CM Rio, officials and 18 fellows during the launch of the CMFPN at the CMRC Conference Hall in Kohima on September 24. (Photo Courtesy: X@abumetha)
Kohima, September 24 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Thursday launched the Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme, Nagaland (CMFPN) and the NEDFi-TEDF research project titled “Strategic Interventions for Endogenous Development through Export Promotion of Niche Agricultural Products, Advancement in the Creative Economy, and Diversification of Investment in Nagaland” at the CMRC Conference Hall in Kohima.
According to a DIPR update, the dual initiatives, held under the initiative of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) in collaboration with the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi), share a common purpose of identifying the state’s strengths, addressing emerging challenges, and mapping out a resilient future.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Rio stated that Nagaland holds immense potential in agriculture, horticulture, tourism, music, arts, culture, sports, and emerging sectors. He emphasized converting this potential into economic growth through enterprise, investment, markets, and exports to generate employment. Highlighting the creative economy, he noted that Nagaland's artists, musicians, designers, sportspersons, and young innovators serve as instruments of economic growth and cultural bridges to national and global platforms.
Describing the CMFPN as a vital investment in human resources, Dr Rio urged the 18 selected fellows to maximize their interaction with policymakers, administrators, and development experts, stressing that the programme must extend beyond routine assignments and certificates. He reiterated the state’s goal of building an investment-ready, innovative economy where public investment partners seamlessly with private enterprise and civil society.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and IDAN Chairman, Abu Metha, revealed that the partnership with NEDFi involved an extensive grassroots study spanning all 17 districts, nearly 300 villages, and over 8,000 inputs from diverse stakeholders, experts, and academics. He noted that the research identified key strengths in agriculture, textiles, and human capital, while candidly pointing out gaps in value addition and market linkages.
Recalling that the CMFPN was inspired by his 2014 exposure via the International Visitor Leadership Programme of the US Department of State, Metha stated that the 18 fellows were selected through an open application and interview process. They will receive hands-on mentorship, institutional exposure, and internships across government departments, flagship programmes, MSMEs, and the Hornbill Festival.
First proposed in 2024, the CMFPN has been backed by an allocation of Rs 2.50 crore in the State Budget 2025–26 to equip young professionals with practical governance and public policy experience.
The launch programme was chaired by IDAN Under Secretary I Changsang, NCS, while Additional Secretary Vineet Kumar, IAS, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister, NEDFi, IDAN, researchers, and contributing stakeholders.
