State chief minister Neiphiu Rio, in his concluding remarks on the general discussion on the Budget 2025-26, urged members of the Legislative Assembly to support the government’s initiatives aimed at economic growth, employment generation, and strengthening governance.
Expressing gratitude to members for their participation and valuable inputs, Rio acknowledged the contributions of several legislators, including Imkong L. Imchen, Hekani Jakhalu, Temjen Imna Along, T.N. Mannen, Achumbemo Kikon, A. Nyamnyei Konyak, Dr. Sukhato A. Sema, G. Ikuto Zhimomi, Dr. Neisatuo Mero, and Naiba Konyak.
Naga political issue: Rio stated that the Naga political issue had already been discussed during the debate on the Governor’s address on March 4 and therefore did not elaborate further.
However, he acknowledged Imkong L. Imchen’s concerns about the proliferation of factions and assured the House that the matter would be brought to the notice of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Regarding the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNTA), Rio informed that the third draft of the memorandum of settlement had been shared with the state government, which forwarded its comments to the MHA on November 6, 2024. He assured members that discussions between the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), the State Government, and MHA were ongoing and that the House would be kept informed in due course.
Economic and welfare measures: The chief minister said the state’s memorandum to the 16th Finance Commission highlighted the 16-Point Agreement and Article 371(A), and the government was hopeful for a favourable award. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond welfare measures to target economic growth and employment generation.
New initiatives announced in the budget: The chief minister also outlined several new initiatives included in the budget including Nagaland Skill Mission, which aims to train and place 5,000 youth in self-employment and private-sector jobs in 2025-26, with a focus on hospitality, tourism, healthcare, logistics, and skilled trades like construction. He said concessional loans will also support 500 homestays and 200 transport units.
Living Morung Initiative: a cultural revitalization effort to preserve traditional Naga customs and heritage. Nagaland state solar power mission: Addressing the state’s energy deficit with a state subsidy of Rs.20,000 per kW, capped at Rs.50,000 per beneficiary.
Drone training centre: Offering employment-linked training programs in drone technology in collaboration with private partners. Expanding banking access: Developing infrastructure in unbanked blocks to attract long-term leasing by banks and facilitate government transactions through these banks.
Capacity building: Enhancing governance efficiency through structured training for municipal bodies, village councils, and government officers.
Chief Minister’s Fellowship Program: A leadership development initiative for future state leaders.
Modernizing Nagaland State Transport (NST): Introducing a fleet of over 40 new buses and improving amenities at NST stations.
Development of interstate border areas: Allocating Rs.15 crore for essential infrastructure like buildings, roads, power, and water supply in border villages.
Agriculture and allied sectors: Rio acknowledged A. Nyamnyei Konyak’s call for special initiatives in agriculture and allied sectors. Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), the department of horticulture has identified 32 model villages for cultivating exotic fruits and commercial crops like kiwi, dragon fruit, avocado, and persimmon.
He also highlighted the success of Naga coffee, with export volumes rising from 18 metric tons between 2020 and 2023 to 48 metric tons in 2024.
Infrastructure and development: Responding to concerns about inadequate road sector funding, Rio admitted the insufficiency of funds but assured that allocations were distributed as fairly as possible based on the existing road length in each division.
He thanked Hekani Jakhalu for her emphasis on youth-friendly initiatives and the importance of industrial and startup policies for the state’s economic growth. He lauded her leadership in getting the State Industrial Policy approved and advancing the Nagaland Startup Policy.
Rio also congratulated Temjen Imna Along for successfully organizing the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, which received appreciation from partner countries, states, and tourists.
Financial management and revenue growth: The chief minister said the state’s accumulated deficit had been reduced from Rs.1,630.67 crore in 2018-19 to Rs.843.21 crore in 2024-25, despite a temporary rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the increase in the state’s own tax revenue from Rs.846.43 crore in 2018-19 to Rs.1,790 crore in 2024-25.
He acknowledged the need to improve GST collections and announced the establishment of RFID reading posts to ensure compliance and prevent evasion. A new Research and Analysis wing in the Taxes Department would analyse tax data and optimize revenue collection.
Rio described the 2025-26 budget as an instrument of economic transformation and urged members to guide and support the government in implementing its initiatives for the benefit of the people of Nagaland. He later commended the Budget for 2025-26 to the House for consideration and passing.