Nagaland's Gateway Potential: Strengthening CSR Collaboration

Abu Mehta, IDAN chairman, emphasized collaboration between government, corporates, and civil society to harness Nagaland's potential as a strategic gateway under India's Act East policy. At a training on CSR and FCRA compliance, he highlighted the need for inclusive growth, corporate engagement, and regulatory transparency to drive regional development.

Abu Mehta, the chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland, called for enhanced collaboration among government, corporate, and civil society to fully unlock Nagaland's potential. Speaking at the launch of a two-day training on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and compliance with the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, Mehta emphasized Nagaland's strategic position along the India-Myanmar border, describing it as a potential gateway to Southeast Asia under India's Act East policy.

Mehta, also Advisor to the Chief Minister, highlighted the importance of a cohesive 'Team Nagaland' approach to drive growth, particularly in remote and underserved areas. He called for dedicated CSR cells within key government departments to actively engage with corporate entities and attract development projects. While he acknowledged the opportunities of CSR, Mehta pointed out challenges such as project pitching, compliance, and documentation that hinder effective implementation.

Various experts, including additional Secretary of the Finance Department Vineet Kumar and HCL Foundation manager Rahul Kumar, underscored the importance of strengthening institutional capacities to foster government-corporate-NGO partnerships. The training, organized by IDAN in conjunction with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the HCL Foundation, aimed to enhance efficiency, improve regulatory compliance, and ensure that development initiatives reach the most remote areas of Nagaland.