DIMAPUR: Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav held an interactive session with Fellows of the Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme Nagaland (CMFPN) at Lok Bhavan on September 7, encouraging young professionals to contribute meaningfully towards governance, policymaking and the overall development of the State.
The CMFPN, a flagship initiative of the Government of Nagaland implemented by the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), aims to strengthen governance through research, evidence based policymaking and field engagement. Fellows are assigned to various departments to assist in policy briefs, research reports and developmental frameworks aligned with the State’s priorities and the vision of Viksit Nagaland 2047.
Highlighting Nagaland’s potential in tourism and agriculture, the Governor said the State must explore opportunities beyond the Hornbill Festival to attract visitors year round. He also emphasised the scope in organic farming, coffee, rubber and other agricultural activities, urging Fellows to leverage these resources for economic growth and livelihood generation.
The Governor underscored the importance of research in solving farmers’ challenges, stressing that innovation and practical solutions must reach the grassroots. On entrepreneurship and indigenous products, he highlighted the need to protect traditional knowledge and register products under Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to safeguard Nagaland’s identity and economic interests.
Interacting with Fellows interested in public administration, the Governor emphasised timely disposal of work, transparency, prior planning and clarity of purpose as key principles of effective governance.
Drawing from his own public service experience, he advised: “Your direction should be right. Do not merely imitate others. Think deeply, acquire practical knowledge and continuously explore opportunities to learn more.”
He also stressed strengthening the health sector, noting that investments must translate into quality services at the grassroots. He called for greater focus on Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres to improve healthcare delivery across the State.
Encouraging Fellows to broaden their perspectives, the Governor urged them to study successful practices elsewhere and adapt them to Nagaland’s unique conditions. He reminded that the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Nagaland can only be realised through collective responsibility and active participation of all sections of society.
Concluding the session, the Governor extended best wishes to the Fellows, expressing confidence that their knowledge, research and commitment would contribute towards building a stronger and more developed Nagaland.
The CMFPN Fellows were led by Under Secretary, IDAN, Changsang Soted.
