🔥 Trending ONGC's Large Funding to RSS Affiliates Sparks Controversy

The controversy surrounding the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) involves allegations that ONGC, a state-owned public sector undertaking, channeled significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to organizations linked to the RSS ¹²³.

Key Allegations and Figures

• Fund Amount: Reports claim that ONGC donated over ₹668 crore (approximately $80 million USD) to ₹671 crore to RSS-linked organizations ¹²³⁴⁵⁶.
• Timeframe: This funding allegedly occurred over a period of 10 to 12 years, specifically between 2013 and 2025 ³⁴⁶.
• Number of Organizations: Approximately 20 RSS-linked organizations are reported to have received these funds ²⁴⁶.
• Specific Beneficiaries: While many organizations received smaller amounts, some notable recipients mentioned include the Bharatiya Abhivyakti Vishwa Parishad (BAVP) and the Dr. Aabaji Thatte Seva Aur Anusandhan Sanstha ⁴. Additionally, schools run by the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation reportedly received ₹8.69 crore in CSR funding ⁶.

Origins of the Controversy

The controversy gained significant traction following media reports detailing these alleged transactions ¹⁵⁷. Karnataka Congress President B.K. Hariprasad, referring to these reports, publicly questioned the transparency of ONGC's CSR spending and the RSS's claim of not receiving government funds ¹⁷. He called for greater accountability in the use of public sector funds ¹.

Broader Debate

This situation has reignited a debate regarding whether public-sector companies should allocate CSR funds to organizations associated with ideological or socio-political movements ⁶. Critics argue that such allocations lack transparency and may be used for purposes beyond genuine social welfare, while proponents might argue that these organizations contribute to community development ¹⁶.

The allegations have led to demands for a thorough investigation and greater transparency in the disbursement of CSR funds by public sector undertakings ¹⁵.