Union Home Minister Amit Shah, DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia with Governors and Chief Ministers of the North East States during the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on June 4. (Photo Courtesy: PRO Lok Bhavan)
Kohima, June 4 (MExN): Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Wednesday called for greater regional cooperation, enhanced connectivity and increased investments in infrastructure, youth empowerment and sustainable development while addressing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on June 4.
Reaffirming Nagaland’s commitment to building a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive North-East, the Governor stressed that stronger regional collaboration would be crucial to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Nagaland.
Highlighting agriculture as the backbone of Nagaland’s economy, with over 70 per cent of the population dependent on agriculture and allied sectors, Yadav underscored the need to strengthen value chains, certification systems and market access for the State’s organic products, including pineapple, cucumber, persimmon, Naga King Chilli, coffee and agarwood.
He also advocated integrating modern technology with traditional farming practices to enhance productivity and sustainability, stated a press release from Lok Bhavan, Kohima.
On infrastructure, the Governor called for expediting the proposed airport at Ciethu and developing additional airstrips in Mokokchung, Tuensang and Mon, while also underscoring the importance of the Foothill Road and key railway projects.
Improved connectivity remains critical for economic growth and regional integration and would help unlock the State’s industrial, mineral and agricultural potential, he added.
Turning to education and youth development, Yadav expressed concern over the absence of premier educational institutions in Nagaland, compelling many students to pursue higher education outside the State.
He urged the establishment of national or regional institutions in Nagaland and highlighted entrepreneurship, innovation and skill development as key drivers of growth for the State’s youthful population.
The Governor pointed to the establishment of Nagaland’s first Drone School and Centre of Excellence under the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission as a significant step towards creating future-ready employment opportunities.
He also highlighted Nagaland’s progress in sustainable development, noting that Mokokchung, Kohima and Dimapur featured among the top ten districts in the North Eastern Region District SDG Index 2.0.
On industrialisation and energy security, Yadav called for greater support for scientific mineral exploration and sustainable resource development.
He reiterated the State’s commitment to renewable energy, including the Nagaland Solar Mission, which aims to meet 15 per cent of the State’s energy requirements through rooftop solar installations.
The Governor further identified sports, culture and tourism as key pillars of socio-economic growth, citing initiatives such as the Hornbill Festival and community-based tourism.
He said stronger last-mile connectivity, eco-sensitive infrastructure and digital promotion would be vital to unlocking the region’s tourism potential.
Calling for a stronger and more empowered NEC, Yadav advocated enhanced financial support, greater institutional powers and equitable resource allocation among all eight Northeastern states to address developmental disparities and accelerate regional progress.
He concluded by reaffirming Nagaland’s commitment to working closely with the NEC and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), guided by the principle of “Peace for Development and Development for Peace,” while envisioning a peaceful, progressive and self-reliant Nagaland by 2047.
