The 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone -III Conference Plenary inaugural session began with the theme “Policy, Progress & People: Legislatures as catalysts of change” at Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kohima on 10th November 2025.
Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, extended warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation to the Presiding Officers and Honourable Members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III as he inaugurated the 22nd Annual Conference in Kohima, Nagaland. Recalling that the first CPA Zone-III conference was hosted in Nagaland in 1997, the Speaker noted with gratitude that this year marks the third time the State is hosting the prestigious event.
He lauded Zone-III of the CPA as one of the most active zones, consistently holding conferences in different State Legislative Assemblies across the North Eastern region. “Such interactions provide valuable opportunities for discussions within legislative institutions and contribute significantly to their capacity building,” Birla remarked.
He emphasized that the CPA conferences serve as a platform for deliberation on issues of development, public expectations, and aspirations, enabling participants to share best practices and strengthen democratic institutions.
Touching upon the conference theme “Policy, Progress and People: The Legislature as a Catalyst for Foundational Change” — the Speaker said it reflects the core philosophy and values of democracy. He noted that the Legislative Assemblies of the North Eastern States have always worked in a spirit of unity, framing policies tailored to regional needs that promote prosperity and progress.
Highlighting recent advancements, Birla said most Legislative Assemblies in the region have now become paperless, embracing new technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance accountability and transparency in governance. He expressed satisfaction that disruptions in Assembly proceedings have remained minimal due to the strong democratic culture and good practices shared among the States.
The Speaker commended the North Eastern region for its rapid strides in connectivity and infrastructure, observing that with every new project, fresh opportunities for progress naturally emerge. He urged policymakers to frame initiatives that promote regional development and industrial growth, while also nurturing local art, culture, and traditional crafts to bring them national and global recognition.
“The people of the North East are vibrant, industrious, and full of potential,” Birla said. “They deserve greater opportunities to realise their abilities. Through collective dialogue and public participation, our legislatures can frame policies that lead to inclusive and sustainable development.”
He expressed confidence that the two-day conference would lead to meaningful deliberations and produce a concrete roadmap for making legislative institutions more efficient, effective, and responsive to the people’s aspirations.
Addressing at the inaugural session of the 22nd CPA Conference, Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio called for greater cooperation among the North Eastern states to strengthen democratic institutions, foster regional growth, and promote inclusive development.
Highlighting the legacy of the North Eastern Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) established in 1996, the Chief Minister praised its role in fostering mutual learning, unity, and policy collaboration among the eight North Eastern states. He lauded the CPA India Region Zone–III for advancing parliamentary best practices and addressing region-specific issues.
He emphasized the inclusion of the North East in the India–ASEAN Vision for Trade and Cooperation, pushing for accelerated infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and cultural exchanges to deepen people-to-people ties across the region.
On state development, the Chief Minister expressed concern that despite being rich in mineral resources, Nagaland remains a resource-constrained state due to limited exploration and infrastructure. He reiterated his appeal to the Central Government to expedite the establishment of an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and to upgrade the Nagaland Institute of Medical Science & Research into an AIIMS-like institute for enhanced education and healthcare.
He also urged the Centre to give priority to the proposed Dimapur–Tizit railway line and reconsider the Ciethu Airport project in Kohima, both of which are crucial for economic growth and connectivity.
Dr. Rio lamented that Nagaland lacks national-level institutions such as an IIT or National Law University, which he said are essential for retaining talent and promoting innovation. He also highlighted the adverse impact of the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) on investment in the state, calling for focused attention to overcome challenges of connectivity, education, and institutional development.
He expressed confidence that the deliberations at the conference would strengthen democratic institutions, deepen regional cooperation, and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the North Eastern states.
Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh in his address acknowledged the rich diversity and the warmth of the people and also greeted advance felicitations to the people of Nagaland for its upcoming 63rd Foundation Day to be celebrated on 1st December 2025.
He stated that North-East India has 4 percent of the country’s population and 8 percent of the area of the country and with a commitment to spend 10 percent of the national budget in the region, he was certain that both Nagaland and the North-East will also be economically vibrant hub for trade and connectivity. He also mentioned that the North-East region will be an important stakeholder in this process, that will also bring more jobs and opportunities and he hoped that the legislature, the government will be able to facilitate the laws and policies to benefit from these opportunities.
Harivansh also called upon to be proud of every community and tribe as they have some unique practices that display a symbiotic relation with the environment and also with its 650 indigenous species of medicinal and aromatic plants and 46 species of bamboo, Nagaland has more potential to benefit economically while adhering to ecological balance.
He mentioned that in recent years, the state governments along with support from the Union Ministry of DoNER have promoted organic products and recognized local handloom with GI tags of which the Coffee produced in Nagaland is gaining global reputation and he hoped that the chillies and shawls will also gain wider recognition and demand in the domestic and global market in the coming years.
In his welcome address, Speaker NLA, Sharingain Longkumer expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the participating Parliamentarians from across the North Eastern Region and leaders from different parts of the country for joining the significant gathering.
He described Nagaland as a land of scenic and vibrant valleys, each narrating its own unique story. Home to over two million people, Nagaland is a tapestry of diverse tribes, each with distinct languages, customs, and identities. The Speaker said that with its rich cultural heritage, resilient history, and distinctive identity, Nagaland stands as a shining example of unity in diversity and the democratic spirit that defines its people.
He lauded the people of Nagaland for their immense contribution to nation-building through their enduring commitment to peace, progress, and harmonious coexistence. As a proud member of CPA Zone-III, he added that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly continues to strengthen parliamentary practices and promote the unity and progress of the North Eastern region.
Longkumer further noted that this year’s conference holds special significance as it is being hosted in Nagaland after a gap of eighteen years. He described it as a moment of pride and privilege to once again welcome distinguished delegates to Kohima.
Reflecting on the developments over the past eighteen years, the Speaker said that the region’s legislatures, societies, and aspirations have evolved significantly. He added that the conference provides a valuable opportunity to rekindle the spirit of regional cooperation and democratic dialogue that has long guided the objectives of CPA India Region Zone-III.
State Chaplin, Nagaland, Rev. Izieteilung Terieng pronounced the call of grace and Minister, Parliamentary Affairs, K. G Kenye expressed word of gratitude during the inauguration program.
Speaker, Lok Sabha, Om Birla formally inaugurated a Monolith in commemoration of the 22nd Annual CPA India Region Zone-III Conference.
Various departments of the Government of Nagaland set up exhibition stalls at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) complex as part of the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference. The stalls showcased the initiatives, achievements, and ongoing projects of different departments, offering delegates and visitors insights into the State’s development efforts and governance innovations.
(Nongozo Rikha, Assistant Director, Esuihangle IA, Suzo Kikhi IA & Maongtemjen IA)
