Why Mizoram Gets Low CSR Funds And What the State Is Doing to Fix It

NEW DELHI (India CSR): In the serene hills of Mizoram, a state celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and recent milestone as India’s first fully literate state, a significant challenge persists. Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently shed light on a critical issue: Mizoram receives one of the lowest shares of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds in India. Speaking at a capacity-building workshop in Aizawl, he emphasized the urgent need for more registered agencies to unlock these funds, which could transform the state’s developmental landscape. For the people of Mizoram, this is more than a financial hurdle—it’s a call to action to harness corporate resources for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, ensuring a brighter future for their communities.

Mizoram’s CSR Funding Shortfall

Mizoram, a gem in Northeast India, faces a stark reality in its struggle to secure Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. On June 27, 2025, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, addressing a workshop in Aizawl, revealed that despite India’s robust CSR ecosystem—where companies are legally mandated to allocate funds for social initiatives—Mizoram remains at the bottom of the funding ladder. Data from FY21 shows the entire Northeast region, including Mizoram, received just 0.91% of India’s total CSR expenditure, a figure that highlights the region’s marginalization in corporate giving. With CSR spending in India reaching ₹34,909 crore in FY24, Mizoram’s low share underscores a missed opportunity for growth.

The Core Issue: Few Registered Agencies

The root of Mizoram’s CSR funding woes lies in the limited number of registered implementing agencies, as highlighted by Lalduhoma. These agencies—typically NGOs, societies, or trusts—are essential for channeling corporate funds into local projects. Without a robust network of such organizations, Mizoram struggles to attract the attention of companies looking to fulfill their CSR obligations. “Even though numerous companies are obligated to implement CSR initiatives, Mizoram continues to receive one of the lowest shares,” Lalduhoma noted. This bottleneck restricts the state’s ability to tap into funds that could support critical sectors like education, healthcare, and rural development.

A Beacon of Success: Serchhip District Hospital

To demonstrate the transformative potential of CSR funds, Lalduhoma pointed to the Serchhip district hospital, a project funded with over ₹21 crore in CSR contributions. This modern healthcare facility stands as a testament to what Mizoram can achieve with effective CSR partnerships. The hospital not only improves access to quality healthcare but also serves as a model for other districts. By showcasing this success, Lalduhoma aims to inspire local organizations to pursue similar opportunities, proving that CSR funds can address pressing infrastructural needs in a state where resources are often scarce.

Strategic Response: The Mizoram CSR Cell

To tackle the funding gap, the Mizoram government has taken proactive steps by establishing a dedicated CSR cell within the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Launched in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), this cell is tasked with increasing the number of registered implementing agencies and guiding them through the process of securing CSR funds. The three-day capacity-building workshop in Aizawl, held on June 27, 2025, was a key initiative, equipping NGOs and societies with the knowledge to navigate corporate partnerships. Lalduhoma assured attendees that the CSR cell would provide ongoing support, streamlining registration and fund mobilization.

Empowering Local Organizations

Lalduhoma’s call to action was clear: more societies, NGOs, and hospitals must register as CSR implementing agencies to boost Mizoram’s funding prospects. “We must act swiftly to empower our organizations to tap into CSR opportunities,” he urged, emphasizing the potential for these funds to drive development. The workshop, attended by key figures like TBC Lalvenchhunga, the CM’s adviser on finance and planning and CSR cell chairman, underscored the government’s commitment. By increasing the number of registered agencies, Mizoram aims to capture a larger share of the projected ₹100,000 crore CSR pool by FY35, aligning with national trends toward sustainable development.

Navigating Geographical and Logistical Challenges

Mizoram’s CSR challenges are compounded by its unique geography. With low road density and rugged terrain, implementing development projects is logistically complex and costly. Lalduhoma, who chairs the High-Level Task Force on the North East Economic Corridor, has prioritized infrastructure projects like the Bairabi-Sairang railway line, set for commissioning in July 2025. These initiatives require substantial investment, and CSR funds could play a pivotal role. The state’s recent struggles with heavy rainfall and landslides, which led to school closures and travel advisories in June 2025, further highlight the need for resilient infrastructure supported by corporate contributions.

Building Community Capacity

The Aizawl workshop, jointly organized by the Mizoram CSR cell and CII, marked a significant step toward building community capacity. By training NGOs and other entities to engage with corporate donors, Mizoram is fostering a sustainable ecosystem for CSR funding. Social media discussions on platforms like X reflect growing public awareness, with users advocating for more agencies to bridge the funding gap. This community-driven approach aligns with Mizoram’s broader achievements, such as its declaration as India’s first fully literate state on May 20, 2025, under the ULLAS initiative, showcasing its commitment to progress.

A Regional Perspective

Mizoram’s CSR struggles mirror a broader challenge across Northeast India, where states collectively receive a fraction of national CSR funds. This regional disparity calls for targeted policies to ensure equitable distribution. Lalduhoma’s role in the North East Economic Corridor Task Force positions him to advocate for systemic changes, potentially influencing national CSR guidelines to prioritize underserved regions. The success of projects like the Serchhip hospital could inspire other Northeastern states, creating a ripple effect of development through strategic CSR partnerships.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Mizoram’s efforts to address its CSR funding shortfall signal a promising future. The CSR cell, coupled with initiatives like the Handholding Scheme— which has attracted 11,438 loan applications—and projects like the PM’s Ekta Mall, reflect a holistic approach to development. By fostering collaboration between government, NGOs, and corporations, Mizoram is laying the foundation for sustainable growth. Lalduhoma’s leadership emphasizes not just immediate funding but long-term empowerment, ensuring that the state’s developmental aspirations are met with tangible resources.

You Learn

Mizoram’s low share of CSR funds is a challenge, but it’s one the state is tackling head-on. Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s vision, backed by the CSR cell and a push for more registered agencies, offers a clear path forward. From the success of the Serchhip district hospital to the promise of infrastructure projects, Mizoram is proving that with determination and strategic action, it can transform its funding landscape. As the state celebrates milestones like becoming India’s first fully literate state, it stands ready to harness CSR funds to build a brighter, more prosperous future for its people.

(India CSR)