324/2024-2025

A high-level delegation  from the Government of Mizoram, led by Mr. TBC Lalvenchhunga, MLA and Adviser to the Chief Minister (Finance & Planning), along with Mr. Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary of the Planning & Programme Implementation Department, visited Bangalore this week to seek essential social investments and forge strategic partnerships for Mizoram’s development.

The visit by the CSR Cell highlights the Mizoram Government’s commitment to fostering growth through collaborative initiatives. Mr. Lalvenchhunga, who also serves as Chairman of the CSR Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office, noted that the creation of this cell aligns with Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s vision to build innovative, sustainable partnerships with the private sector and civil society organizations (CSOs) for accelerated progress. As Mizoram has historically received low CSR and philanthropic investments, Chief Minister Lalduhoma established the CSR Cell to engage with Corporates, Foundations, Civil Society Organisations, Trusts and others in addressing the state’s development challenges and attracting essential social funding.

Following the Chief Minister’s vision, the delegation, in partnership with UNDP, engaged with key stakeholders in Bangalore to explore partnerships that could replicate and expand successful social, sustainable and technology-enabled development projects for Mizoram.

On the first day, the team met with NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore and the NASSCOM Startup Hub, immersing in best practices from India’s leading startup ecosystems. Both organizations expressed interest in supporting Mizoram’s emerging startup sector, offering a pathway to innovative solutions for the state’s development.

Day 2: Stakeholder Consultation

The second day featured a stakeholder consultation with more than 40 CSR representatives from the private sector, corporate foundations, philanthropic groups, and CSOs. The session provided a space for exchanging ideas on cost-effective, tech-driven social development across key areas such as education, skill development, employment, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, health, sports, and climate change.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many stakeholders showing a strong interest in collaborating with the Mizoram Government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Strong Commitment from Stakeholders

Reflecting on the visit’s outcomes, Mr. Lalvenchhunga shared, “We are encouraged by the interest and support from the private sector and CSOs.” He further stated that this visit was just the start of the vatious initiatives the new government in Mizoram aims to undertake in fostering CSR, philanthropy and other private and civil society interventions in the state. “This visit has been an invaluable experience for me and my team, and I am hopeful of turning these discussions into concrete partnerships that will propel Mizoram’s development,” he stated. Further, he expressed appreciation for the technical support provided by UNDP, which helped make this visit productive.

Mr. Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary of the Planning Department, stressed that Mizoram receives the least CSR and philanthropic funding among Indian states. “With limited internal resources, building strong partnerships with the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and CSOs is essential to address Mizoram’s development needs,” he explained.

Endorsing Mizoram’s proactive approach, Mr. Jeya Chandran, Regional Head, South India, stated, “This is the first time we’ve seen a state government take such a proactive role in engaging with development sector partners and inviting them to support its objectives. Mizoram’s CSR Cell is setting a powerful example for driving impactful social change.”

This visit represents a pivotal moment for Mizoram in its efforts to attract social investments and establish enduring partnerships to advance its development. Next, the CSR Cell, with UNDP’s collaboration, hopes to further Mizoram’s effort, strengthening these budding partnerships and launch impactful programs and platforms for Mizoram’s progress.