The 6th Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly began on 3rd March 2025 with the Address of the Governor of Nagaland, La. Ganesan at Nagaland Legislative Assembly hall, Kohima. The Governor in his address said that the government will be entering its third year soon and that it has been working to fulfill the commitment to the people of the State.
The Governor said that the House has collectively taken steps to ensure the peaceful resolution of the Naga Political Issue. As assured on the floor of the House by the Chief Minister, the Government held a Consultative Meeting with the apex and influential tribal bodies and civil society organisations to deliberate on the Naga Political Issue. The meeting was held on 12th September 2024. He thanked the members of the august house for their whole-hearted cooperation in this important matter. Further, on 21st November 2024, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues, met the Union Home Minister and apprised him of the people's desire for an early solution to the Naga Political Issue. The government has also submitted their comments on the third Draft of the Memorandum of Settlement in respect of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority to the Ministry of Home Affairs on 6th November 2024. Two rounds of discussions have already been held, one in New Delhi and the other in Chumoukedima. Substantial progress has been made and the government is hopeful that any remaining concerns of the ENPO will be addressed.
The Governor, in his address, also highlighted the achievements of the Government during the ongoing financial year and also mentioned the future programmes of the Government.
In Agriculture & Allied Sectors, Rural Development, the Governor stated that the agricultural sector still plays a pivotal role in our economy. About 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agricultural and allied activities. Under the Digital Agriculture Mission various initiatives towards smart farming have been launched. These include development of an integrated web-based Geo-Portal and a mobile application based on geo-cloud-oriented architecture. Under PM-KISAN, 2, 21, 931 farmers have benefitted and an amount of ₹620 Crores has been directly credited to their individual bank accounts as on 31st January, 2025. Under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER), the state has covered 30,500 hectares area under Organic cultivation benefiting 31,104 farmers. Our organic produces through this program are marketed outside the state with MOUs signed with companies that are based outside our State.
Under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) Programme of the Government of India, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services during 2024-25 established 26 Pig Breeding Farms through credit linkage (50% bank loan & 50% capital subsidy from Govt. of India). These farms produced a total of 35,200 piglets beside an additional quantum of 88 tonnes of meat. To contain and control various diseases afflicting the animals, the State is Constructing 3 (three) Veterinary Hospitals in Chumoukedima, Niuland & Shamator at an estimated cost of ₹250.00 lakhs.
A healthy co-operative sector aids the agricultural sector's growth. The Department of Co-operation under the 'Fast Track Loan Recovery Drive' has been able to recover ₹343.25 Lakhs during the last four years. Under the National Cooperative Database, our State has uploaded the data of 8020 registered Cooperatives Societies under the National Cooperative Database, the Governor said.
The Department of Horticulture identified 16 Horticulture Model Villages in each District across the State. With total area coverage of 340 hectares, this initiative has been taken under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). In an effort to promote cash crops, the Department organized festivals focusing on specific products of the area like the Cucumber Festival in Mokokchung, the Organic King Chilli Festival in Kohima and Thanamir Apple Festival in Kiphire districts among others. During the 25th Annual Hornbill Festival, the department promoted Horti-tourism at Molvom village Chumoukedima, Rusoma village, Kohima and Thuvopisu village, Phek for Pineapple, Orange and Kiwi fruits respectively.
The Governor said that the Department of Soil & Water Conservation, focused on the promotion and distribution of micronutrients to cover 74,000 farmers and 74,000 hectares of land. Another special initiative under RKVY is the reclamation of problematic soils, where 6000 hectares of acidic soil will be treated with agricultural lime. The Department expects to distribute over 1.11 lakh soil health cards under the Soil Health Fertility of the RKVY.
On the Department of Rural Development the Governor mentioned that the department has generated ₹65.94 lakh person-days of employment through MGNREGA till 11th of February 2025. Under the PMAY-G, 8191 houses were constructed in 2024-25 as on 11th February 2025. Till date, the State has constructed 20,569 houses out of a cumulative target of 48,830 houses.
Mentioning the PHE Department, the Governor stated that under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), has provided 3,37,174 Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) till date. Further, 26,601 rural households are planned for coverage with drinking water supply through FHTC during the current financial year. Out of 1,548 rural villages/habitations, 1,135 have been covered with FHTC till date. The State has already achieved 100% Open Defecation Free Status. Improving sanitation sustainability by increasing the number of Model ODF Plus villages through the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus activities under phase –II of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) is the present focus.
