Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio highlighted the State's developmental achievements, governance reforms and key infrastructure proposals during the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi on 11th June 2026.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for convening the Governing Council Meeting and reaffirmed Nagaland's commitment towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He noted that Nagaland has continued to make significant progress in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in SDG-5, where the State has emerged as a national leader. He also informed the Council that Mokokchung, Kohima and Dimapur districts were ranked among the top ten performers in the Northeast District SDG Index 2.0.
The Chief Minister highlighted several governance reforms undertaken by the State Government, including the adoption of an SDG-linked Budget Architecture, Gender Budget Statement and Outcome Budgeting Framework to strengthen transparency, accountability and evidence-based planning.
On women-led development, Rio highlighted initiatives such as the Innovation Seed Fund for nano women entrepreneurs and the introduction of Pink Scooty Taxis. He also outlined measures under the Nagaland Strategic Water Resilience Initiative, expansion of bamboo-based value chains and programmes promoting the green economy.
Emphasising youth empowerment, the Chief Minister spoke about the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission, Nagaland Apprenticeship and Placement Exchange, Chief Minister's STEM Incentive Programme, Academic Excellence Corpus and Open Learning Support Scheme.
Rio also highlighted ongoing fiscal reforms, including modernization of land revenue systems, implementation of e-Stamping, rollout of e-GRAS digital revenue platforms and the establishment of a Revenue and Development Fund Mobilisation Cell.
In the agriculture sector, he stressed the importance of strengthening food processing and post-harvest infrastructure to reduce losses and improve market access. He further highlighted efforts to promote coffee cultivation through the Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development Programme and the cultivation of high-value horticultural crops such as kiwi, persimmon, dragon fruit, avocado and pineapple.
The Chief Minister also underscored the role of tourism and culture in economic development. He stated that the State Government continues to support tribal festivals through Mini Hornbill Festivals and highlighted the contribution of the Hornbill Festival in promoting cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artisans, weavers, performers, food entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Speaking on the theme "Human Capital for Viksit Bharat @ 2047," Rio outlined initiatives in early childhood education, school education, skilling, higher education, sports and digital governance. He highlighted programmes such as Lighthouse School Complexes, the Teacher Attendance Monitoring System (Smile App), the Morung Concept of Education, Nagaland Literacy and Numeracy Framework, vocational education initiatives, the Centre of Excellence–Industry 4.0 at NTTC Dimapur and AI-skilling programmes.
On sports development, he highlighted initiatives including the "Catch Them Young, Teach Them Right" tournament, the Nagaland Super League and the creation of sports infrastructure across districts.
The Chief Minister further highlighted digital governance initiatives such as the Personal Information Management System (PIMS), Nagaland State Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy, Chief Minister's Micro Finance Initiative Digital Portal, Common Scholarship Portal, Nagaland Spatial Data Infrastructure and the proposed AI Research Centre at Kohima.
Seeking continued support from the Government of India, Rio requested fiscal assistance and support for major infrastructure projects, including the Foothill Road (Trans-Nagaland Highway), Greenfield Airport at Ciethu, establishment of IIT and AIIMS in Nagaland, development of Nagaki City, railway expansion projects, resumption of oil and natural gas exploration, inland waterways development, urban flyovers, promotion of agarwood cultivation and strengthening of power transmission infrastructure.
Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the meeting, the Chief Minister said the deliberations would further strengthen cooperative federalism and contribute towards building a stronger, more resilient and developed India.
(DIPR)
