DIMAPUR, MAY 21 (NPN): North Eastern Council (NEC) has stated that a total expenditure of Rs. 515.04 crore was incurred in Nagaland during the 15th Finance Commission (2022-26) period under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC) and NESIDS-Roads combined.
According to a DIPR report, Nagaland recorded one of the most dynamic project portfolios among North Eastern states during the period, with focus on value-chain development and industry-led economic advancement.
Under SoNEC, NEC spent Rs. 205.84 crore on projects related to sports and tourism infrastructure, educational institutions, cultural complexes, skill development centres, community infrastructure, and projects for backward and tribal communities.
The report stated that emphasis was also laid on agriculture and allied sectors through promotion of sericulture, beekeeping, horticulture, coffee, rubber, bamboo, handloom and handicrafts, livestock development, fisheries and value-addition initiatives.
NEC-funded projects also included preservation and promotion of Naga cultural heritage through museums, heritage complexes, indigenous learning centres, cultural tourism infrastructure and tribal artisan support facilities, while also promoting eco-tourism and adventure tourism.
Under NESIDS (Roads), nine road projects worth Rs. 309.20 crore were implemented during the 15th Finance Commission period, of which five projects worth Rs. 231.79 crore have already been completed. Among the completed projects was the upgradation of the road from Dikhu Bridge to Amguri in Mokokchung district.
For the financial year 2025-26, NEC sanctioned four major projects in Nagaland worth over Rs. 67.87 crore, including the Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development project aimed at promoting coffee cultivation, processing, branding and marketing.
Other projects included post-harvest coffee processing facilities and an integrated development project in Phomching Assembly Constituency under Mon district focusing on irrigation and water management.
Under the Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Programme, 581 students from across the country visited institutions in the Northeast, including Nagaland University and NIT Nagaland.
Further, 95 students from Nagaland participated in the NE-SPARKS programme and visited ISRO during 2025-26.
NEC also informed that funds were released during April 2026 for projects including construction of a Cultural Activity Complex for the Chakhesang community at Pfutseromi village, promotion of Naga Chilly and North East Festival of Rice, establishment of a Handicraft Facility Centre at Kohima, and mineral assessment projects in the state.
Under NESIDS (Roads), NEC released Rs. 17.37 crore during April 2026 for various road projects in Nagaland, including roads in Mon, Phek and Peren districts.
Friday, May 22, 2026