Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio presenting the High-Level Task Force report on Handlooms and Handicrafts to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the during the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on June 4. (DIPR Photo)
Seeks greater Union support, including annual special grants
Kohima, June 4 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio presented the State’s developmental priorities and policy interventions during the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on June 4.
Highlighting key infrastructure requirements, fiscal concerns, connectivity projects and long-term economic transformation initiatives aimed at achieving the vision of Viksit Nagaland @2047, he also sought seeking Union Government support to realise these goals.
Among other issues, Cm Rio once again highlighted the State’s “serious fiscal challenge” following the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants under the 16th Finance Commission. He urged the Government of India to provide annual special grants during the award period to ensure fiscal stability and continuity in governance and essential public service delivery.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the State Government’s push for the proposed 364-km Trans-Nagaland Highway (Foothill Road), describing it as a transformative project that would boost economic activity, improve connectivity and enhance access to essential services across seven districts. He sought Union support for land compensation to facilitate its declaration as a National Highway.
On air connectivity, he noted that Kohima remains the only State capital in the country without an operational airport.
The State is also pursuing a phased strategy to develop smaller airstrips at Ciethu, Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang, while continuing efforts to establish a full-fledged airport at Ciethu, he added.
CM Rio further informed that the State Government would soon submit a proposal for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at the proposed Nagaki City in Chümoukedima district.
He also reiterated the proposal for a greenfield AIIMS in Nagaland and sought support for strengthening and upgrading the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), Kohima.
Highlighting the proposed 39 sq km Nagaki City in the Chathe Valley, envisioned as a hub for education, healthcare, innovation and economic growth, he sought central assistance for the creation of core infrastructure.
Calling for enhanced railway connectivity, the Chief Minister sought extension of the Dimapur–Kohima railway project beyond Zubza into Kohima city and eventually towards Imphal. He also advocated prioritisation of the long-pending Dimapur–Tizit railway line project.
CM Rio further underlined the need for urban infrastructure development, proposing flyovers and elevated corridors in Kohima, Dimapur and Chümoukedima to address rising traffic congestion. He also called for investments in strengthening power transmission infrastructure and hydropower development.
On economic development, he stressed the importance of diversifying agriculture through plantation crops such as coffee and agarwood. He stated that Nagaland aims to expand coffee cultivation from 12,000 hectares to 50,000 hectares by 2047 while promoting sustainable livelihoods through agri-allied sectors.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming Nagaland’s commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, highlighting investments in connectivity, infrastructure, youth empowerment, education and sustainable economic growth as central to self-reliance and prosperity.
According to the State DIPR, Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen and Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner Kikheto Sema, IAS, also attended the meeting.
