NORTH EAST

Nirmala Sitharaman attends the Nagaland CSR and Investment Conclave at Kohima


Union Finance Minister and Corporate Affairs Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Kohima today. She is on a three-day visit to the State to attend the Nagaland Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Investment Conclave at Kohima which began this evening.

Addressing the inaugural session of the conclave at NBCC convention centre, Finance Minister Ms. Sitharaman said, the call made by Nagaland Chief Minister to hold the CSR and the investment conclave has drawn entire business leadership to Nagaland. She said, the coming of the investors to Nagaland shows their interest to invest in the CSR express of Nagaland.

Ms. Sitharaman expressed hope that this conclave will be the first stepping stone and many more will come and find a common cause. She said, among the several CSR projects in Nagaland today health care sector is one area which has drawn a greater interest and said it should be encouraged.

She also suggested that the youth of the state can be brought in as part of CSR activities. Ms. Sitharaman emphasised on the need to set up Atal Innovation Mission projects- Atal Thinkering labs in all Schools and universities of the state. She also noted that domestic tourism has a strong potential in the state and urged the state government to promote homestays so that youth from every part of the Country can experience the natural Nagaland.

On agricultural aspects, the Finance Minister emphasised on the need to adopt agricultural practices through drone mapping. To this, Sitharaman invited the youth of Nagaland to see the world of drones. The Finance Minister also launched several CSR projects and initiatives. Later, she inaugurated exhibition stalls put up by various district headquarters, departments and NGOs.

Speaking at the programme, Nagaland Chief Minister Mr. Neiphiu Rio said, the state government is not trying to replace its own development initiatives, but seeking for innovation with faster adaptations as per the state’s requirements. Mr. Rio said he is hopeful that the companies will bring the spirit of private enterprise for the youth of the state to imbibe the culture of entrepreneurship.

The CM expressed confidence that the conclave will enhance engagement with the private sector and banks, encourage partnerships between local entrepreneurs, start-ups and established companies across the country, while at the same time improving credit offtake in the state. On the inaugural session, several MoUs were also exchanged between the state government and investors/ sponsors.

Earlier, on her arrival at Assam Rifle Helipad Kohima, the Union Finance Minister was received by Chief Minister Mr. Neiphiu Rio, Minister of Higher Education & Tribal Affairs and State BJP President Mr. Temjen Imna Along, and a host of cabinet Ministers. Ms. Sitharaman also called on Nagaland Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi at Raj Bhavan Kohima during the day.

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