Uniting Efforts for North East India’s Development through CSR Initiatives.
PUNE (India CSR): Bharat Forge Limited, a leading automotive component manufacturer, actively participated in the “North East CSR Connect 2024: Unlocking Potential,” hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in New Delhi. The auto giant led the NGO Pitching Session at this significant event, uniting government officials, NGOs, and corporates to focus on the development of North East India through impactful CSR initiatives.
The North East region of India, despite its rich natural resources and cultural heritage, faces significant challenges in terms of socio-economic development in recent time.
The forum facilitated the exchange of best practices, innovative ideas, and emerging CSR trends. Over 90NGOs were connected with over 70 corporates, fostering opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.
Bharat Forge’s Leading Role
Bharat Forge, as a member of the Steering Committee for the initiative, played a crucial role in shaping the agenda and fostering collaboration. Our Company led the NGO Pitching Session, providing a platform for NGOs to present their projects to a diverse audience of potential investors and collaborators.
Dr. Leena Deshpande, CSR Head at Bharat Forge, spoke about the importance of CSR for the development of North Eastern region. She emphasized the need for targeted interventions in education, healthcare, and skill development to uplift the region. Dr. Deshpande highlighted Company’s ongoing projects, such as skill training, intervention in the infrastructural development in education and the work in health sector, and introduced new initiatives aimed at sustainable development. Her roadmap included a strategic partnership model, encouraging collaboration between local NGOs, government bodies, and corporates to maximize impact. She emphasized on Bharat Forge’s long-term commitment to the socio-economic growth of North East India.
Bridging Gaps with CSR Initiatives
The North East CSR Connect, the event emphasized the importance of corporate involvement in regional development, aimed to bridge the gap between the corporate sector and the socio-economic development of North East India. Inaugurated by the chief guest, Dr. SukantaMajumdar, Minister of State, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, the event emphasized the importance of corporate involvement in regional development.
In his address, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar highlighted that Central Ministries are allocating 10% of their Gross Budgetary Support to the region through both ongoing and dedicated schemes, showcasing the focused efforts towards its development.
Chanchal Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region, stressed the need to mobilize additional resources and private funding to accelerate the region’s growth. He noted that CSR contributions in the North East are currently limited and needs to be increased.
The initiative was also particularly attended by Inder Deep Singh Dhariwal, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, R Mukundan, Vice President CII and Pradeep Bagla, Chairman, CII North East Council with other esteemed guests.
Focus Areas requiring particular attention for immediate intervention include:
- Skill Development and Education: The region faces a shortage of skilled workforce, hindering its progress towards a knowledge-based economy.
- Infrastructure Development: Limited infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and communication networks, hampers economic growth and connectivity.
- Environmental Sustainability: Balancing economic development with environmental conservation is crucial, particularly in a region known for its biodiversity.
Background of North East Region
The North East region of India has historically lagged in developmental parameters, necessitating a focus on skill development and education. The government has initiated several programs, including the establishment of a separate ministry dedicated to the development of the North East. Various NGOs and corporate CSR activities have also played a crucial role in addressing these challenges.
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