Governor La Ganesan has urged upon the North Eastern Council (NEC) to consider an enhanced allocation under the 60% state component for Nagaland. Addressing the 71st plenary session of NEC held at State Convention Centre, Shillong on Friday, Ganesan explained that the additional support would enable implementation of projects that address the specific needs of communities in Nagaland, thereby contributing to the overall progress of the north-eastern region (NER).
He stated that 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) fund was crucial for development initiatives in the region and emphasised effective utilisation of this fund to catalyse growth and bridge developmental gaps. He emphasised on strengthening rural economy through agriculture, agro-tourism, connectivity and communication, youth empowerment and skill development, educational infrastructure, water resource development, livelihood generation through industrialisation, enhanced autonomy for NECregarding North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS),roads, sports, etc.
Pointing out that agriculture remained the backbone of the economy, the governor impressed upon farmers to aim at elevating the socio-economic status of rural communities through implementation of modern farming techniques, providing access to credit facilities, and promoting agro-processing units, besides encouraging the agri-tourism sector. He claimed that Nagaland had successfully integrated agriculture with tourism, providing visitors with an immersive experience of traditional farming practices, local cuisine, and indigenous festivals. In this, he cited the success of Hornbill Festival that witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of tourists, proving that tourism industry in the state was steadily growing.
He said enhancing connectivity within and beyond the borders was paramount and called for investments in improving road and digital infrastructure for facilitating seamless movement of goods and information, which was essential for fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges within the region and beyond.
Ganesan informed the NEC that Nagaland had invested significantly in skill development programmes, ensuring that the youth were equipped with tools they needed to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. While stressing on investment in educational infrastructure through establishment of schools, colleges, and vocational training institutes, Ganesan also called for prioritising integration of technology in education sector to bridge the digital divide and empower the youth with knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
He underlined that the Northeast had immense potential in terms of natural resources and skilled human capital, urging NEC to collaborate with the respective state governments in formulating policies that encouraged industrialisation, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.
Recognising the crucial role played by NEC in the development of the region, Ganesan advocated enhanced autonomy for the council, especially concerning NESIDS with a focus on roads.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is also the chairman of NEC, was the chief guest at the plenary session, which was attended by governors, chief ministers and senior functionaries of the north-eastern states, including chief minister Neiphiu Rio and deputy chief minister TR Zeliang.
According to Raj Bhavan PRO, DoNER minister G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of StateBL Verma and officials from DoNER, NITI Aayog and NEC also attended the session.
Rio places wish list for Nagaland with NEC
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who also attended the 71st Plenary of NEC in Shillong, has placed a list of demands from the Centre for consideration such as converting Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research (NIMSR) or Medical College at Kohima into a Central Institute like AIIMS or a Regional Institute like RIMS.
The other demands on the list include pursuing for building airport at Chiethu, Kohima, for better connectivity; nod for the DPR for the construction of the Foothills Road or the Trans-Nagaland State Highway which was submitted to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for approval.
The chief minister said the state government was also pursuing setting up an Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) in Nagaland. “We reaffirm our commitment to the shared vision of a prosperous and harmonious North East by working collaboratively and leveraging the unique strengths of each State,” Rio said.