Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the government on Monday said CSR spending for COVID-19 will be considered as corporate social responsibility (CRS) activity.

“In view of the spread of novel #CoronaVirus in India, its declaration as pandemic by the WHO, and decision of Government of India to treat this as notified disaster, it is hereby clarified that spending of CSR funds for COVID-19 is eligible CSR activity,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted.

Funds may be spent for various activities related to COVID-19 under items (i) and (ii) of schedule VII relating to promotion of health care, including preventive health care and sanitation, and disaster management, she added.