The first-ever Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave in Mizoram, organised jointly by the Mizoram CSR Cell and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), was inaugurated by Chief Minister Lalduhoma at Aijal Club on Thursday.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by several Ministers and MLAs. The Conclave will conclude on Friday.
Addressing the inaugural session, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the representatives of various companies who had gathered for the Conclave. He said that CSR funds in India are estimated to amount to around Rs 34,000 crore annually and constitute an important source of funding for development initiatives.
He noted that the Northeast, including Mizoram, receives a relatively small share of CSR funding, while industrialised states receive a larger share. He highlighted Mizoram as a peaceful state with a high literacy rate, a harmonious social environment and a stable government, offering a favourable environment for implementing CSR projects.
“We would like companies with CSR funds to take a closer look at Mizoram and explore the opportunities available for meaningful interventions in our state,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister recalled that the Mizoram CSR Cell, in collaboration with CII, had organised a CSR Workshop last year, which resulted in two CSR projects in Mizoram—the New Age Technology Labs Project and the Darzo Ground Water Recharge Project. He expressed appreciation for these initiatives.
He said that the first CSR Conclave in Mizoram was being organised this year with the expectation of generating greater interest and collaboration. The Chief Minister also urged the participating company representatives to have a pleasant stay in Mizoram and experience the state during their visit.
Around 25 representatives from major companies were expected to attend the first Mizoram CSR Conclave.
However, due to disruptions to air services caused by bad weather, the final number of participants could not yet be confirmed.
During the Conclave, the Mizoram CSR Cell will showcase 85 investible projects compiled from various departments of the State Government as potential CSR-funded initiatives. Company representatives and departmental officials will hold discussions on the projects and explore possibilities for collaboration.
At the Conclave, SBI announced that it would provide a garbage truck to the Mizoram Government through its CSR initiative. HDFC also announced its support through CSR funding for the vertical extension of the Aizawl Civil Hospital Trauma Centre Building, which will be utilised for the Nephrology and Urology Wards.
Dr. Lalrintluanga, Chairman, CII Mizoram State Council, delivered the welcome address. TBC Lalvenchhunga, Chairman, Mizoram CSR Cell, and Shalini Thapa, Executive Director and Head, North East, Confederation of Indian Industry, also addressed the gathering. Alan Lalhriatpuia, Co-Chairman, CII Mizoram Council, delivered the vote of thanks, marking the conclusion of the inaugural session.
