Just one call from CM Rio and this is the response of the industry: Nirmala Sitharaman
Mokokchung, August 22 (MTNews): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Kohima on August 22 to attend and inaugurate the Nagaland Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Investment Conclave 2022 from August 22 to 24 under the theme, “Partnerships for Strengthening Sustainable Development” at NBCC Convention Centre in Kohima.
The union minister, while speaking at the conclave described how, in March, she concurred with CM Rio and his officials that Nagaland was not receiving enough CSR and was not attracting investors.
Then she remarked on how things had changed because one call from Rio had gotten everyone’s attention, including industrialists and investors.
“A little effort from CM is seeing all this response today,” she added.
On Mandatory CSR investment she said the CSR board takes the decision and funds are provided depending on social activity. She added that without the mandatory rule a lot of investors have come in to check up and the conclave should be the stepping stone for many more investments.
She then talked about how in the near future “logistics” in India will play a big role and asked the young people of Nagaland to assume leadership roles in the field by getting skilled and certificates from the CII training centers.
“CII recognizing the potential of Naga youths and coming forward to offer logistic institute and skill training school is commendable,” she said.
She then emphasized on the biggest challenge that Nagaland faces regarding the naturally and organically grown products such as millets, fruits, gingers, coffee and others. She highlighted that despite having access to abundant resources, farmers in Nagaland find it difficult in aggregating, storing and locating markets quickly enough to avoid having their perishable goods rot. She, therefore, advised the Nagaland government to effectively implement the “One District One Product” scheme.
The central government, CSR, and interested investors would work together to provide common facilities for processing and packing after the specific product is determined in a district, she continued. She then encouraged Nagas to make use of facilities such as “digital markets” and try to find a market suitable for them including their handicraft products.
The next thing she said was, “Branding is important since it’s the best way to communicate with people.” She then advised the manufacturers to brand their goods such as “Naturally Nagaland” in order to gain recognition in the global market.
Regarding science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM), she acknowledged that she learned in Delhi that the bulk of teachers in Nagaland are from South India and that Nagaland needs educational facilities for STEM.
She recommended that in order to promote an interest in science, the government should help schools adopt the Atal Innovation Mission of NITI AAYOG and ask the schools to make sure that “Atal Thinkering Lab” is adopted.
To ensure CSR reaches Nagaland,the Union Minister suggested a task force of Naga youth to move around the country and to ensure building brand Nagaland. She expressed appreciation to the companies and investors who had brought in investment, and ensure giving resources for equal development of all the states in India.
Speaking about the tourism sector, she made the suggestion that domestic tourism could grow if there were homestays for each of the 16 indigenous tribes and provide youths in other regions of India with the chance to travel to Nagaland to experience the distinctive culture.
Regarding agriculture, she encouraged Nagaland youths to investigate the prospects presented by drones in farming and agriculture.
Vibrant pool of talented and educated youth – our most important source: CM Rio
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio speaking at the CSR and Investment Conclave stated that the conclave would be a game changer for Nagaland. He said that the Union Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman extended her full support and extended its scope when she was approached. He appreciated the Central Government for bringing greater focus on the development of the North Eastern region.
Rio stated that the government’s goal was to attract investment and renovation so that Nagaland could adapt to the rapidly changing global environment more quickly.
He claimed that the shortage of state resources is a result of the 16-point agreement’s financial pattern’s withdrawal in 1989, which also resulted in the loss of funding intended for administrative costs and developmental projects.
Rio continued by pointing out how Nagaland is a global hub for biological resources and how, with industry’s support in the right spirit, Nagaland can join the global value chain.
He then called the “Vibrant pool of talented and educated youth – our most important source” and expressed hope that CSR and IDAN could assist Naga youths in exploring potential in start-ups and business.
The Chief Minister said there is scope and potential for companies to increase their Corporate Social Responsibility spending in Nagaland and the Conclave would provide a platform to harness the various opportunities the State offers. He added that in seeking CSR investments, the State Government is not trying to replace its own development initiatives. He opined that the Conclave will deepen engagement with the private sector and banks; encourage partnerships between local entrepreneurs, start-ups and established companies across the Country.
Rio said that in addition to CSR, the State Government is expecting companies to explore the untapped investment potential of the State in various sector such as forest, agriculture, education, tourism etc. On the banking front, he hoped that the banking track of the Conclave would result in more and hassle free credit off take from banks and would also contribute in the development endeavours and also promote budding entrepreneurs. He hoped that the Conclave turns into a regular event to help realize the development goals.
CII proposes to set up Logistic and Supply Chain Training School: R Dinesh, President CII
Speaking from the standpoint of the industry, R. Dinesh, the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) designate president, emphasized that although CII has been focusing on healthcare and education, CII would also like to focus on local development and skill development.
In light of this, the CII proposed creating a school for training in logistics and supply chains in collaboration with the CII Institute of Logistics and the Logistics Sectors NE Council. While the institution will have a capacity of roughly 1000 students, Dinesh said that they first intend to fund 300 students and give them the ability to find employment anywhere in the country.
Second, CII suggested holding road shows, particularly in nations like Japan and Korea that have traditional linkages to the region. The CII has suggested a Model Career Center that may enable and catalyze the suggested CSR and affirm its commitment to a just and inclusive India.
Moses Chalai asks for ‘Heavy-touch guidance’ to central government towards private investment
Speaking on behalf of the North-Eastern region, Moses Chalai, Secretary of the North East Council, detailed how Assam alone received INR 8,600 crore in MSME grants between 2016 and 2020, whilst the remaining 6 NE states received the same amount collectively.
He also made note of the fact that whereas the country as a whole received INR 6.2 lakh crore in FDI, the NE states only garnered 26 million dollars, with Assam receiving 18 million dollars.
In a similar vein, he reiterated that even though India spends INR 25,000 crore on CSR, just INR 225 crore—less than 15 percent of the total—went to the Northeast.
“For years, there has been a growing urgency of the need of private investment,” he said.
He proposed that the central government issue “heavy-touch guidance” on investments and “light-touch guidance” on CSR in this regard. Then, he thought that CSR may develop into a little more flexible and innovative while continuing to provide healthcare and education.
Alemtemshi Jamir, CEO of IDAN, gave the opening remarks and referred to the occasion as “Red Letter Day for Nagaland.” J Alam, Chief Secretary of GoN, provided an overview of the state’s business, economy, and social environment. The Minister of Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue & Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, delivered the closing remarks and the vote of thanks.
Second day highlights
The second day of the ongoing Nagaland CSR & Investment Conclave 2022 session, namely experience sharing and development partnership and investment opportunities in Nagaland (Hybrid) will be held simultaneously at NBCC Convention Centre on 23rd August 2022.
The Directorate of IT &C Conference Hall will host an Investment & Startup Pitch session on Investment Opportunities in Nagaland. The second day of the event will also include a Bankers Conclave and CreditOutreach at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima, which will be attended by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
There will be a Valedictory session at NBCC Convention center which will be graced by Minister,Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue & Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu. The daylong program will conclude with cultural program and state dinner to be hosted at State Banquet hall.