Governor Yadav along with the CM fellows during an interaction at Lok Bhavan, Kohima on September 7. (Photo Courtesy: PRO Lok Bhavan Nagaland)
Kohima, September 7 (MExN): Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Monday called for diversifying the state's tourism potential beyond the annual Hornbill Festival and urged young professionals to drive evidence-based policymaking to accelerate development across sectors.
Interacting with the fellows of the Chief Minister's Fellowship Programme Nagaland (CMFPN) at Lok Bhavan here, the Governor encouraged the cohort to contribute meaningfully towards governance, policymaking, and the overall vision of 'Viksit Nagaland 2047'.
The CMFPN is a flagship programme of the Nagaland government implemented by the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN). Under the initiative, fellows are deputed across government departments to assist in drafting policy briefs, research papers, and developmental frameworks.
Highlighting the state's potential in tourism and agriculture, Yadav noted that while the Hornbill Festival has been instrumental in placing Nagaland on the global tourism map, the state must build sustainable avenues to attract visitors throughout the year.
Turning to agriculture, the Governor underscored that sectors such as organic farming, coffee, and rubber cultivation offer substantial potential for economic growth and livelihood generation. He urged the fellows to leverage these indigenous resources effectively.
During the session, a fellow highlighted the urgent need for targeted research and innovation to devise practical solutions for grassroots farmers. The discussions also underlined the critical role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in protecting indigenous products and traditional knowledge to safeguard the economic interests of local entrepreneurs.
Addressing governance and public administration, the Governor stressed that transparency, timely disposal of official work, dedication, and advance planning are foundational to sound administration.
“Your direction should be right. Do not merely imitate others. Think deeply, acquire practical knowledge and continuously explore opportunities to learn more,” Yadav told the fellows, drawing from his public service experience.
Yadav also flagged the need to upgrade the state's healthcare delivery system. While acknowledging substantial Central funding in the health sector, he said quality medical services must reach rural areas, emphasising the strengthening of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs).
Urging the fellows to broaden their horizons, the Governor advised them to study successful administrative and developmental models from other states and adapt them to Nagaland's unique socio-economic landscape.
Stressing collective responsibility, he remarked that the twin goals of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Viksit Nagaland' can only be achieved through the active participation of all sections of society.
The CMFPN delegation was led by IDAN Under Secretary Changsang Soted, an official release from Lok Bhavan stated.