The Department of Water Resources, under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) - Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP), is expecting to complete 270 Surface Minor Irrigation Schemes at an estimated cost of ₹206 Crore by March 2025. Under the Groundwater Scheme of the PMKSY, 262 units of Groundwater Irrigation Schemes at an estimated cost of ₹18 Crore covering five districts namely Dimapur, Peren, Wokha, Mokokchung and Mon have been completed.
The Department of Food and Civil Supplies has achieved 100% online allocation and 100% Supply Chain Management. 97.85% Ration Card wise Aadhaar seeding and 97.23% member wise Aadhaar seeding as on 04.02.2025 has also been achieved by the Department. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Department of Food and Public Distribution GoI, has acknowledged the Department with Commendation award for successful implementation of PDS (Public Distribution System) Supply Chain Optimization.
The Department of Geology & Mining is taking up exploration aggressively of the three major minerals of the State. Under the coal sector, regional exploration is being undertaken in 2 blocks in Mokokchung district. For strategic mineral (Nickel, Cobalt) bearing iron ore deposits, the department plans to take up detailed exploration in Pokphur block in Kiphire district and G3 level exploration in Mollen under Meluri district. G3 exploration of limestone resource in Mimi, Khongka and Hakumute under Kiphire district is also being taken up. For multi elemental analysis of minerals, rocks & soil, the Department has strengthened its chemical laboratory with the installation of WD-XRF (Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence) facility. Efforts are also on to resolve the pending issues relating to exploration and exploitation of petroleum oil and natural gas with the Government of Assam in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) and with the Central Government for the rest of the State.
On Power, Industry, Road and other Infrastructure related sectors the Governor said that the infrastructure sector has a crucial role to play in modernising our economy. The Power Department has completed the award process for tenders under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Works are expected to commence at the earliest. The Governor mentioned that Government of India has sanctioned an amount of ₹667 crores for the scheme. Under “Green Village Initiatives” program 23 villages were selected and free LED luminaries distributed, by the Department. To ensure reliability of power supply and facilitate timely operation and maintenance works of the existing Nagarjan Substation, the Department is undertaking upgradation of transformation capacity of the Substation at a cost of ₹24 crores. Additionally, to provide stable power supply and meet the increasing load demand under Dimapur Load Centre, a new Substation with associated transmission lines under Chumoukedima District is also under construction by the Department.
Under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY), the Power Department has installed 7 (seven) Roof Top Solar Panels with an installed capacity of 24.11 kWp. ₹20 crores under Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment is being utilised for installation of 18,000 nos. of Smart Prepaid Meters in Dimapur and Kohima towns. The Department has also constructed a 2.4 MW Duilumroi Small Hydro Project in Peren district with a project cost of ₹40 crore under State Plan. Further initiatives are being taken for harnessing solar power potential under the Central and State Schemes.
Further, the Department of New and Renewable Energy has installed a 5 MW Solar Power Plant (Phase- I) at Hovukhu Village under Niuland district. Phase-II of the project with similar capacity and at the same location is also expected to be completed this FY. A Solar Power Plant of capacity 5MW at Zhadima Village/Teichuma village is also under implementation.
The Governor said that the Nagaland PWD has developed and launched the Online Management and Information System (OMIS). The system will cover Road & Bridges, Housing, National highway and Mechanical departments. OMIS will also enable access to department data “anywhere anytime” which in turn will greatly enhance operational efficiency, transparency and help in data-based planning. The Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) has also completed Six (6) Roads covering 108.50 kilometres under PMGSY, 3 Roads covering 46.34 kilometres under NESIDS (Roads) and One (1) bridge with a span of 20 metres under CRF scheme. More than 95 (ninety-five) Roads/Bridges projects covering the entire length and breadth of the state is being undertaken by the Department during this FY. A few of the important projects being undertaken by the PWD (Housing) include Speaker's Official Quarters at NLA, Old Speaker Quarter at New Capital Complex, ITC Complex guest house & staff quarter and State Data Centre (SDC) at Directorate of Information Technology and Communication.
