Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio expressed gratitude to members for their participation and emphasized pressing state government agendas. These included the unresolved Naga political issue, the education sector, and key development projects.
In his concluding remarks on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address moved by Advisor, IPR, Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L. Imchen, and seconded by MLAs Nuklutoshi and Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, Rio reiterated the importance of integrating Naga-inhabited areas as per the 16-Point Agreement, emphasizing the need for thorough discussions in the House, parliamentary committees, or a political affairs committee.
He acknowledged ambiguity in the government’s approach to integration and highlighted eight resolutions passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) since 1962 on the matter.
Expressing concern over the prolonged Naga political issue, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing consultations with civil society organizations (CSOs), tribal hohos, and former parliamentarians. He urged the Government of India to demonstrate sincerity in resolving the issue and announced plans to meet the Centre’s interlocutor, A.K. Mishra, and the Union Home Minister after consulting Naga national groups. He stressed the need for a swift, honorable, inclusive, and acceptable resolution.
Education sector: The chief minister addressed concerns over the Department of School Education’s teacher transfer and rationalization process. While acknowledging systemic issues due to past mismanagement, he assured corrective measures to redeploy surplus teachers and review transfers through a state-level committee. He highlighted the acute teacher shortage in the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) region and called for fairness in addressing these challenges.
Census discrepancies and Impact: Dr. Rio pointed to inaccuracies in past census data as a root cause of systemic issues. He recalled the inflated 2001 census figures and the subsequent correction in 2011, which reported a negative growth rate.
He stressed that past inflation had led to excessive teacher appointments, skewing the student-teacher ratio to 1:7 against the national average of 1:30. He expressed optimism that biometric systems would improve future census accuracy.
Development projects and infra: The chief minister assured the House of progress on the long-pending Foothill Road project, also known as the Trans-Nagaland Highway. He committed to working closely with stakeholders to address concerns and advance infrastructure development.
Reservation policy and census-linked reforms: He addressed demands for reservation policy changes, emphasizing that any review would be based on a comprehensive and accurate census. He suggested shifting from tribal-based reservations to an economic and educational backwardness criterion.
Healthcare and sports achievements: The chief minister laude the Health and Family Welfare department for the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and Dr Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhutso, MLA’s mobile operation theatre initiative. He also lauded Nagaland’s sportspersons, highlighting Paralympic bronze medalist Hokato Hotozhe’s achievements and the upcoming Asia Belt Wrestling Championship.
Geology and mining prospects: The chief minister announced the Government of India’s plans for mineral exploration in Nagaland, citing the state’s rich deposits of oil, natural gas, nickel, and lithium. He assured discussions with the Centre on utilizing these resources for revenue generation.
Financial challenges and revenue generation: Acknowledging financial constraints, the chief minister noted that despite development demands, Nagaland remained dependent on revenue grants exceeding Rs. 10,000 crore. However, he highlighted a positive increase in the state’s internal revenue, now at 13 percent. He expressed confidence that collaborative governance could drive further economic progress.
Earlier, advisor Imkong L. Imchen, while initiating the discussion, criticized the School Education department’s teacher rationalization policy, calling it disruptive and detrimental to the education system.
He argued that massive transfers ignored Nagaland’s unique geographical and socio-political conditions and disproportionately affected rural schools.
He questioned the rationale behind the department’s February 17 notification, which directed teachers to submit grievances through Sub-Divisional Education Officers (SDEOs). He insisted that such policies should involve Assembly discussions and warned against decisions being driven by bureaucrats rather than elected representatives.
In his response, advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, defended the rationalization policy, citing the state’s 1,925 schools, with 1,123 having low enrollment (1-25 students) and 157 reporting zero enrollment. He noted that Nagaland has 1,31,613 students and 18,140 teachers, averaging one teacher per 7.25 students.
Dr. Yhome revealed that 1,650 teachers had been transferred, including 1,073 identified as surplus. He justified the redeployment of math and science teachers to middle and high schools and noted that 120 schools had been closed through mergers or downgrades following the State Level Executive Committee’s (SLEC) decision on October 27, 2024.
He called for stricter regulations on private schools, particularly those run by religious organizations, and introduced the SMILE application, a tech-driven system for real-time teacher attendance monitoring. He expressed hope that fresh data from the 2025 Census would validate the reforms and help restore trust in government education.
Taking part in the discussion, NPP legislator A. Nyamnyei Konyak highlighted the delay in releasing the ‘Who is Who’ book of the 14th Members of the Legislative Assembly. He expressed disappointment over the Governor’s tardiness of 21 minutes on the first day of the Sixth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, emphasizing that as the constitutional head of the state, he should set a good example.
