Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Friday sought continued support from the Government of India and NITI Aayog to sustain state’s development momentum during the 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 contribution in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programmes, the Sampoornata Abhiyan and the establishment of the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT).

The Chief Minister stated that despite significant progress achieved 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 requested NITI Aayog’s support for provision of annual Special Grants during the Commission’s award period to ensure fiscal sustainability and continuity of essential public services.

Highlighting connectivity as a key driver of economic transformation, Rio sought support for the Foothill Road (Trans-Nagaland Highway), strengthening of air connectivity through 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 development of inland waterways in the State.

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The Chief Minister 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 areas of education and healthcare, Rio requested support for establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Nagaland and strengthening of tertiary healthcare infrastructure in the State. He also sought financial assistance for the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kohima.

Highlighting the proposed Nagaki City in Chümoukedima district as a major economic transformation initiative, Rio sought special consideration for development of core infrastructure to facilitate investment and accelerate implementation of the project.

The Chief Minister further sought support for expansion of coffee cultivation, promotion of agarwood-based livelihoods, implementation of hydroelectric projects and enhancement of sports infrastructure and youth development programmes across the State.

Rio also informed the gathering about the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding involving Nagaland, Assam and the Government of India to facilitate mineral oil operations in the disputed area belt along the Assam-Nagaland border. He expressed optimism that the initiative would unlock economic opportunities and contribute to the country’s energy security. He further stated that efforts are underway for the resumption of petroleum and natural gas exploration and production activities in Nagaland.

Reaffirming Nagaland’s commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the Chief Minister said the State looks forward to continued partnership with NITI Aayog, the Government of India and other North Eastern States in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.