The First Nagaland CSR & Investment Conclave 2022 was held at State Banquet Hall, Kohima on 4th July 2022.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio stated that India is the first country in the world to make Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandatory. The policy enables businesses to invest their profits in development activities which is a win-win for everyone, as it allows corporates to participate in the development of the country and an opportunity to expand their markets, and it supplements the government efforts for development through private enterprise and innovation.
Rio lamented that Nagaland has not been able to attract companies to take up projects from their CSR obligations in Nagaland. He added that out of the estimated ₹1.25 lakh crore which companies have spent as part of their mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) over the last seven years, a minuscule 0.006% has been reportedly spent in Nagaland.
The Chief Minister hoped that companies will be able to integrate local businesses with the national supply chains. He said that CSR coupled with private investments would serve as an important supplement to Government spending, and maximize the impact of interventions in critical development sectors.
The Chief Minister hoped that companies with their resources and expertise can help the State in designing, developing, and delivering innovative solutions with the use of advanced technology. He asserted that Nagaland is blessed with a talented and naturally innovative workforce.
Rio informed that some CSR projects in the areas of health and education are already being implemented in some of the districts of Nagaland and he hoped that such successful interventions implemented at the local level can be replicated on a larger scale across the entire State.
The Chief Minister stated that a shelf of some of the project proposals for the State has already been prepared by the State Government. He urged the representatives of companies and other corporate entities to peruse the draft shelf of projects as may be aligned with their CSR priorities and hoped that it will result in tangible CSR commitments. He also iterated that law and order should not be an issue for investors.
The Chief Minister stated that the State is prioritizing developing a facilitative and investor-friendly eco-system. He added that the State is working towards introducing a modern land law that would allow for easier availability of land through leasing for identified sectors in Dimapur, Kohima, and other identified districts.
Rio informed about the support and guidance received from the Union Finance Minister and the officials of the Ministries and departments headed by her. He added that it has encouraged the State Government to expand the scope of the original conclave, and has allowed interaction.
During the event, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio also launched the Nagaland Single Window System; Hospital Information System; Drugs & Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS), Equipment Maintenance & Management System (EMMS), and CSR project tracking and management system. He also disbursed the first installment of Performance Incentive Grants under NECTAR to 738 government schools.
CEO, IDAN, Alemtemshi Jamir while delivering the keynote address thanked the CEOs, investors, and other participants for staying back despite the programme being postponed. He said the Conclave is being organized to encourage the private sector by paving the ways and means to invest their resources in the development of the State. Jamir also stated that the State has been facing a financial crunch for State's development due to the lack of resources and non-participation of the private sector.
Chief Secretary, J. Alam, IAS in his address made a special reference to the Business, Economy, and Social Environment of the State, where he mentioned the existence of strong community spirit in the Naga society, citing communitization of government institutions, grassroots planning and community participation in the governance as the instances. He said Agriculture and Services sectors remain the major part of the State's economy and 70% of the State's population have been engaged in Agriculture due to the high fertility of the soil and partly due to lesser opportunity in other sectors apart from the services sector. He also mentioned the scope and prospect of Agro & Horticultural products in the state and its scope for the investors to invest in this sector. He highlighted some of the areas where investors from outside the state could invest in the State by partnering with the State government.
Speaking on the experience of doing CSR in Nagaland, Dr. Chingmak Chang, Eleutheros Christian Society, shared his own experiences and stories working in the community. He highlighted the uniqueness of the Naga community with active community participation. Julia Karst, project head, Her & Now, Giz gave a brief presentation on women's entrepreneurship in the State.
CEO, IDAN, Alemtemshi Jamir informed the gathering that the Union Finance Minister will be visiting the State in the last week of August during which the programmes of the Conclave would be held.
(Nongozo, Asst Director & Wepre, APRO)
