Green Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an essential strategy for Small Scale Industries (SSIs) in India to contribute to sustainable development. Green CSR initiatives, such as reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, effective waste management, and engaging in local environmental conservation, not only improve an SSI's reputation but also align their operations with environmental and social well-being. This is particularly important in India, where SSIs play a vital role in employment generation and regional development. Integrating sustainability into business strategies helps SSIs contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas like climate action, responsible consumption, and environmental conservation.
However, implementing Green CSR in SSIs comes with challenges, including high initial costs, limited access to sustainable technologies, regulatory complexities, and the need for a cultural shift within organizations. Balancing profitability with sustainability can be difficult in a competitive environment, especially for resource-constrained SSIs. This paper explores potential solutions, such as government incentives, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives, to overcome these barriers. It emphasizes the importance of supportive policy frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and innovation to ensure Green CSR drives sustainable development within India’s small-scale industrial sector