A few of the initiatives being undertaken by the PWD (National Highways) include, widening of 88.55 kms under NH 61 (New NH-2), strengthening of Dimapur City Portion Road from Dillai Gate to Tragopan Junction under NH-36, Widening of Existing Single Lane to Intermediate Lane from Mokokchung to Chare via Dikhu and projects for Improvement of Riding Quality on NH-702A. The Department has completed the Rehabilitation of Dimapur Road over Bridge (RoB) between Tragopan Junction and Burma Camp under NH-29, the Governor added.
The Civil Administration Works Department, has completed the Public Ground at D.C. Office Complex at Chumoukedima, Conference Hall at Chief Secretary's Bungalow, ADC Office at Pughoboto, G.A. Rest House at Pfutsero, Phek, G.A. Rest House at Hoshepu EAC HQ, Zunheboto, Flat type Qtr (Type-B) with site & services at ADC HQ Mangkolemba, Mokokchung, and ADC Office at Akuluto.
The Governor further said that the State is steadily making progress on Industrialization front, a total of 32,017 MSME units are registered in the State as on January 2025. The State Startup Policy, since its launch in 2019 has institutionalized Five Incubator Institutions, established Entrepreneurship Development Centres in Sixteen schools and six colleges across the State and promoted 330 Startups as on date. Nagaland has recently been acknowledged as the State with 200% surge in new Startup formations.
The Motor Vehicles Department has entered into collaboration with HDFC Bank for facilitation of e-challan and payment gateway. The digital payment services facility was launched across all the RTO and DTO offices across the State. NST has inducted 5 (Five) New Buses during the year 2024.
The Urban Development Department, to cater to the Street Vendors has completed a marketing shed at Medziphema and 2 Marketing sheds are under construction at Chiephobozou and Shamator. Under the PM SVANidhi Scheme, so far, 4595 Street Vendors have availed loans enabling them to diversify their business. During 2024-25, 41 SHGs were formed and 40 SHGs have availed Revolving Fund through DBT under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM).
Urban Local Body Elections were held to 3 Municipal and 22 Town Councils, barring the 14 Town Councils under Eastern Nagaland districts. One-third of seats were reserved for women and the process was successfully and peacefully conducted after a long gap of 20 years. Poll was held on June 26, 2024 and the results declared on June 29, 2024. Out of 523 candidates in the fray for 278 seats, 198 women candidates contested. 103 of women candidates won the elections representing 37% (against the mandatory 33%) of the seats that went to polls.
On Health, Education, Labour and other social sectors the Governor said that Human Capital Formation which includes health and education attainments are as important as physical capital for economic growth of the State. The School Education Department has under the NECTAR Project introduced the Smart Attendance Management and Informative Leaves (SMILE) system for employee, and the Teacher Attendance Management System (TAMS). The Department is establishing one Lighthouse School Complex (LSC) in each of the 16 districts of the State. Under Samagra Shiksha programme, the Department completed the construction of 11 new school buildings for Elementary, 7 Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools and 15 Residential Quarters. 5 (five) Government Middle Schools (GMS) and one Govt. Primary School (GPS) were approved for upgradation to GHS and GMS respectively.
The Governor mentioned that the state is among the first in the country to upload a short video clip on ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All Society) across various Social Media platforms and YouTube channels. The National Means Cum Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) Examination - 2025 was conducted on 2nd November, 2024. 486 students appeared in the examination from 12 Districts and 180 students have been selected for the Scholarship.
In the health sector, the Governor said that the Health and Family Welfare Department, under the CMHIS has empanelled 66 hospitals outside Nagaland and 66 within Nagaland. 17,501 claims have been approved by the Government and 11,638 claims have been settled. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), 77 hospitals are empanelled within Nagaland. 30,379 claims have been approved and 22,914 claims have been settled as on 16th February 2025.
The Governor said that under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Abhiyan, additional nutrition support to TB patients from willing donors called Nikshay Mitras is being provided. The support is in the form of once-a-month food baskets (containing protein, cereals, oils) & vitamin supplements for a minimum of 6 months. Currently, about 387 donors including the Governor, Ao Baptist Church in Dimapur & Mokokchung have come forward to support more than a thousand (1000) beneficiaries who are undergoing TB treatment.
Under the National Ayush Mission, training and distribution of Medicinal plants were conducted at 10 (ten) locations covering 6 (six) districts – Tuensang, Phek, Longleng, Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung. Herbal Gardens were set up at Kisama and Yingli College, Longleng, sponsored by National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH.
