Union Finance Minister reschedules visit; 3-day conclave postponed

Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 3 (EMN): Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman’s three-day visit to Nagaland from July 4 to the 6th was cancelled on Sunday citing “unforeseen circumstances”.

The Finance Minister had earlier confirmed to attend the Nagaland Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Investment Conclave and Bankers’ Meet, scheduled to be held in Kohima, but the two events have been postponed for now.

Minister for Planning and Coordination, Parliamentary Affairs, and Land Revenue, Neiba Kronu, on Sunday informed that the Union Finance Minister had rescheduled her visit due to unforeseen circumstances. In this regard, the state government had taken the decision to postpone the two main conclaves.

“New dates for the conclave will be informed once the Finance Minister’s fresh schedule is finalised”, Kronu informed.

The state was looking at increasing investments in the state over the two conclaves. The organiser of the event, Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), led by CEO Alemtemshi Jamir on Saturday had expressed hope that the event would help Nagaland “move forward”.

Meanwhile, Kronu also informed that the CSR conclave had multiple objectives of bringing in innovation and private capital in meeting developmental challenges of the state, of forging long term partnerships which would help in further integrating the state’s economic players with the national value chains, and promoting private industry in the state.

The Conclave was planned to facilitate and encourage companies to take up developmental projects in the state from their CSR obligations. Specific events for promoting investment and credit offtake for the farmers and entrepreneurs were also scheduled. A platform for young entrepreneurs from the state to make a pitch of their innovative ideas to potential investors physically as well as virtually was also planned, he informed.

The event was planned in close coordination with various ministries and departments of the Government of India, Invest India and CII. Intensive efforts were put in by all partners for reaching out to companies and CSR implementing agencies both within the state and outside.

Nagaland Chief Minister had personally invited the Union Finance Minister for the CSR and Investment Conclave at the stage of conceptualisation, and she had consented to attend the event which guided the state government in planning for the event, it was informed.

While expressing regret, he hoped that the support given and the commitments made by the companies will continue and there will be redoubled participation in the rescheduled event.