NLA Session: Governor calls for inclusive growth, lasting peace

Nagaland Governor, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, on Monday delivered his maiden address since assuming office in August 2025 at the Eighth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), outlining the State government’s policy direction, achievements and development roadmap across sectors.
Extending greetings to members, the Governor expressed confidence that the session would witness constructive deliberations on issues of public importance while upholding democratic traditions. He noted that the present government was nearing completion of three years in office and had strived to honour the mandate of the people, conveying gratitude for continued public and legislative support.
Naga political issue: Reaffirming commitment to an early, peaceful and honourable settlement, he informed the House that the Political Affairs Committee (PAC)—comprising ministers, legislators from all tribes, political party leaders and Members of Parliament—has been actively reviewing developments. A sub-committee has been constituted to streamline engagement. He disclosed that the chief minister, along with cabinet colleagues and PAC members, recently met Union home minister Amit Shah, urging appointment of an interlocutor at the political or ministerial level to expedite talks.
The Governor also highlighted the Memorandum of Agreement signed on February 5, 2026 between the State government, Government of India and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation for constitution of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). He described it as a step towards equitable development of eastern Nagaland and said efforts were underway to constitute an interim council and enact special legislation.
Census, governance and capacity building: Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases, with House Listing and Housing Census in Nagaland scheduled from July 1 to 30, 2026, and self-enumeration from June 16 to 30. He called for cooperation to ensure accurate data. Governance reforms include intensive capacity-building programmes by the Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department in collaboration with the Administrative Training Institute. An MoU with the Capacity Building Commission, Karmayogi Bharat aims to strengthen institutional capacity. GST collections have surpassed national targets during the current financial year.
Education and youth: School transformation measures through Lighthouse School Complexes and teacher training under the Nagaland Education Project–NECTAR are being implemented in line with NEP 2020. Infrastructure upgrades under PM-USHA are progressing, and a Scholarship Nodal Cell has been set up. Coaching Centres Guidelines 2025 have been notified. The State hosted major sporting events, including the 69th National School Games Taekwondo Championship and the Dr. T. Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship, while athletes excelled in wrestling, Sepaktakraw and archery.
Health and social welfare: The Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme has benefited thousands not covered under Ayushman Bharat. The Nagaland State Drugs Testing Laboratory has been operationalised and integrated with national vigilance networks. Child protection under Mission Vatsalya and women-centric schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana continue.
Rural development and infrastructure: Under Jal Jeevan Mission, over 3.41 lakh household tap connections have been provided, with several villages declared “Har Ghar Jal.” Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), PMAY-G, MGNREGA and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana are progressing. Projects under PM-DeVINE aim to boost development in underdeveloped areas. Urban initiatives include infrastructure strengthening and proposed rollout of PMAY–Urban.
Agriculture and allied sectors: Productivity and sustainable farming are being promoted under PM-KISAN and the National Mission on Natural Farming. Initiatives under the National Food Security Mission and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture include jute promotion and Golden Kiwifruit cultivation. Livestock, fisheries and sericulture schemes are supporting rural livelihoods.
Economy, startups and IT: Startup promotion has generated over 1,500 jobs, with recognition in national rankings including NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index. Adoption of the Unified Logistics Interface Platform is expected to streamline supply chains. The Information & Public Relations Department has been designated nodal agency for the AVGC-XR sector. The IT & Communication Department is establishing a Nagaland Innovation Hub at Chumoukedima under NESIDS-OTRI, while AI Data Labs are being set up in two ITIs under the India AI Mission. He stressed responsible harnessing of petroleum, natural gas and mineral resources.
Tourism, environment and disaster management: Tourism remains a priority, with the Hornbill Festival drawing large visitors. Conservation initiatives include works under the Nagaland Forest Management Project and notification of nearly 200 Community Reserves. A new Nagaland Agar Policy is being drafted. Disaster management initiatives include an AI-enabled climate risk analysis system and a weather alert mobile application.
Commending the administration, police and civil society for maintaining law and order, the Governor said cybercrime monitoring systems and AI-enabled surveillance infrastructure were being implemented. Aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047, he said preparations were underway for a “Viksit Nagaland @2047” roadmap and expressed hope that the session would strengthen efforts towards a peaceful and prosperous State.