Deputy Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang in his speech welcome the Officials of North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi), Members of the Drafting Committee on NEC Vision 2047, Officials of North Eastern Council (NEC), State Officials from various Departments and all dignitaries present at the State Level Consultative Meeting NEC Vision Plan- 2047 at Hotel Vivor, Kohima on 8th November 2024.
He thanked the NEDFi and NEC for organizing this State Level Consultative Meeting on NEC Vision Plan 2047, so that the North Eastern States can also achieve the vision of our Prime Minister for a Viksit Bharat 2047.
He mentioned that the core objective of Vision 2047 is to achieve Socio-Economic Growth, better Infrastructure and Connectivity, Cultural Preservation, Sustainable Development, and Empowerment. He also said that the vision aims to build a future where Nagaland thrives economically, while safeguarding its unique cultural heritage, ensuring environmentally sustainable growth, and empowering its people, especially the youth, women, and marginalized communities. It is a vision for progress that respects the past, embraces the present, and looks forward to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Speaking on the Sustainable Economic Growth, Zeliang said Nagaland’s economy has traditionally relied on agriculture, and modernizing this sector holds tremendous potential for the state. By integrating advanced technology, organic farming practices, and sustainable methods, we can enhance food security and unlock new opportunities for export. Strategic actions, such as promoting diverse crop cultivation, expanding irrigation and water management systems, establishing cold storage facilities and investing in capacity building for farmers and agricultural enterprise can help the State significantly.
He also mentioned that the Infrastructure & Connectivity in the State are gradually improving; it continues to be a challenge to have better connectivity with sustainable roads. Investments into road infrastructure coupled with improved and better air, rail and waterways in the State is essential for all round economic growth. With the increasing demand in the e-commerce services, the State aims to penetrate the logistics sector by integrating with other mode of transport thus creating seamless connections between rural areas and urban centers. However, one key factor which requires the assistance and intervention of NEC is the development of warehouse & cold storage in bus depots and terminal.
Emphasizing on Promotion of Art, Culture and Tourism, Zeliang said that the Nagaland with rich cultural heritage and with each tribe having their unique cultural practices and festivals, with adequate support system in place, such as Seminars, Workshops and Capacity Building initiatives and investment in establishing State-of-the-Art Cultural and Exhibition spaces across the State, it will help boost in promotion and hosting Art and Cultural activities to reach a far larger audience.
He said tourism remains one of the most potential sectors in the State for income generation and self-sustainability, with beautiful landscapes and available natural heritage sites, the potential for tourism growth in the State is abound.
On Industrial Growth he said there is a huge potential for agro-based industrial growth in the State. The State’s favorable agro-climatic and geophysical conditions support the cultivation of a wide variety of organic sub-tropical and temperate fruits and vegetables. With ample rainfall, fertile soil, and a temperate climate, Nagaland produces rich agricultural yields. The Agri-Horti Sector holds tremendous potential for development of various food processing industries. In this regard, establishment of minor and major food processing units in the State will accelerate growth of the producers and augment the income of the farmers. Due to absence of Food Processing units, the growers and Farmers of perishable food items are discouraged to a great extent, as such NEC may take special attention in this area.
On Health and Education sector he said the overall infrastructure development in the Healthcare Sector requires a major revamp and infusion of modern technology. This is glaring by the very fact that the State lacks Multi-Speciality Hospital, not to talk of a Super Speciality Hospital. Key areas requiring immediate attention include the establishment of PSA Oxygen Plants with Booster/Compressor units, strengthening of blood banks and blood component separation services. Further, establishment of Green Climate Resilient Healthcare Facilities and the introduction of efficient biomedical waste management systems will contribute to a more sustainable healthcare infrastructure. In the education sector, there is a lack of essential infrastructure, including academic buildings, hostels, laboratories, and libraries, which are critical for the effective functioning of Higher Educational institutions. The absence of adequate facilities for incubation centres and sports amenities further limits opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship.
Highlighting concern for timely sanction and release of funds at the right season, he urged the NEC representatives where he said, in Nagaland the monsoon starts from March till end of October, release of funds for Agri-Allied sector and Infrastructure needs to be looked into for successful implementation. He appealed the NEC Officials to convey this message to concerned Ministries which may be reflected in the draft Vision Document 2047.
