DIMAPUR: Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Y. Kikheto Sema, highlighted the difficulties faced by Nagaland and the North Eastern Region (NER) during the National Workshop on SDG Budgeting, organised by NITI Aayog and UNDP, and hosted by the Government of West Bengal under the State Support Mission in Kolkata on September 29, 2026.
According to DIPR report, Kikheto drew attention to challenges in financial inclusion, aligned with SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. He noted that access to banking services was essential for effective delivery of welfare schemes, as benefits were linked to bank accounts.
However, 14 out of Nagaland’s 76 blocks remain unbanked, forcing people in remote areas to travel 30-40 km to access banking services. He urged the Government of India to provide financial support and explore innovative mechanisms to improve viability and accessibility of banking services in underserved areas.
He emphasised the need to contextualise SDG indicators in the SDG India Index to better reflect the realities of Nagaland and the NER. Indicators such as average yield of rice (kg/ha) and productivity of fruits and vegetables (kg/ha) under SDG 2: Zero Hunger may not fully capture Nagaland’s agricultural context, where jhum and shifting cultivation remain prevalent. He stressed that lower productivity should not be interpreted solely as food insecurity but considered alongside cropping patterns, nutritional outcomes, sustainability, high value crops and farm incomes.
On SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production, he raised concerns about the indicator area under jhum cultivation, which targets zero. He said jhum was deeply rooted in the culture, traditions and livelihoods of NER communities, closely tied to agricultural cycles and festivals. He called for recognition of its ecological, cultural and livelihood dimensions rather than viewing it as a practice to be eliminated.
Kikheto further noted that despite Nagaland having eight Agriculture and Allied Departments, indigenous farming systems such as jhum are not adequately covered in agricultural curricula. He called for greater inclusion of jhum and shifting cultivation in agricultural education across the NER to strengthen understanding, research and context specific approaches.
On nutrition under SDG 2, he highlighted the need for contextual consideration of the indicator percentage of women (aged 15–49) with Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5. While acknowledging WHO standards, he said the NER’s distinct demographic and socio cultural characteristics may require region specific evidence to interpret nutritional status more accurately.
He stressed that India’s diverse contexts require region sensitive policies and programmes, cautioning against a one size fits all approach. National policies, schemes and cost norms, he said, should provide greater flexibility while incorporating perspectives of States and communities.
The workshop brought together senior officers from 36 States and Union Territories, Ministries of the Government of India, UNDP and other stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening SDG budgeting in State planning processes. The Nagaland delegation included Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema, Finance Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister Kesonyu Yhome, and Assistant Planning Officer Loktimen Longchari.
