A high-level deliberation on Viksit Nagaland for Viksit Bharat @2047 and related matters was convened on 10th June 2025 at the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima. In a landmark first for the State, the meeting brought together the full spectrum of Nagaland’s top leadership and administrative machinery. Attendees included all 60 elected Legislators led by the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, senior police officials headed by the Director General of Police, all Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs), along with the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from all 17 districts of the State, as well as other key government functionaries.
Describing the event, Chairperson of the programme and Development Commissioner, Temsunaro Aier, IAS highlighted it as a pivotal gathering of policymakers, unified in their commitment to shaping a dynamic and progressive future for Nagaland.
In his address, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, offered a brief historical perspective on the origins of the Naga movement and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. He also reflected on the financial landscape of the State prior to 1989, noting that the financial year once began with a zero-deficit budget.
Dr. Rio highlighted Nagaland’s unique governance structure at the grassroots level, where the Village Councils Act of 1978 serves in place of the Panchayati Raj system adopted by other States. He emphasized the importance of the efficient implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, urging all departments to work diligently and ensure the timely utilization of allocated funds. Failure to do so, he cautioned, would compel the State to return unspent funds with interest to the Central Government.
Acknowledging the various challenges currently facing the State, both societal and administrative, he called for unity among the Naga people. He encouraged collective effort and a spirit of teamwork to advance the shared goal of achieving Viksit Nagaland in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Dr. Rio also advised administrative officers and Village Councils to exercise vigilance and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations, particularly regarding the issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates. He stressed the need for thorough verification to avoid future complications or unintended consequences.
Deputy Chief Minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highways, T.R. Zeliang, in his address to the august gathering, highlighted two of the State’s flagship initiatives: the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI).
Speaking on the CMHIS, Zeliang described it as a landmark scheme aimed at achieving universal health coverage for all citizens of Nagaland. He noted that the initiative reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system, ensuring the well-being of every citizen.
Dwelling on the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), Zeliang emphasized its role in promoting self-employment and economic self-reliance, particularly among the youth. The initiative, he explained, is designed to support farmers and budding entrepreneurs by offering accessible and subsidized credit. This financial support enables beneficiaries to invest more effectively and adopt modern technologies to enhance productivity and income.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to actively support and promote these transformative schemes, underscoring their potential to bring about meaningful, long-term development and prosperity for the people of Nagaland.
Deputy Chief Minister, Home & Border Affairs, Y. Patton, in his address at the event, highlighted three critical issues requiring immediate attention: the Protected Area Permit (PAP), Inner Line Permit (ILP), and Free Movement Regime (FMR). He stressed that reforming these systems was essential for the overall welfare and security of the State. While recognizing the recent implementation of the ILP in the districts of Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Niuland, Patton expressed the government’s openness to constructive suggestions from the public to enhance and strengthen the ILP system further. In his closing remarks, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding Article 371(A), asserting that it was crucial to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of the Naga people from external interference.
Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Dr. J Alam, IAS shared his experiences in the NITI Aayog meeting held in New Delhi. He gave a powerpoint presentation on Viksit Nagaland for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, highlighting the Nagaland Index Map on key parameters and its resources to drive growth. He emphasized the State's rich oil and mineral deposits, abundant natural resources, natural and human resources supported by a strong demographic dividend and creative economy.
The guiding principles to be adopted and addressed for Nagaland to become Viksit Nagaland falls in the following areas; Zero poverty, Population management & HRD, Skilling & Employment, Water scarcity, Farmer Agri- Tech, Creative economy & Product perfection, Improvement in health and education indicator digital transformation & innovation, Swachh Nagaland and inclusive infrastructure development.
He further highlighted the following as key economic growth drivers for Viksit Nagaland:
Urbanisation and regional development, Tourism & Creative economy, Agriculture Innovation & Technology, Service Hub, Mines & Minerals based industries sustainability and green economy.
Detailed theme presentations with the latest data were also presented on the following topics:
1. Strengthening Governance System from Grassroots Upwards by Home Commissioner Vyasan R, IAS.
2. Sensitization and Integration of Customary Laws in Governance by Principal Secretary, Law & Justice Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS
3. Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI) by Principal Secretary Finance Department Taliremba Ao.
4. Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) by Operations Manager, Nagaland Health Protection Society, Alongla.
5. Strengthening Start-up Ecosystem by Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS.
The theme presentations were followed by a thorough deliberative session wherein the administrative machinery and the policy makers discussed in detail important and pertaining issues related to the topics highlighted under the theme presentations.
Concluding the day-long deliberation, Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, in his closing remarks, stated that the State cannot proceed with the exploration and exploitation of oil and natural gas until the court delivers a clear and definitive verdict. Citing a Geology & Mining survey, he noted the potential discovery of rare earth minerals during the extraction of oil and gas in the State.
Referring to the Village Councils Act of 1978, he urged village authorities to promptly submit relevant cases to the administrative officers for decisions in accordance with government rules and regulations. He stressed the need for regular consultations at all levels and called on the administrative and police authorities to exercise their powers efficiently.
Rio also proposed organizing awareness campaigns, recommending that all administrative officers, police personnel, and staff from the Directorates participate actively.
On the matter of customary laws, he mentioned that an Apex Court would be established to ensure swift and cost-effective justice.
Regarding the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), he advocated for a digital and online system, emphasizing the shared responsibility between Village Councils and District Administrations. He called on citizens to act responsibly by reporting any foreign visitors to the nearest police station.
Finally, he expressed his gratitude to all participants for attending and contributing to this important meeting.
(Nongozo Rikha, Asst. Director & Morotsung Longchar, IA)
