Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, on Thursday, presented a Rs 24,849 crore budget for the financial year 2025-26 along with a deficit of Rs. 843.21 crore.
Stating that the Budget reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth, improving public service delivery and creating employment opportunities for citizens of Nagaland, CM Rio introduced new initiatives emphasizing on skilling and employment-led growth, sustainability and private sector partnerships as key drivers of economic transformation.
Employment and skill focused budget
Rio announced that the Government will launch a special initiative under the Nagaland Skill Mission to train and provide employment opportunities for at least 5,000 youth in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, banking and insurance, construction, healthcare, logistics and drone technology within the financial year. “With limited government jobs, the private sector and Naga entrepreneurs must lead in job creation, and this requires an industry-ready talent pool. The Mission will bridge the gap between education and employability, offering Skill Loans backed by Government Guarantee to promote financial independence. A dedicated PMU under IDAN will oversee seamless execution. Rs. 5 crore has been allocated for the same,” stated Rio.
Further, to promote tourism as a key driver of employment, the Government will also be launching the Nagaland Tourism, Hospitality and Transport Scheme. This scheme, according to the CM, will facilitate concessional loans to entrepreneurs to set up 500 homestays and 200 tourist transport vehicles. This will integrate various government programs, including CMMFI, Nagaland Skill Mission, and Tourism Connect.
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Leveraging emerging technologies, Rio announced, the Government will launch the Drone Training and Logistics Program where an amount of Rs. 2.50 crore has been earmarked. “This initiative will skill youth in drone operations through public private partnerships, ensuring employment opportunities in this growing field. This program will pave the way for Nagaland to emerge as a leader in drone technology,” said Rio.
The budget will also earmark Rs.2 crore for capacity building and continuous professional competency enhancement for both local bodies and public servants to ensure effective governance and service delivery. Through these initiatives, the Government aims to equip officials with the necessary expertise to enable effective policy formulation and execution for the benefit of the people.
Rio also announced that the Government will launch the Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme with Rs. 2.50 crore earmarked to nurture future leaders and policy innovators. The programme is aimed at developing a cadre of highly skilled professionals with a deep understanding of Nagaland’s development priorities.
