Title: ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK UNDER BRSR: A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF FIRM PERFORMANCE IN INDIA
Author: Alan Joseph and Reshmi V Suresh
Abstract:

The growing emphasis on sustainable and responsible business practices has transformed corporate reporting frameworks worldwide, particularly in emerging economies. In India, the introduction of the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) represents a significant regulatory shift toward standardized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures. This paper presents a conceptual examination of the ESG framework embedded within BRSR and explores its potential influence on firm performance in the Indian corporate context. Drawing on existing sustainability, governance, and firm performance literature, the study synthesizes key ESG dimensions such as environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance accountability and discusses their relevance for long-term value creation. The analysis suggests that while environmental and social initiatives contribute to operational efficiency, stakeholder trust, and reputational capital, governance mechanisms play a critical enabling role in translating ESG practices into performance outcomes. The paper further argues that the effectiveness of BRSR depends on the depth of ESG integration rather than mere compliance-driven disclosures. As a conceptual study, this research does not involve empirical testing; instead, it provides a structured foundation for future empirical investigations using firm-level BRSR data. The study contributes to the emerging literature on mandatory sustainability reporting in developing economies and offers insights for corporate managers, investors, and policymakers seeking to strengthen responsible business practices in India.

Keywords: ESG, BRSR, SEBI, Sustainability
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8154
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Date of Publication: 19-02-2026
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Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2026