs Connect, who spoke about the CSC Olympiad initiative.
The event also featured thematic panels led by experts. The Education, Skilling, and Employability panel, chaired by Shri Sunil Dahiya of the Wadhwani Foundation, included thought leaders such as Shri Raj Kumar Srivastava (IFS, Karnataka) and Shri Pallav Tiwari (UNICEF). Another panel, Women and Child Healthcare, chaired by Dr. Vashima Subha of Ernst & Young, included specialists like Shri Punit Desai (Welcome Cure) and Dr. Yogesh Patil (Biosense).
The Conclave concluded with a renewed commitment to utilizing CSR to drive rural transformation, with CSC Academy reaffirming its mission to empower rural India through digital inclusion, skill- based education, and public-private partnerships. The event underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
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Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith
