Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman formally inaugurated the Nagaland Corporate Social Responsibility CSR and Investment Conclave 2022 under the theme," Partnership for Strengthening Sustainable Development", at the Nagaland Baptist Church Council NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima on 22 August 2022.
Addressing the gathering at the inaugural programme as the special guest, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that Corporate Social Responsibility CSR in many parts of the country is still being pushed based on the board's decisions and as a result of which, in areas which receive greater potential for social activity, funds are provided. Still, there are also challenges with some parts of Nagaland, there are some areas that don't receive adequate funds and hence there are problems with the expectations about CSR. She said that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had cited the conditions of the state, however, little sign of the Chief Minister is seen in this response today, with corporates and industries willing to offer service and partner with the state through the CSR.
The Finance Minister also stated that Nagaland is not drawing investors and the investments are taking their time to come. However, this CSR conclave has drawn the entire business to Nagaland and stated that the conclave will be a first stepping stone and hopes that many more will come to have greater CSR and see the potential for investments. She also mentioned the Confederation of Indian Industry CII, in recognizing the potential of the youths of Nagaland and coming forward to set up a training centre for skills with proper certification, that will provide immense job opportunities for the youth anywhere in the country. She said that the youths of Nagaland are well-educated, carry themselves very well, communicate well and have great strengths, and hopes that this CSR conclave will bring about a change and potential to the state.
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, also addressed the gathering. He acknowledged the people for their time-out to participate in an important event today and hopes, it will be a game changer for Nagaland. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that the conclave would provide a platform for the CSR spending companies to harness various opportunities that Nagaland offers.
The Union Minister also launched various projects and exchanged MOUs with different companies for the State of Nagaland. Later, the Union Minister inaugurated the Exhibition stalls at the venue.