Puisa Kotha Hunibo?

Same state. Completely different realities.
A recent paper released by the State DIPR on May 7 highlighted the growing income gap in Nagaland.
According to the Report on Income Disparity in Nagaland 2025, the bottom 50% of families in Nagaland earn only 18% of the state’s total income. The top 10% earn 33%.
Even more striking, the top 5% of urban households earn an average of ₹1.43 lakh a month. The bottom 50% earn around ₹1,645 a month. Roughly ₹55 a day.
Same state. Completely different realities.
The gap is real, and it may not disappear anytime soon. But beyond the numbers, maybe the more important question is this: What can actually be done that is within our control?
The first is simply entering the formal financial system. No bank account means no access to credit, government transfers, insurance or loans. Opening one is not an option anymore. It is survival infrastructure.
The second is documenting income. Students, traders, farmers and self-employed individuals, if income is never recorded anywhere, the financial system treats that person as invisible. Even regular bank transactions slowly build financial identity and credit history.
The third is awareness. A large number of families remain unaware of financial tools, money management skills and opportunities that could genuinely improve their financial stability over time.
The fourth is formal saving. Keeping cash at home or relying entirely on informal systems leaves people vulnerable during emergencies. Even a recurring deposit of ₹500 a month creates both a safety cushion and a financial record.
And finally, income diversification matters deeply. Depending on only one source of income makes any household financially fragile. Eg. A household that earns from only one source, farming or daily wages is one bad season away from crisis A second income stream, however small, changes that equation.
What do you think is the biggest barrier preventing low-income individuals/families in Nagaland from accessing financial tools? If you’ve faced these barriers firsthand, or know individuals who have, come share your experience on the Moneybar app. Your story will empower someone else’s journey.
Paweü Kayina
Founder, Moneybar North East’s Finance Community