He also pointed out a mistake in the Governor’s speech, where he incorrectly stated ‘ten thousand crore’ instead of ‘ten crore’ while mentioning the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund. He insisted that such errors should be acknowledged and justified.
On Naga political issue, he stated that despite forming an opposition-less government to seek a resolution, the problem remains unresolved. Instead of a solution, more factions have emerged, and various interlocutors have come and gone without progress.
Regarding agriculture, he stressed that since many people depend on this sector, more funds should be allocated to Agri-Allied initiatives. To tackle water scarcity, he suggested constructing water reservoirs in all areas, stating that despite pipelines being installed under the Jal Jeevan Mission, many people still struggle with water shortages.
He also raised concerns regarding transfer and posting policy for teachers, and asked whether the department had consulted the concerned members before transferring teachers, to which the reply was “no.” Expressing dissatisfaction, he called for a review of the rationalization of teachers in the education department.
JDU legislator Jwenga Seb expressed his gratitude and support for the Governor’s address, commending its comprehensive review of the government’s achievements and its visionary roadmap for the state’s future.
He particularly appreciated the emphasis on the Naga Political Issue, highlighting the government’s engagement with tribal bodies and civil society organizations. He pointed out that the Consultative Meeting on September 12, 2024, and discussions with the Union Home Minister demonstrated the government’s proactive approach.
Referring to Para 6 of the Governor’s address on Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Seb suggested enhancing livestock production through Artificial Insemination (AI). He proposed establishing AI training institutes in each district and expanding AI programs, aiming to increase AI procedures from 15,122 to at least 1,50,000 and benefit 20,000-30,000 farmers.
Addressing Para 47 on public service recruitment, Seb discussed disparities created by reservation policies. He stated that his Rengma tribe had long been categorized as an “advanced tribe,” which hindered its progress. He proposed periodic reviews of the reservation policy and suggested that reservations be granted at the educational level rather than indefinitely in employment.
Advisor NRE and NSDMA, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe supported the motion of thanks and commended the government’s sincerity in addressing the Naga Political Issue through the consultative meeting with civil society organizations and political parties.
He appreciated the PM-KISAN scheme and the MOVCDNER initiative, which have helped organic farmers connect directly with companies. He also lauded the government’s decision to extract minerals to boost the state’s economy.
On infrastructure, Nyuthe praised the road projects under PMGSY, NESIDS, and CRF, particularly highlighting the two-lane road from Kohima to Jessami, which has improved connectivity. He also commended the Nagaland Public Service Commission and Nagaland Staff Selection Board for conducting merit-based exams successfully.
He emphasized that the creation of Meluri district fulfilled the long-cherished dream of the Pochury Nagas and brought equality among Naga tribes.
While appreciating the Governor’s speech, advisor Law & Justice and Land Revenue, T.N. Mannen questioned whether the written policies align with the ground reality. He raised concerns about unemployment among Naga youth, who mainly focus on government jobs. He urged the exploration of alternative employment opportunities, even suggesting assistance from the Government of India.
Mannen also stressed the need to strengthen the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and proposed enhancing sports infrastructure to create more opportunities for youth.
Independent MLA, Dr. Neisatuo Mero supported the motion of thanks and praised government initiatives like CMHIS and the CM’s Mobile Operation Theater. Since its launch on January 26, 2025, the program has conducted 202 operations, significantly benefiting citizens.
He also commended advancements in the medical and power sectors, including the establishment of medical colleges and the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
LJP (Ram Vilas) legislator Dr. Sukhato A. Sema acknowledged the commendable work of various government departments, including Horticulture, Geology & Mining, Power, Public Works (Roads & Bridges), Civil Administration, and Health & Family Welfare. He assured the public of the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and emphasized ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Naga Political Issue.
NPF legislator Achumbemo Kikon called on BJP legislators in the government to address rising persecution of Christian minorities across India. He cited letters from the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and the National Commission for Minorities requesting protection for Christians in Chhattisgarh.
He condemned the Assam Rifles for civilian harassment and proposed shifting their camps away from populated areas, citing Mizoram as an example. On Naga political issue, he advocated for talks to be handled by a high-level political figure rather than bureaucrats. He urged the government to ensure Nagaland remains under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs rather than the Home Ministry.
Regarding the issue of demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA), he questioned the government’s claim of “substantial progress” and called for transparency.
He highlighted concerns about coal mining areas, illegal immigrant settlements in border areas, and oil exploration disputes with Assam. He accused the Assam government of using illegal settlers to stake claims over oil-rich border regions.
On Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections, he stressed the need for proper funding and smarter implementation of the SMILES attendance app in rural schools. He suggested empowering village councils to monitor teacher attendance.
Kikon also urged the government to address permanent illegal settlements in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland. He reiterated concerns over reservation policies, emphasizing the need for a more equitable system that benefits all sections of society.