MAY 3: The CSC Conclave 2025 held in New Delhi marked a significant step in India’s mission to empower rural communities through technology and Corporate Social Responsibility. Inaugurated by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship the event emphasized the transformative role of Common Services Centres (CSCs) in bridging the urban-rural divide.
Calling CSCs a revolutionary idea Shri Tiwari praised their role in building India’s digital infrastructure in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of rural empowerment. He highlighted how CSR initiatives routed through CSCs are fueling digital skilling vocational training and financial inclusion at the grassroots level. He particularly noted the contributions of CSC Academy in implementing programs like PM Vishwakarma Yojana aimed at capacity building among artisans and rural workers.
Organized by CSC Academy in collaboration with the Indian ESG Network the conclave drew participation from government industry and civil society leaders. Discussions focused on using CSR to promote digital literacy community development and sustainability in rural areas.
In his keynote Shri Sanjay Kumar Rakesh Chairman and Secretary of CSC Academy described CSCs as engines of inclusive progress led by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). He stressed that CSR is no longer a compliance activity but a strategic tool for nationwide transformation.
Dr. Biswajit Saha Director of Training and Skill Education at CBSE highlighted the Academy’s forward-thinking programs in AI cybersecurity and healthcare education to prepare youth for future challenges.
Key sessions explored various themes including education skilling digital access healthcare and women empowerment. Notable speakers included Shri Abhishek Gupta from UNICEF who discussed the “Passport to Earning” initiative and Ms. Parnal Vats from VISA who presented the “Digital Village” program.
Panel discussions featured experts like Shri Sunil Dahiya from Wadhwani Foundation and Dr. Vashima Subha from Ernst & Young covering employability and rural healthcare respectively.
The conclave concluded with a unified commitment to use CSR as a lever for rural upliftment. CSC Academy reiterated its vision to create inclusive opportunities through digital access skill-based education and public-private collaboration across India.