The Department of Labour, under the e-SHRAM portal has registered 2,32,758 unorganized workers in Nagaland. Social Security benefits/Welfare Schemes for unorganized workers run by the different Ministries/ State Government, in the future is expected to be delivered through this portal.
Under the Tribal Affairs Department, there are 3 (three) functional Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) Nagaland at EMRS- Diphupar, EMRS Tuensang and EMRS-Tizit, Mon. 744 students have enrolled for the Academic Year 2024-25. 11 (eleven) new EMRSs are being constructed. The Tribal Affairs Department is implementing 19 (Nineteen) new projects Ministry of Tribal Affairs, amounting to ₹20.7 cr. Under the Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana, 530 villages have been selected with each village receiving ₹20.38 lakh as a gap filling fund for various development projects. 208 villages have been covered and the rest are expected to be covered by 2026.
The Minority Affairs Department is implementing the following projects- Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex at Naga Ki Global City Chumoukedima (Phase-I) and 3 (three) units of Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centers in Kohima, Mokokchung & Tuensang districts, Library-cum Conference Hall at Zunheboto District. The Department proposes to undertake, Holy Land Tour to Israel, a new Directorate building at Thizama and other development projects such as marketing sheds and public amenities in the near future.
The Women Resources Development Department, has initiated the programme for Protection and Promotion of Tribal Designs Project. This programme is expected to promote and safeguard the rich traditional attires and modern textile designs. 5 (five) beneficiaries each from all the 17 major tribes were selected to undergo training on weaving (Fly Shuttle Loom) in collaboration with the Weavers Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles, GoI based in Dimapur. The Department also initiated the Myki Village Adoption Initiative at Khonoma Village.
The Social Welfare Department, under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), provided assistance through DBT to 7,563 beneficiaries. Under Mission Vatsalya, there are 44 child care institutions, covering an average of 699 children under Sponsorship and Foster Care Benefits. Assistance is provided under National Social Assistance Programme to 63,678 beneficiaries across the State.
On Tourism, Art & Culture, YR&S, Employment and Information & Public Relations, the Governor said that the future of our State is dependent as much on the soft power capabilities as on the resource strength and physical and human capital availability in our State, where in the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, attracted 2,05,968 attendees, including 2,527 international and 56,217 domestic tourists. The inflows of tourists have a positive impact on the economy of the State providing additional employment opportunities in the State. To enhance the tourist experience, the Government provided training to homestay owners, taxi operators and tour operators. A local taxi-hailing service, Ura Cabs was also launched in the run-up to this edition of the Hornbill Festival. Key achievements of the Tourism Department were the completion of Phase-I Development of the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. This phase included expansion of the parking lot, construction of toilet blocks, increasing the seating capacity to approximately 7000, among other improvements.
The Phase-2 Development of the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama has commenced with plans on upgrading the VIP rostrum and the main stage to international standards. Additionally, under Swadesh 2.0, Eco-tourism Experience at Chumoukedima Viewpoint and Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat, Chumoukedima has been initiated. The Department is focusing on projecting the State as a Green Destination to achieve the goals enshrined in the Nagaland Tourism Policy 2024. Konyak Heritage Complex at Mon is also nearing completion.
The Department of Art &Culture marked a milestone with the release of the Anglo-Poula (Chakhesang) Dictionary in October. The Subhas Chandra Bose Memorial Indoor Stadium at Phesama and the Artist Dormitory has been successfully completed by the Department. Under Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2023- 24, a Children & Adolescence Library and Digital Infrastructure is being implemented by the Department. Till date, 68 libraries have been constructed in various Districts.
The 9 (nine) Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, provides training across 16 trades, including 12 engineering and 4 non-engineering disciplines. So far, 11,092 trainees have successfully passed the All India Trade Test. Under the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) project, a Center of Excellence for Media & Entertainment is being established in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Skill Council.
Mentioning the Department of Information & Public Relations the Governor said that to keep up with the mobile age, the department has developed a user-friendly app, DIPR Nagaland Mobile App compatible with Android phones, which can be downloaded from Google Play Store. Seven (7) well equipped Multi Media Mobile Vehicles to cater to broadcasting of various awareness and educational videos, documentaries etc were flagged-off during this FY. Considering the importance of films and its impact on our society, the Department has sent representatives from Nagaland to the 29th Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, the 55th International Film Festival of India in Goa and the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival.
