Aizawl, Jan 27 (NationPress) Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma stated on Tuesday that the state's serene atmosphere, minimal corruption levels, elevated literacy rates, consistent advancement towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the community's inherent spirit of tlawmngaihna render Mizoram a prime location for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the well-rooted spirit of tlawmngaihna—a Mizo cultural value that embodies selflessness, hospitality, bravery, and support for others at personal expense—enhances Mizoram's attractiveness for CSR and other investments aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of its populace.

At the inauguration of the CSR Matchmaking Portal—Mizoram CSR Connect—held at the Aijal Club, Lalduhoma encouraged corporate entities and civil society organizations to actively partake in CSR initiatives within Mizoram, assuring that every rupee of CSR funding would be utilized transparently and effectively.

The portal was co-developed by the Mizoram CSR Cell under the Planning and Programme Implementation Department in partnership with UNDP India, aiming to streamline connections and coordination between CSR donors and implementing organizations.

Highlighting CSR statistics for 2023–24, the Chief Minister pointed out that Mizoram accounted for a mere 0.06 percent of the nation's total CSR spending.

He underscored the pivotal role that CSR can play in fostering development and mentioned the establishment of the CSR Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office in June 2024 to bolster CSR initiatives in Mizoram.

Lalduhoma asserted that the launch of the Mizoram CSR Connect portal represents a crucial advancement in linking CSR contributors with seekers through a clear and structured digital platform.

He added that the portal is anticipated to simplify CSR operations in Mizoram while ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes for contributing corporations.

During the event, Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative of UNDP India, commended the launch of the Mizoram CSR Connect portal, deeming it a praiseworthy initiative with both national and global significance.

She expressed UNDP's pride in collaborating on this initiative and reiterated their commitment to sustainable development, women's empowerment, and environmental preservation. She lauded Mizoram's developmental efforts and reaffirmed UNDP’s dedication to ongoing collaboration with the state, emphasizing the significance of data-driven planning for achieving impactful developmental outcomes, noting that the portal would significantly assist CSR stakeholders through reliable data and informed decision-making.

T.B.C Lalvenchhunga, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Mizoram CSR Cell, pointed out important CSR opportunities in Mizoram.

The event also featured the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Mizoram Start-Up Mission and various corporate and institutional partners.

Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary of the Planning & Programme Implementation Department, welcomed the attendees.