Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Friday highlighted the state’s key development priorities and sought continued support from the Government of India and NITI Aayog during an interaction with chief ministers of northeastern states convened by NITI Aayog in New Delhi.
Expressing gratitude to NITI Aayog for its continued support towards Nagaland’s development initiatives, Rio acknowledged the institution’s role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programmes, the Sampoornata Abhiyan, and the establishment of the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT).
The chief minister said that despite significant progress over the past two decades, Nagaland continues to face fiscal and infrastructural challenges as a resource-constrained and revenue-deficit state. He expressed concern over the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants under the Sixteenth Finance Commission and urged NITI Aayog to support the provision of annual special grants during the Commission’s award period to ensure fiscal sustainability and continuity of essential public services.
Emphasising connectivity as a key driver of economic transformation, Rio sought support for the Foothill Road (Trans-Nagaland Highway), enhancement of air connectivity through the development of short landing strips at strategic locations, extension of the Dimapur–Zubza railway line up to Kohima, early sanction of the Dimapur–Tizit railway project, and the development of inland waterways in the state.
He also sought support for major urban infrastructure projects, including the construction of flyovers and elevated corridors in Dimapur, Kohima and Chümoukedima to address growing traffic congestion and urbanisation challenges.
In the education and healthcare sectors, Rio requested support for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Nagaland and the strengthening of tertiary healthcare infrastructure. He also sought financial assistance for the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), Kohima.
Highlighting the proposed Nagaki City in Chümoukedima district as a major economic transformation initiative, the chief minister sought special consideration for the development of core infrastructure to attract investment and accelerate implementation of the project.
Rio further requested support for expanding coffee cultivation, promoting agarwood-based livelihoods, implementing hydroelectric power projects, and strengthening sports infrastructure and youth development programmes across the state.
During the meeting, the chief minister informed participants about the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding among the governments of Nagaland, Assam and India to facilitate mineral oil operations in the disputed belt along the Assam–Nagaland border.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would unlock economic opportunities and contribute to the country’s energy security. Rio added that efforts are underway to resume petroleum and natural gas exploration and production activities in Nagaland.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, Rio said Nagaland looks forward to continued partnership with NITI Aayog, the Government of India and other northeastern states in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.
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