The Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s Address, with Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio expressing gratitude to all members for their support during the sixth session of the 14th NLA held at the Assembly Hall on 4th March 2025.
In his concluding remarks on the Motion of Thanks, Dr. Rio reiterated that resolving the long-standing Naga political issue remains the government's foremost agenda. He highlighted that eight resolutions have been passed in the Assembly for Naga integration and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with civil societies, tribal bodies, ex-parliamentarians, and other stakeholders. He also informed that Interlocutor A.K. Mishra has been engaging with various organizations and individuals and also met with him and cabinet colleagues. Dr. Rio said he will soon meet the Home Minister after discussions with the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to push for an early, inclusive, and honorable solution.
Addressing challenges in school education, Dr. Rio acknowledged past mistakes and assured that corrective measures would take time. He pointed out issues more so in the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) region, where unqualified teachers have affected education quality. He emphasized the need for a policy review and restructuring of teacher transfers through consultations with elected representatives and officials under a state level committee.
Dr. Rio also raised concerns over inaccurate census data, citing the drastic fluctuations in population growth rates—67% in 2003 and a negative growth of 0.06% in 2011. He attributed the incorrect teacher-student ratio of 1:7 in Nagaland (compared to 1:30 nationally) to faulty census-based recruitments under the Right to Education policy.
The Chief Minister assured that justice would be done in the construction of the Foot Hill Road and agreed to rename it as the Trans Nagaland Highway. He also pointed out that census and delimitation exercises will be conducted soon and agreed with the suggestion to base reservations on economic and educational status rather than tribe-wise.
Dr. Rio commended MLA, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso’s Mobile Operation Theatre initiative with necessary equipment sponsored by the government, which provides free medical care in difficult areas.
Highlighting the achievements of Naga athletes, Dr. Rio celebrated Hokato Hotozhe Sema’s bronze medal at the Paris Summer Paralympics, for which the state government awarded him Rs. 1.5 crore. He also acknowledged Dr. T. Ao, Nagaland’s first Olympian, and emphasized that Nagas have talent in sports however enough time and attention was not given due to the political issue.
The CM expressed happiness over the growing popularity of the Nagaland Super League, which is being live-telecast, and announced that top players would receive rewards, including a Toyota car, Kia car, and bikes. He also revealed plans to construct Astro Turf stadiums with Hymas lights in every district to boost sports infrastructure.
Dr. Rio highlighted Nagaland’s rich oil, gas, and rare earth minerals, including Nickel, Cobalt, and Lithium, particularly in the eastern and western regions. He plans to take officials from the Geology and Mining Department to Delhi to explore potential opportunities in these sectors. He expressed delight that Nagaland’s internal revenue has grown from single digit to 13%, stressing that revenue generation is crucial for the state’s development.
(Atuzo, DPRO Kohima)
