The 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference plenary inaugural session commenced at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kohima, on November 10 under the theme “Policy, Progress & People: Legislatures as Catalysts of Change.”
In his inaugural address, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extended a warm welcome to the Presiding Officers and Members of CPA Zone-III to Nagaland — a land of valour, vibrant festivals, and rich traditions. Expressing delight that Nagaland was hosting the CPA conference for the third time, Birla said the event reflected the State’s cultural richness and commitment to democratic values. He emphasized that such interactions strengthen legislative institutions and contribute to capacity building by providing a platform for deliberations on development, public expectations, and aspirations.
Highlighting the conference theme, “Policy, Progress & People: Legislatures as Catalysts of Change,” Birla said it resonated with Nagaland’s democratic values, emphasizing the role of legislative assemblies in driving progress and prosperity. The collective decision-making of the North Eastern States, he added, had paved the way for regional growth and happiness by working to meet people’s expectations and aspirations.
“They continue to design strategies for enhancing accountability and transparency in governance through effective use of new technologies and artificial intelligence. As a result, most Legislative Assemblies in the region have now become paperless,” Birla stated.
He further lauded the fact that these Assemblies share good practices and traditions, and that disruptions in proceedings are minimal. Birla noted that the North Eastern region is moving ahead as a vibrant democracy with steady progress in connectivity and infrastructure, opening new opportunities for growth.
Birla stressed that the Legislative Legislative Assemblies work towards policies that promote regional development and industrial growth. Policy decisions should encourage maximum industrial advancement in this region, while also providing a platform for local art, culture, and traditional crafts, he added.
“The people of the North East are vibrant, industrious, and full of potential. They deserve greater opportunities to realise their abilities,” he said, while stressing that collective dialogue and public participation can lead to inclusive and sustainable development.
Birla expressed confidence that the two-day conference would yield in-depth deliberations and a concrete roadmap to make legislative institutions more efficient and effective.
In his address, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio traced the origins of the North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA), recalling that it was formed following a conference of Presiding Officers from the North Eastern States held in Dispur on November 11, 1996, under the chairmanship of the late PA Sangma, then Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Rio said Sangma’s visionary leadership fostered greater cooperation and unity among the North Eastern States, nurturing a collective aspiration for development at par with the rest of the country. He also emphasized that the meeting had a visionary objective – to establish a Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association bringing together the eight North Eastern States.
He recalled that the first NERCPA Conference, held in Kohima from April 27–30, 1997, was a landmark event that laid the foundation for inter-legislative cooperation in the region. The association, Rio said, has since served as an effective platform for enhancing understanding of parliamentary democracy, legislative practices, constitutional governance, and the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of the North East.
The Nagaland Legislative Assembly, had the privilege to host the 10th NERCPA Conference in May 2007, he said.
He noted that the nomenclature of NERCPA was formally changed to CPA India Region Zone-III during an executive meeting in Guwahati on October 7, 2018.
“Over the years, the CPA India Region Zone-III has made commendable progress in fostering regional cooperation, promoting parliamentary best practices, and addressing issues specific to the North East. Some of which are Regional Cooperation and Policy Advocacy , Parliamentary Modernization and Best Practices , Legislative Focus and Dialogue,” Rio said.
Calling for reaffirmation of commitment to parliamentary democracy and cooperative federalism, he emphasized that the North East, rich in diversity and natural resources, has immense potential to contribute to India’s growth story.
He also mentioned that the CPA Zone-III must continue to play a proactive role in shaping policies that promote inclusive development and greater integration of the North Eastern region with the rest of the country and beyond.
The Chief Minister, however, pointed out that Nagaland remains a resource-constrained State despite being endowed with rich mineral deposits such as cobalt, nickel, natural gas, and petroleum. He said the exploration of oil remains sub judice, and the Government will proceed in accordance with the Court’s decision. The situation, he said, has limited the capacity to harness our natural wealth for economic development.
Rio reiterated his earlier appeal for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Nagaland, recalling that the late Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced it in the Union Budget of 2015–16, though it was never materialized.
“The establishment of an IISER would be transformational for Nagaland and the entire North Eastern Region, particularly in advancing science and mathematics education and research. The State Government has already acquired 200 acres of land at Sukhovi, Chumoukedima, strategically located near Dimapur Airport and Sukhovi Railway Station,” he said and urged the Central Government to reconsider and expedite the establishment of IISER in Nagaland.
Highlighting the Nagaland Institute of Medical Science & Research (NIMSR), which commenced its first academic session in September 2023 with an intake of 100 students, Rio said that it requires long-term sustainability and institutional strengthening. He requested that it be upgraded into an AIMS-like Institute, or a Central Institute on the lines of RIMS, Imphal, so that the people of Nagaland and the neighbouring States can benefit from improved healthcare and medical education.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that Nagaland has only about 8 kilometres of railway line within its territory. The proposed Dimapur-Tizit railway line, covering 250 kilometres, will connect Dimapur, Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Mon districts, traversing rich mineral and agricultural belts, he said adding this project, announced in the Railway Budget of 2011-12, holds immense potential for economic growth and regional integration.
