The Bank expends the CSR funds on certain prescribed activities through Utkarsh Welfare Foundation (“UWF”), a company registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 and eligible to undertake CSR activities.

CSR activities are focused towards development and assistance to the underprivileged population in rural & urban sectors by way of entrepreneurship development, market linkage opportunities, education, health and vocational training program. Interventions are aimed at grass root population especially women.

Aligned with sustainable development goals, the Bank intends to make an impact in the lives of the underprivileged community through a multi-pronged service-oriented, and market-led approach.

Bank's CSR Footprints:

The Bank aims to undertake the following activities as a part of its CSR initiatives for the Financial Year [2026-27] as approved by the Board of Directors of the Bank.

Model Village Programme

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, through its CSR implementing agency, Utkarsh Welfare Foundation (UWF), is implementing the Model Village Programme to promote inclusive, sustainable, and holistic development in rural communities.

The programme adopts a community-centric and integrated development approach, addressing key gaps across education, healthcare, livelihoods, financial inclusion, basic infrastructure, sanitation and community development. The interventions are planned in consultation with local communities to identify needs, prioritise solutions and create sustainable outcomes.

The Model Village Programme is being implemented across 30 identified villages in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with interventions designed around the specific socio-economic and developmental needs of each village.

Key Focus Areas

Education & Child Development:

Strengthening foundational learning and improving access to quality educational support for children through initiatives such as Learning Enhancement Programmes, digital and smart learning interventions, and community-based educational support.

Healthcare & Well-being:

Improving access to primary healthcare services through health camps, Swasthya Mitra initiative, awareness initiatives, telemedicine/E-Clinic services, preventive healthcare and other community health interventions, particularly for underserved populations.

Livelihoods & Women Entrepreneurship:

Promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment through entrepreneurship development, vocational and enterprise support, technical training, startup assistance and continuous handholding, with a special focus on women and vulnerable households.

Agriculture & Allied Activities:

Supporting rural households through improved agricultural practices, capacity building, agricultural inputs, allied livelihood activities and facilitation of market and government-scheme linkages.

Financial Literacy & Inclusion:

Building financial capability among rural communities by promoting awareness of savings, insurance, credit, digital financial services, government schemes and responsible financial practices.

Community Participation & Sustainability:

The programme follows a participatory approach by engaging community members and local stakeholders in identifying priorities, implementing interventions and sustaining the outcomes. The emphasis is on creating local ownership and enabling communities to become more resilient and self-reliant.