CSR FUNDS AS A SUPPLEMENTARY MECHANISM OF GREEN FINANCE IN INDIA: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

As India  approaches its centennial of independence in 2047, the country's vision highlights a robust, equitable, and environmentally sustainable development plan. Climate change (CC) is one of the most urgent issue facing the world today. It is essential that all nations must give this issue top priority  and act quickly. Furthermore, more funding is needed to solve this problem. Green finance has become an essential global instrument for promoting sustainability and addressing environmental issues.

Along with more conventional green finance mechanisms like green bonds, climate funds, and public initiatives, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund is essential to the advancement of sustainable development in India because of the implementation of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

This study introduces a conceptual model that positions CSR funds as a supplementary approach to green finance in India.  It looks at the theoretical relationships between green finance frameworks, environmental sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. On the basis of secondary data, this study redefines corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a structured green financing option that can produce quantifiable environmental results, rather than just a compliance requirement.  The paper concludes by discussing  the policy implications and institutional mechanisms for integrating CSR spending into India's larger green finance ecosystem.