However, he said progress has been slow and urged the Union Government and the Ministry of Railways to accord priority attention and expedite this crucial project.
In line with the national policy of ensuring air connectivity to every State capital, Dr. Rio mentioned that the Airports Authority of India had conducted feasibility studies and prepared Detailed Project Reports in 2008 and 2022 for the Ciethu Airport in Kohima.
“Air connectivity is essential for improving accessibility, trade, and tourism in Nagaland. However, in their recent correspondence dated 5th June 2025, the proposal was regrettably not approved by the Government of India, citing lack of budgetary allocation for greenfield airport development,” he noted .
Rio appealed for reconsideration of this vital project, which is essential for the balanced development of the State.
Rio further highlighted that Nagaland today has no National Institute of repute, neither an IIT nor a National Law University. He mentioned that establishing such premier institutions would not only strengthen the higher education and research ecosystem but also help retain talent, promote innovation, and support the State’s long-term development goals
Furthermore, with the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) by the Ministry of Home Affairs, through its circular dated 17th December 2024, for Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, Rio said that potential investors have become increasingly hesitant to invest in the region. The combination of limited connectivity, absence of national institutions, and regulatory restrictions has significantly hampered the sustainability and growth prospects of Nagaland, he maintained.
Rio further said that it is imperative that focused attention and special consideration be accorded to Nagaland in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, education, and institutional development, so that the people are given equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the nation.
In his welcome address, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman of CPA India Region Zone-III, Sharingain Longkumer extended his heartfelt thanks to Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha for his support to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and its regional activities.
Longkumer said that his participation reflects the collective commitment of the national leadership to nurture and empower democratic institutions in every part of our great nation.
This Conference Longkumer said holds special significance as it is being hosted here in Nagaland after a gap of eighteen long years. He added that it is a moment of pride and privilege to welcome the distinguished delegates to Kohima.
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“Over these eighteen years, our legislatures, societies and aspirations have progressed and evolved significantly. This occasion provides a valuable opportunity to rekindle the spirit of regional cooperation and democratic dialogue that has long guided the objectives of CPA India Region Zone-III,” he noted .
Longkumer highlighted that the Conference brings to focus two highly relevant plenary topics: “Role of Legislature in Achieving Viksit Bharat 2047″ and “Climate Change – In the light of recent cloudburst and landslides in some parts of the North East Region”
Longkumer reaffirmed the collective resolve to strengthen parliamentary democracy, to deepen regional and national cooperation, and ensure that the legislatures continue to serve as true catalysts of change – grounded in policy, driven by progress and inspired by the people.
Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh also in his welcome address highlighted about the state’s upcoming celebration of its 63rd foundation day. He extended his advance felicitations to the people of Nagaland.
Harivansh also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined the grand goal of making India a developed nation by the year 2047. In this direction, every state of the country has to fulfill its own targets and priorities, which together would ultimately contribute to achieving this ambitious goal, he added.
Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha, Harivansh with Minister for Horticulture and Women Resource Development, Salhoutuonuo Kruse along with village elders, during their visit to Khonoma village, Kohima on November 10. (DIPR)
He further stated that in 2014, the Northeastern region’s total budget was approximately ₹24.5 thousand crore. However, this fiscal year’s targeted expenditure is ₹1.8 lakh crore, he disclosed.
Until a decade ago, he said that the region had only about 10,900 kilometers of National Highways and the past 10 years, this number has increased by another 6,000 kilo-meters and under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), more than 45,000 kilometers of rural roads have been completed.
By the end of this year, he said every village in the Northeast would be connected to a 4G network. At the recently held Rising North East Investors Summit, a large number of industry groups announced significant investments in the North Eastern Region, he maintained.
“The most important aspect of infrastructure development is that now there is a special focus not only on connecting the rest of India with the Northeast, but also on improving connectivity within the region. Today, all major cities in the region are connected by rail,” he cited .
Harivansh further highlighted that Northeast has 4 percent of the country’s population, and 8 percent of the area of the country. With a commitment to spend 10 percent of the national budget in the region, he said both Nagaland and the Northeast would also be economically vibrant hub for trade and connectivity.
Harivansh also hoped that the legislature, the government will be able to facilitate the laws and policies to benefit from these opportunities.
He also highlighted that in recent years, the state governments along with support from the Union Ministry of DoNER have promoted organic products and recognized local handloom with Gl tags. He said that the coffee produced in Nagaland is also gaining global reputation. He hoped that in coming years, the chillies from the state gain even more wider recognition and demand in the domestic and global market.
State Chaplin, Nagaland, Rev Izieteilung Terieng pronounced the call of grace and Minister, Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye expressed word of gratitude during the inauguration program.
Speaker, Lok Sabha, Om Birla also formally inaugurated a Monolith in commemoration of the 22nd Annual CPA India Region Zone-III Conference.
Various departments of the Government of Nagaland set up exhibition stalls at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) complex as part of the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference. The stalls showcased the initiatives, achievements, and ongoing projects of different departments, offering delegates and visitors insights into the State’s development efforts and governance innovations.
