For balanced planning

It is time the Nagaland government undertakes a serious rethinking of how centrally sponsored and funded projects are conceived, executed and prioritised. For nearly two decades, public expenditure has largely gone into the construction of sports facilities, community halls, meeting spaces, village gates, tourist reception points and dormitories. While such infrastructure has its place, the larger concern is that these projects have done little to strengthen the state’s revenue base or generate sustained employment. What Nagaland urgently needs is a strategic shift towards revenue earning projects that can strengthen state finances while creating opportunities for local youth and business enterprises. Successive vision documents and policy statements have promised investment driven growth, yet tangible outcomes remain elusive. Private investment has not flowed in as expected and this gap needs honest examination. Compounding the problem is the large number of incomplete centrally funded projects, particularly those supported by the North Eastern Council. With completion certificates pending, Nagaland risks being pushed out of the funding cycle while other North Eastern states continue to access fresh allocations. This is not merely an administrative lapse but a structural failure that directly limits the state’s development options. Development planning must also recognise that upgrading and upscaling existing infrastructure often yields faster and more efficient economic returns than launching entirely new projects. Renovating, modernising and repurposing existing assets can cut costs, shorten timelines and improve usability. Several neighbouring states appear to have grasped this reality. Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh have invested in large commercial complexes and multipurpose facilities that generate steady revenue and promise returns within a fifteen year period. These projects are designed not just as buildings but as economic engines. Dimapur is the most worrying case as it appears to have been left to drift without a coherent development strategy. Lawlessness and unchecked extortion by multiple armed groups have created an environment of fear and uncertainty. Prices have soared and market instability has been worsened by syndication among select business interests. As a result, several established entrepreneurs are relocating their operations to neighbouring areas such as Lahorijan, Khatkhati, Bokajan and even Diphu in Karbi Anglong. This outward movement signals a loss of confidence that should alarm policymakers. Adding to this pressure is the aggressive development push by the Assam government. Diphu and towns around Dimapur now boast multiple sports arenas that double as venues for large concerts and public events. These gatherings generate substantial ticket revenue while boosting hotels, homestays, transport services and local markets. This emerging concert economy has become a significant growth driver across the region. Dimapur still retains an advantage in scale and connectivity, but this edge will quickly erode if the Nagaland government chooses to divert focus by creating a new commercial hub elsewhere. In such a scenario, Diphu could overtake Dimapur within four or five years. Assam’s advantage is further reinforced by strong central backing. As of December 20, 2025, investment commitments under Advantage Assam 2.0 have reached an estimated `4.91 lakh crore, with projects scheduled for rollout by the end of the year. These commitments span both public and private sectors and underline the scale at which Assam is positioning itself. Nagaland cannot afford to respond with inertia. The government must think beyond conventional templates and do so with honesty and transparency. Engaging experienced professionals as consultants to guide, monitor and ensure timely completion of projects is no longer optional. At the same time, the state must address basic enablers by ensuring reliable power supply, improving road, rail and air connectivity, and taking firm action against extortion and mafia like syndicates. Without restoring law, confidence and predictability, no amount of planning will attract meaningful investment.