Government, Corporates and NGOs Drive CSR for Northeast Development at 2nd NE CSR Connect 2025
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region | Government of Mizoram | Government of Nagaland
On 17 September 2025, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted the 2nd North East CSR Connect in New Delhi, uniting government leaders, corporates, NGOs, and development agencies to strengthen CSR engagement in the Northeast. Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia identified three CSR priority areas-infrastructure and basic services, livelihoods and skills, and environment and sustainability-as essential to positioning the region for inclusive growth.
Leaders from Mizoram and Nagaland highlighted state-level initiatives, including Mizoram’s forthcoming AI-based CSR matchmaking platform, designed to connect companies with verified projects and track impact in real time, and CSR-funded skill development and entrepreneurship programmes in Nagaland. The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs called for dedicated CSR Authorities in each state to align spending with local needs. CII positioned the CSR Connect as a 4–6 year transformative platform, while launching its report “CII CSR Investment in Northeast India: Understanding Barriers and Way Forward.”
The Connect signals a deliberate effort to channel CSR funds strategically into the Northeast, treating them not as compliance but as a lever for regional transformation. By institutionalizing matchmaking tools, state-level authorities, and sectoral priorities, CSR can supplement public spending and accelerate inclusive growth.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can India design state-level CSR ecosystems in the Northeast that not only attract corporate funding but also institutionalize accountability, ensure alignment with local development priorities, and prevent CSR projects from becoming substitutes for sustained public investment?
Follow the full news here: CII Press Release – 2nd North East CSR Connect 2025