Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has urged India Inc. to allocate more Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to the Northeast. This appeal, part of the broader Mizoram CSR development push, aims to address the region’s infrastructure and socio-economic deficits.
Speaking at a recent CSR conclave in Aizawl, the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for inclusive growth in the northeastern states. He stated that northeastern development remains imbalanced compared to other parts of the country, and stronger corporate participation can help close this gap.
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Call for Equitable CSR Investment
Lalduhoma pointed out that while the Northeast contributes to India’s strategic depth, its development has not matched national averages. The CM highlighted that CSR spending in the region still lags significantly behind other states.
He encouraged leading corporate houses to look beyond metro cities and invest in underserved areas. “The Northeast deserves a fair share of CSR attention,” Lalduhoma said. “We have the potential, but we need support to unlock it.”
The state government plans to submit a detailed proposal to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, urging reforms in CSR spending guidelines to ensure more equitable regional distribution.
Focus Areas for CSR Projects in Mizoram
As part of the Mizoram CSR development push, the government has outlined priority sectors for potential CSR funding. These include:
- Education and skill development
- Rural health infrastructure
- Renewable energy adoption
- Connectivity and digital inclusion
- Women and youth empowerment
CM Lalduhoma said Mizoram is ready to provide full administrative support for CSR projects. He assured corporates of faster clearances, transparent audits, and measurable impact assessments.
Positive Industry Response
Several private companies present at the conclave responded positively to the call. Executives from telecom, pharma, and banking sectors expressed interest in exploring CSR partnerships in the state.
Some firms have already implemented small-scale education and water supply projects in Mizoram. However, the Chief Minister urged them to scale up their contributions in a sustained and strategic manner.
Industry leaders acknowledged that investing in the Northeast can create strong goodwill and align with national goals of inclusive growth.
Bridging the Development Divide
Experts at the event highlighted the stark contrast in infrastructure levels between the Northeast and other regions. Many rural areas in Mizoram still face challenges such as poor internet connectivity, limited job opportunities, and low access to healthcare.
By supporting local entrepreneurship, building schools and hospitals, and funding green projects, companies can play a critical role in long-term development.
The Mizoram CSR development push intends to align these goals with CSR mandates under Section 135 of the Companies Act.
Centre’s Support Expected
The Mizoram government has also sought help from the Centre to frame Northeast-specific CSR incentives. These could include higher tax exemptions or recognition for companies that invest in difficult terrain and low-income districts.
Lalduhoma said discussions with the Ministry of Finance and NITI Aayog are ongoing. The state hopes for policy changes that will direct CSR flow to states where development indices remain below the national average.
He also urged public sector undertakings (PSUs) to increase their CSR presence in Mizoram, particularly in energy, transport, and water management.
Transparency and Local Involvement
To ensure accountability, the state plans to create a CSR monitoring cell. This unit will track project execution and regularly update stakeholders, including donors and civil society groups.
The government also wants to involve local NGOs and self-help groups to deliver community-based programs. These partnerships, it believes, will ensure cultural sensitivity and greater local ownership.
By aligning state planning with corporate outreach, Mizoram hopes to build lasting impact across sectors.
The Mizoram CSR development push, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, marks a proactive step to address funding gaps in the region. By calling on corporates to invest more in the Northeast, the state is taking charge of its development trajectory.
As national attention shifts toward inclusive growth, Mizoram’s appeal for equitable CSR support could set a precedent for other states in the region. With strong intent and strategic planning, CSR may soon become a powerful tool in reshaping Mizoram’s social and economic landscape.
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