CM calls for collective effort to achieve ‘Viksit Nagaland’

State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio called for a collective effort and a spirit of teamwork to advance the shared goal of achieving ‘Viksit Nagaland’ in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
According to a DIPR report, the chief minister made this clarion call during a high-level deliberation on “Viksit Nagaland for Viksit Bharat @2047” and related matters held at the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima on June 10, 2025.
At the meeting, Dr. Rio emphasized the importance of the efficient implementation of centrally sponsored schemes. He urged all departments to work diligently and ensure the timely utilization of allocated funds. The chief minister cautioned that failure to do so would compel the State to return unspent funds with interest to the central government.
Dr.Rio also offered a brief historical perspective on the origins of the Naga movement and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.
He also reflected on the financial landscape of the State prior to 1989, noting that the financial year once began with a zero-deficit budget.
Dr Rio also highlighted Nagaland’s unique governance structure at the grassroots level, where the Village Councils Act of 1978 serves in place of the Panchayati Raj system adopted by other States.
He also advised administrative officers and village councils to exercise vigilance and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations, particularly regarding the issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates. He stressed the need for thorough verification to avoid future complications or unintended consequences.
Acknowledging the various challenges currently facing the State, both societal and administrative, he called for unity among the Naga people.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Rio said the state cannot proceed with the exploration and exploitation of oil and natural gas until the court delivers a clear and definitive verdict. Citing a Geology & Mining survey, he said the potential discovery of rare earth minerals during the extraction of oil and gas in the State.
Referring to the Village Councils Act of 1978, he urged village authorities to promptly submit relevant cases to the administrative officers for decisions in accordance with government rules and regulations. He stressed the need for regular consultations at all levels and called on the administrative and police authorities to exercise their powers efficiently.
Rio also proposed organizing awareness campaigns, recommending that all administrative officers, police personnel, and staff from the Directorates participate actively.
On the matter of customary laws, he mentioned that an Apex Court would be established to ensure swift and cost-effective justice.
Regarding the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), he advocated for a digital and online system, emphasizing the shared responsibility between village councils and district administrations. He urged the people to act responsibly by reporting any foreign visitors to the nearest police station.
In his address, deputy chief minister, TR Zeliang, highlighted two of the State’s flagship initiatives—the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI).
Zeliang described CMHIS as a landmark scheme aimed at achieving universal health coverage for all citizens of Nagaland. He maintained that the initiative reflected the government’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system, ensuring the well-being of every citizen.
On CMMFI, Zeliang emphasized its role in promoting self-employment and economic self-reliance, particularly among the youth.
He also said that the initiative was designed to support farmers and budding entrepreneurs by offering accessible and subsidized credit.
The deputy chief minister called upon all stakeholders to actively support and promote these transformative schemes.
Also, speaking at the meeting, the deputy chief minister highlighted three critical issues requiring immediate attention-the Protected Area Permit (PAP), Inner Line Permit (ILP), and Free Movement Regime (FMR). He asserted that reforming those systems was essential for the overall welfare and security of the State.
On recent implementation of ILP in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts, Patton said government was open to constructive suggestions from the public to enhance and strengthen the ILP system further.
Emphasising the importance of safeguarding Article 371(A), he said that it was crucial to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of the Naga people from external interference.
State chief secretary, Dr. J Alam, gave a power point presentation on “Viksit Nagaland for Viksit Bharat @ 2047” and highlighted the Nagaland Index Map on key parameters and its resources to drive growth. Alam emphasized the State’s rich oil and mineral deposits, abundant natural resources, natural and human resources supported by a strong demographic dividend and creative economy.
The chief secretary pointed out that the guiding principles to be adopted and addressed for Nagaland to become “Viksit Nagaland” fell in the following areas; Zero poverty, Population management & HRD, Skilling & Employment, Water scarcity, Farmer Agri- Tech, Creative economy & Product perfection, Improvement in health and education indicator digital transformation & innovation, Swachh Nagaland and inclusive infrastructure development.
Further, Alam highlighted the following as key economic growth drivers for Viksit Nagaland: Urbanisation and regional development, Tourism & Creative economy, Agriculture Innovation & Technology, Service Hub, Mines & Minerals based industries sustainability and green economy.
Attendees included all 60 elected Legislators led by the chief minister, the chief secretary, senior police officials headed by the director general of police, all administrative heads of departments (AHoDs) and heads of departments (HoDs), along with the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police from all 17 districts of the State, as well as other key government functionaries.
Earlier, development commissioner, Temsunaro Aier, who chaired the programme, described the meet as a pivotal gathering of policymakers, unified in their commitment to shaping a dynamic and progressive future for Nagaland.
Detailed theme presentations with the latest data were also presented on the following topics: Strengthening Governance System from Grassroots Upwards by Home Commissioner Vyasan R; Sensitization and Integration of Customary Laws in Governance by Principal Secretary, Law & Justice Y. Kikheto Sema; Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI) by Principal Secretary Finance Department Taliremba Ao; Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) by Operations Manager, Nagaland Health Protection Society, Alongla and Strengthening Start-up Ecosystem by Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Kumar Ramnikant.
The theme presentations were followed by a thorough deliberative session wherein the administrative machinery and the policy makers discussed in detail important and pertaining issues related to the topics highlighted under the theme presentations.