Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday called upon legislatures of the North Eastern states to act as catalysts for inclusive growth, transparency and public participation.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 22nd Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region, Zone–III, held under the theme “Policy, Progress and People – The Legislature as a Catalyst for Change” at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Birla described Nagaland as “a land of valour, vibrant festivals, diverse art and culture, rich traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty.”
He said the region has long been known for its cultural richness, diversity and democratic ethos.
Recalling that Nagaland first hosted the Zone–III conference in 1997, he noted that this year marked the 22nd conference and the third hosted by the state.
He commended Zone–III as among the most active, regularly convening conferences to build capacity, share best practices and strengthen democratic institutions.
Birla said legislatures must transform public opinion into policy, stressing that their responsibilities extended beyond law-making to ensuring that people’s aspirations were translated into actionable governance. “True progress occurs when citizens are directly involved in the democratic process,” he said.
He stressed that transparency and accountability were the cornerstones of good governance and urged legislatures to adopt citizen-friendly measures such as live telecast of proceedings, digital platforms and enhanced outreach. Birla praised the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for becoming a fully paperless legislature, calling it a pioneering model of digital governance.
At the same time, he cautioned against irresponsible use of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), and called for responsible adoption to safeguard legislative processes.
On Centre–State relations, Birla said constructive dialogue was vital for effective governance and responsive policymaking. He underscored the need for a comprehensive development plan for the Northeast, integrating climate resilience, green infrastructure and community participation.
He observed that the region was witnessing rapid progress in road, rail and air connectivity, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision to integrate the Northeast with the national mainstream. He said promoting local products, arts, culture and crafts would advance the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Expressing confidence that the two-day CPA conference would yield substantive recommendations, he said the discussions would strengthen democratic institutions and enhance public trust. Extending greetings ahead of the Hornbill Festival, he described it as a symbol of Nagaland’s cultural vitality and unity.
Birla later unveiled the foundation stone of the NLA library and visited exhibition stalls put up by various government departments.
The Lok Sabha speaker also formally inaugurated a monolith in commemoration of the 22nd Annual CPA India Region Zone-III Conference.
Rio seeks stronger Centre backing for NE region’s growth, connectivity
Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOV 10 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday called for greater regional cooperation, improved connectivity, and the establishment of premier educational institutions to accelerate development in the North East.
Welcoming Presiding Officers, legislators and delegates from across the region at the 22nd Conference of the CPA India Region, Zone-III, Rio said the conference offered an important platform to address shared challenges, strengthen democratic institutions and deepen cooperative federalism.
Tracing the origin of the North Eastern Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA), Rio recalled that it was conceptualised at a meeting in Dispur on November 11, 1996, chaired by late P.A. Sangma.
The initiative brought the eight Northeastern States together for mutual learning and exchange of legislative practices.
He noted that the first NERCPA Conference was held in Kohima from April 27–30, 1997, and that Nagaland also hosted the 10th Conference in May 2007.
Rio highlighted CPA India Region Zone–III’s role in advancing regional cooperation, policy advocacy and legislative modernisation.
He cited the region’s inclusion in the India–ASEAN Vision for Trade and Cooperation, the strengthening of the Act East Policy, and accelerated connectivity and border trade projects. He also referred to the successful implementation of the National eVidhan Application (NeVA), with Nagaland becoming the first State to adopt it, and called for further institutional reforms such as Departmentally Related Standing Committees.
Reaffirming Nagaland’s commitment to inclusive growth, he said the State’s natural and cultural resources could significantly contribute to India’s progress if backed by focused policies and connectivity. Despite rich mineral deposits such as cobalt, nickel, natural gas and petroleum, he said oil exploration remained sub judice and the Government would proceed as per court directives.
Rio urged the Centre to revive the proposal to establish an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Nagaland, announced in the 2015–16 Union Budget but never materialised. He said 200 acres at Sukhovi, Chümoukedima had been earmarked, and the institute would transform science and mathematics education in the region.
On health, Rio said the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research—which began its first session in 2023—should be upgraded into an AIIMS-like institution or a Central medical institute similar to RIMS, Imphal.
Expressing concern over limited railway coverage, he said Nagaland has only about 8 km of rail line and called for expediting the 250-km Dimapur–Tizit railway project covering Dimapur, Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng and Mon. He said the project, announced in the 2011–12 Railway Budget, held significant potential for economic growth.
Rio appealed for reconsideration of the Ciethu Airport project in Kohima, noting that despite feasibility studies in 2008 and 2022, it was rejected by the Centre in June 2025 due to budgetary constraints. Air connectivity, he said, was essential for balanced development and tourism.
He also lamented that Nagaland lacks institutions such as an IIT or National Law University, saying their establishment would promote innovation, retain talent and strengthen higher education.
Expressing concern over the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in December 2024 for Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, Rio said the move had discouraged investors and affected economic prospects. He urged the Centre to give special consideration to the State in connectivity, education and institutional development.
Rio expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen democratic institutions and advance collective development in the Northeast.
NLA Speaker stresses Viksit Bharat, climate agenda
Delivering the welcome address at the inaugural session of the CPA India Region Zone–III conference, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed gratitude to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his leadership in strengthening parliamentary institutions and to the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman for supporting the CPA’s regional initiatives.
He said it was an honour to host Presiding Officers, legislators and parliamentary leaders from across the Northeastern States and the country. He extended greetings on behalf of the Assembly and the people of Nagaland, describing the State as a land of rich culture, resilient history and vibrant democratic spirit.
Recalling the origins of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Zone–III, formerly the North Eastern Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA), he said it was established in 1996 under the leadership of late P.A. Sangma. The first conference was held in Kohima in 1997, and Nagaland last hosted the 10th edition in 2007 under late Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie.
He said the 2025 conference, themed “Policy, Progress & People: Legislature as Catalyst of Change,” seeks to reaffirm the legislature’s role in advancing inclusive development and democratic governance. The plenary topics—“Role of Legislature in Achieving Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Climate Change in the context of recent cloudbursts and landslides in the North East”—address pressing national and regional concerns. He called for collective legislative action to strengthen democracy, promote climate resilience, and keep people at the centre of policymaking.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Parliamentary Affairs minister K.G. Kenye conveyed appreciation on behalf of the State government to all delegates and dignitaries, including the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, for attending despite their pre-winter session commitments and challenges in their respective states. He said their presence reflected strong commitment to fraternity and parliamentary cooperation in the Northeast.
Kenye also lauded the Speaker and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat for their preparations and organisational efforts, and wished participants a meaningful conference and a pleasant stay in Kohima.
Legislatures of the eight Northeastern states are members of CPA Zone–III. Seven of the eight member states participated in the conference. A total of 12 Presiding Officers attended, including seven Speakers and five Deputy Speakers, along with Members of Parliament and State legislators. The theme of the conference is “Policy, Progress & People: Legislatures as Catalysts of Change,” with sub-themes on Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and climate change in the context of recent extreme weather events in the Northeast.