In a historic first for Nagaland, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio led a high-level deliberation on Viksit Nagaland for Viksit Bharat @2047 at the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima on June 10, which brought together all 60 elected legislators, senior bureaucrats, top police officials, and district-level administrators in a unified platform to deliberate on the State’s long-term development trajectory.
Addressing the full administrative and political leadership of the State, Dr. Rio laid out a comprehensive vision for Nagaland’s progress, drawing a direct link between efficient governance today and a developed Nagaland by 2047.
Opening with a historical context, the Chief Minister reflected on the Naga movement and the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), framing them as pivotal to understanding the State’s political and administrative evolution. He also recalled that Nagaland’s financial year began with a zero-deficit budget until 1989—an era that, according to him, offers valuable lessons in fiscal discipline.
According to DIPR report, Dr. Rio highlighted the uniqueness of Nagaland’s grassroots governance through the Village Councils Act of 1978, which functions in place of the Panchayati Raj system followed by other States. He stressed that these institutions, along with administrative officers, must uphold stringent verification practices, particularly while issuing Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates, to prevent legal and societal complications.
Calling for timely and efficient implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), the Chief Minister warned departments against under-utilization of funds. “Returning unspent money with interest to the Centre is unacceptable,” he asserted, urging proactive execution from all government arms.
Underscoring the importance of unity and cooperation, Dr. Rio said, “Only through teamwork can we achieve the shared goal of Viksit Nagaland.” He emphasized that the Naga people must rise above divisions and work collectively for a prosperous future.
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In his closing remarks, Dr. Rio addressed several key strategic areas. He reaffirmed that exploration of oil and natural gas in the State would remain on hold pending a clear verdict from the judiciary. However, he cited findings indicating the presence of rare earth minerals, offering future economic potential.
Referring to the Village Councils Act, he instructed village authorities to submit cases promptly to administrative officers in line with legal protocols, and encouraged regular consultations at all governance levels.
Dr. Rio proposed conducting awareness campaigns with participation from administrative officers, police, and Directorate staff to sensitize the public on laws and rights.
On customary laws, he announced the creation of an Apex Court for Customary Justice, aimed at ensuring affordable and speedy resolution of disputes.
Regarding the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), he called for a digital and online system, urging citizens to report foreign visitors promptly to police authorities.
He concluded by thanking the attendees and reiterating the need for “vision, coordination, and execution” in building a resilient and inclusive Nagaland.
Transformative schemes aligned with CM’s development vision
Deputy Chief Minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highways, TR Zeliang, reinforced the Chief Minister’s emphasis on targeted welfare and economic empowerment by spotlighting two major State initiatives: the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI).
He described the CMHIS as a landmark move toward universal health coverage, embodying the State Government’s determination to build a resilient and inclusive healthcare ecosystem. According to Zeliang, this aligns directly with the Chief Minister’s vision of a people-centric approach to development.
Turning to the CMMFI, he underlined its potential to foster self-employment and youth entrepreneurship. The scheme’s provision of subsidized and accessible credit is designed to equip farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to modernize operations, enhance productivity, and achieve economic self-reliance—objectives that mirror the Chief Minister’s repeated call for grassroots transformation and efficient scheme execution.
Zeliang called on all stakeholders to throw their weight behind these schemes, noting their long-term potential to drive sustainable prosperity in Nagaland.
Securing rights and borders: Patton reiterates need for reform
Deputy Chief Minister for Home & Border Affairs, Y. Patton, while aligning with the CM’s appeal for legal accountability and territorial integrity, brought attention to three crucial regulatory mechanisms: the Protected Area Permit (PAP), Inner Line Permit (ILP), and the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
Patton emphasized that reforming these frameworks is essential not only for administrative efficiency but for the security and rights of the indigenous population. Applauding the recent extension of the ILP to Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland, he welcomed public input to further strengthen the system. He echoed the Chief Minister’s concern over the proper issuance of indigenous inhabitant certifications and urged vigilance from both government functionaries and citizens.
Reiterating the sanctity of Article 371(A), Patton stated that it must be safeguarded to preserve the unique constitutional protections afforded to the Naga people.
Strategic resource mapping and future priorities
Chief Secretary Dr J Alam, IAS, who also participated in the recent NITI Aayog session in New Delhi, presented a data-driven roadmap for achieving the Viksit Nagaland vision.
In his presentation, he underlined Nagaland’s immense potential, citing its oil and mineral reserves, abundant natural and human capital, and an emerging creative economy as pivotal growth levers. These resources, he noted, must be mobilized in line with the Chief Minister’s call for responsible governance and integrated planning.
Alam laid out guiding principles aligned with Rio’s developmental framework, including: Zero poverty and effective population management; Skilling, employment, and HRD; Water security and agri-tech integration; Improved health and education indicators; and digital innovation, creative economy, and inclusive infrastructure.
He also pinpointed six key growth drivers: urbanisation, tourism, agriculture innovation, service sector development, mines and minerals-based industries, and a green, sustainable economy—strategic directions that resonated with the Chief Minister’s insistence on maximizing Nagaland’s inherent strengths.
Senior officials presented five key themes that directly support the Chief Minister’s priorities, reinforcing the urgent need for efficient governance, inclusive development, and innovative economic growth.
Home Commissioner Vyasan R, IAS gave a presentation on “Strengthening Governance System from Grassroots Upwards”; Principal Secretary, Law & Justice Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS talked about “Sensitization and Integration of Customary Laws in Governance”, while Principal Secretary Finance Department Taliremba Ao gave a presentation on “Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI)”
Operations Manager, Nagaland Health Protection Society, Alongla gave a presentation on “Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS)” while Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS gave a presentation on “Strengthening Start-up Ecosystem”.
The theme presentations were followed by a thorough deliberative session wherein the administrative machinery and the policy makers discussed in detail important and pertaining issues related to the topics highlighted under the theme presentations.
