Lucknow, June 15 -- The University of Lucknow has unveiled its first comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, aimed at strengthening partnerships with industry, corporate houses and public sector undertakings. The university's Executive Council has approved the policy guidelines, according to an official spokesperson. The 106-year-old institution has introduced the policy to promote higher education, innovation and social development in line with national priorities and SDGs. A dedicated CSR cell has been set up to facilitate transparent contributions from corporate organisations towards the university's endowment fund, infrastructure development and student welfare initiatives. The policy seeks collaboration with companies covered under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. University officials said such partnerships would help modernise campus infrastructure and support research in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green energy, cybersecurity, startup incubation and healthcare technology. CSR funding can be used for scholarships, fellowships and financial aide for meritorious and underprivileged students, besides supporting research projects across departments. The policy also envisages establishing centres of excellence in fields such as robotics, environmental science, renewable energy and climate change, along with modern laboratories, digital infrastructure and hostels. The initiative will also support startup incubation, seed funding for innovation projects, entrepreneurship programmes, chair professorships, international collaborations and research grants for faculty members. htc...