A Ramleela event is not automatically eligible for CSR; it depends on how it is structured and what the real objective is.

 

Legal framework to keep in mind

• CSR spending must be on activities that fall within Schedule VII of the Companies Act, interpreted liberally but still tied to the listed social, educational, cultural, and developmental purposes.[iitbbs.ac]

• Certain things are specifically excluded from CSR: sponsorships done mainly for marketing/brand promotion, one‑off events, activities benefitting only employees, and general entertainment events.[iitbbs.ac]

When a Ramleela could qualify

A Ramleela event might be considered CSR‑eligible if, for example:

• It is part of a structured project aimed at preservation of art and culture, promotion of education/values, or rural/urban community development, and can be reasonably mapped to relevant Schedule VII items (e.g. promotion of education, art, culture, or community development).[iitbbs.ac]

• It is run through an eligible implementing agency (Section 8 company / registered trust / society with 12A, 80G and 3‑year track record), and the CSR policy and board resolution clearly position it as a community‑development or cultural‑preservation programme rather than pure entertainment or brand promotion.[indialawoffices]

When a Ramleela would not qualify

Typically it will not be treated as CSR if:

• The company is mainly sponsoring the event for visibility (banners, stalls, product promotion, logo display etc.), i.e. a sponsorship activity for deriving marketing benefits. That is expressly excluded from CSR.[iitbbs.ac]

• It is a one‑off festive celebration with no defined CSR project outcomes, no linkage to Schedule VII objectives, and no proper documentation of need, beneficiaries, and impact.[iitbbs.ac]

• The event is primarily for employees and their families (internal cultural function), not for the public at large.[thecsruniverse]

So, a Practical approach for you

• Check whether the Ramleela organiser is an eligible CSR implementing entity (Section 8 / trust / society with 12A, 80G and 3‑year track record).[indialawoffices]

• Map the proposed activities to specific Schedule VII heads (e.g. promotion of art and culture, education, rural development) and have a proper project document: objectives, target beneficiaries, budget, outputs/outcomes.[iitbbs.ac]

• Ensure that the company’s branding/sponsorship element is incidental; if the main purpose is promotion/marketing, keep it out of CSR and treat it as normal advertisement/sponsorship expense.[iitbbs.ac]

 

Draft Request Letter for CSR Support for Ramleela Event

On the letterhead of the Ramleela Committee / Organising Trust / Society

Date:

To,
The Board of Directors / CSR Committee
[Name of Company]
[Address]

Subject: Request for CSR support of Rs. 10,000 for Ramleela programme under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013

Respected Sir/Madam,

This is to submit that [Name of Ramleela Committee / Trust / Society] is organising the annual Ramleela programme at [venue] from [dates] for the benefit of the local community, with the objective of promoting and preserving traditional Indian performing arts, cultural heritage, and value-based public education. Schedule VII to the Companies Act, 2013 includes “protection of national heritage, art and culture” and also the “promotion and development of traditional arts and handicrafts” as eligible CSR activities.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has also clarified through General Circular No. 21/2014 that the entries in Schedule VII should be interpreted liberally so as to capture the essence of the subjects enumerated in the Schedule

In this background, support extended for a community-based Ramleela programme, where the principal purpose is preservation and promotion of traditional art and culture, may be considered under Schedule VII, item (v), namely “protection of national heritage, art and culture including restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance and works of art; setting up public libraries; promotion and development of traditional arts and handicrafts”. upload.

The proposed programme is intended as a cultural and community initiative and not as an advertising or sponsorship activity for deriving marketing benefit. MCA guidance and CSR compliance materials also state that sponsorship-based activities undertaken for marketing benefit do not qualify as CSR expenditure.

Accordingly, a request is made to your good company to extend CSR financial support of Rs. 10,000 for the said Ramleela event / cultural programme. The contribution will be utilised towards expenses such as stage arrangements, costumes, sound, lighting, artist support, and other programme-related costs connected with the conduct of the cultural event.

The organising committee will provide the following documents for your CSR and accounting records:

• Copy of registration certificate of the committee / trust / society.

• PAN of the organisation.

• 12A / 80G registration, if applicable.

• Bank details and cancelled cheque.

• Brief note on the programme and expected beneficiaries.

• Utilisation confirmation / receipt after the event.

It is requested that the above support of Rs. 10,000 be kindly considered and approved.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

For [Name of Ramleela Committee / Trust / Society]

Authorised Signatory
Name:
Designation:
Mobile:
Email:

Important note for use ( MLG Associates. message )

This draft is strongest where the Ramleela is positioned as a genuine cultural-preservation/community programme under Schedule VII item (v).

Please remember, If the company is shown as a sponsor for publicity, the amount may be questioned as non-CSR because sponsorships for marketing benefit are excluded.