In this editorial, the author is discussing the provisions of the Corporate Social Responsibility concerning CoVID 19 (Corona). As many questions have been received from the professional in respect of using the CSR funds for CoVID related activities. We have accumulated all the circulars of MCA and offering below for clarification regarding the same.
I. General circular No. 10/2020 dated 23rd March 2020
As per this circular, the CSR funds may be used for the activities related to the COVID-19 under the item no. (i) to (xii) of Schedule VII like:
- Promotion of Healthcare
- Including prevention Health care
- Sanitation, and
- Disaster Management.
II. FAQ’s on Covid CSR – General Circular No. 15/2020 dated 10th April, 2020
Through these FAQ’s, the MCA has simplified many uncertainties relating to the use of the CSR funds for the COVID related activities.
a) Whether spending of the CSR funds for COVID-19 related activities shall qualify as CSR expenditure?
Ministry vide general circular No. 10/2020 dated 23rd March 2020 has clarified that spending the CSR funds for COVID-19 related activities shall qualify as the CSR expenditure. It is further clarified that the funds may be spent for various activities related to COVID-19 under items no. (i) and (xii) of the Schedule VII relating to the promotion of health care including preventive health care and sanitation, and disaster management. Further, as per the general circular No. 21/2014 dated 18.06.2014, items in Schedule VII are broad based and may be interpreted liberally for this purpose.
III. Notification G.S.R. 526(E) dated 24th August, 2020
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2020.
As per this circular, Any Company engaged in the research and development activity of new
- Vaccine
- Drugs
- Medical Device
in their normal course of business may undertake research and development activity of new vaccine, drugs and medical devices related to the COVID-19 for the financial years 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.
IV. General Circular No. 01/2021 dated 13th January 2021
As per this circular, MCA clarified that the spending of the CSR funds for carrying out Awareness campaigns/programmers or public outreach campaign on COVID-19 Vaccination programme is an eligible CSR Activity.
V. General Circular No. 05/2021 Date: 22nd April 2021
As per this circular, MCA clarified that the spending of the CSR funds for “Setting up makeshift hospitals and temporary COVID care facilities’ is an eligible CSR activities.
VI. General Circular No. 09/2021 Dated: 05th May 2021
Spending of CSR funds for ‘creating health infrastructure for COVID care’, ‘establishment of medical oxygen generation and storage plants’ is an eligible CSR activity
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Author – CS Divesh Goyal, GOYAL DIVESH & ASSOCIATES Company Secretary in Practice from Delhi and can be contacted at csdiveshgoyal@gmail.com).
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this document have been prepared based on relevant provisions and as per the information existing at the time of the preparation. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the information provided, I assume no responsibility, therefore. Users of this information are expected to refer to the relevant existing provisions of applicable Laws. The user of the information agrees that the information is not professional advice and is subject to change without notice. I assume no responsibility for the consequences of the use of such information.
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