The Governor further said that the government has introduced the Nagaland Super League (NSL), a prospective self-sustainable football league, on the 28th Jan 2025 and Nagaland has also hosted the 3rd North East Games in March 2024, bringing together athletes and officials from all eight North-eastern states. With a remarkable performance surge, the state's gold medal tally jumped from 19th to 48th in the third edition, securing second place overall—a testament to the government's dedication to sports and athlete development. The Department also organized the 68 National School Games in SepakTakraw U-19 Girls Championship at IG Stadium from 25th -27th November 2024, with 17 states competing. Nagaland won the Silver Medal. Recognizing the global growth of e-sports, the department also hosted the inaugural Hornbill e-sports Championship on 6th and 7th of December 2024 at IG Stadium.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) scheme, the Department of Youth Resources and Sports targets to provide skill training to 1,050 youths across three job roles for one year, sponsored by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The Pre-fabricated Centre for Excellence in Music & Arts (CEMA) at TaFMA, Kohima, has been completed.
The Nagaland Public Service Commission advertised 305 posts under NCS/NPS/NSS & Allied services and Common Education Services and declared the results through different exams with a total selection of 154 candidates. During the calendar year 2024, the Nagaland Staff Selection Board had successfully conducted recruitment process and recommended 341 (three hundred forty one) candidates for appointment in various positions under Clerical & Allied Services Examination (CASE), Combined Technical & Educational Services Examination (CTESE), and Combined Uniform Services Examination (CUSE).
In Law & Order, Planning and Finance sector, the Governor said that with the creation of Meluri district, there are now 17 (Seventeen) District Headquarters, 24 (Twenty-Four) Additional Deputy Commissioner sub-divisions, 18 (Eighteen) Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) sub-divisions and 63 (Sixty-Three) Extra Assistant Commissioner circles in the State. These offices spearhead the various activities related to development and law and order administration.
Nagaland Police has registered 1,308 cognisable cases of which 108-cases were UG-related. Drugs worth more than ₹44 crores was seized by the Police in 2024. The Police Engineering Project has recently completed the construction of the SPOffices at Wokha and Tuensang. The Officers Mess and NGOs Mess at Police Complex, Chumoukedima has also been completed, the Governor said.
The Governor also mentioned that the State Excise and Prohibition Department made seizures worth more than ₹1.18 crores and arrested more than 1770 persons. As on 1st February 2025, there were 10,826 active taxpayers under GST. Various GST awareness and training programmes are being conducted at regular interval to enlighten stakeholders towards tax compliance.
The Department of Fire & Emergency Services has constructed 15 Rainwater harvesting Reservoirs along with deep bore wells for its utility towards fire prevention and safety in the State, under SASCI covering ten districts. Of these, 3 are in Kohima, 3 in Kiphire, 2 in Peren and one (1) each in Chumoukedima, Longleng, Mokokchung, Mon, Phek, Wokha and Zunheboto Districts. The Prisons Department completed the construction of Petrol Pump at District Jail, Dimapur. This is intended to provide employment to jail inmates as part of rehabilitation and reforms on release from imprisonment and will help them earn and lead a better life.
During the fiscal year 2024-25, a significant allocation of ₹ 10.00 crores was made under the Chief Minister's Corpus Fund (CMCF) to support initiatives aimed at fostering education, entrepreneurship and skill enhancement across different sectors. At present, there are 29 ongoing projects (including erstwhile NLCPR) under NESIDS (OTRI) for total approved cost of ₹ 526.83 crores. Under the PM-DeVINE, at present there are 4(four) ongoing projects for total approved cost of ₹ 376.87 crores. The North Eastern Council (NEC) is undertaking 74 projects in various sectors in different districts in Nagaland. The Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre carried out comprehensive mapping for all District Headquarters and Towns, integration of urban data and reconstructions, Drone Technology providing near real-time data for more effective planning and management.
The governor said that with the initiatives taken by the Government, It is necessary for all to work towards the fulfilment of the policies of the Government. He request that the spirit of co-operation that exists within the House is carried forward to the wider society and hoped that the deliberations in this august House will be done in the right spirit, keeping in mind the welfare of the citizens of the State.
(Nongozo Rikha, Asst. Director, Avika, IA)
