Dr Neiphiu Rio highlighted the State’s key development priorities during the interaction with Chief Ministers of North Eastern States convened in New Delhi on June 12. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, June 12 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Friday informed the NITI Aayog-convened interaction of Chief Ministers of North Eastern States in New Delhi that a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving Nagaland, Assam and the Government of India has been signed to facilitate mineral oil operations in the disputed belt along the Assam-Nagaland border.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Rio expressed optimism that the initiative would unlock economic opportunities and contribute to the country’s energy security, stated a DIPR report. “Efforts are underway for the resumption of petroleum and natural gas exploration and production activities in Nagaland,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Rio made a wide-ranging pitch for infrastructure, connectivity, education and healthcare support, reaffirming Nagaland's commitment to the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision.
Nagaland being a “resource-constrained and revenue-deficit state,” the CM said that despite significant progress over the past two decades, the state continues to grapple with fiscal and infrastructural challenges. He specifically requested NITI Aayog’s intervention to ensure provision of annual Special Grants during the Sixteenth Finance Commission's award period to bridge the gap left by the discontinued Revenue Deficit Grants.
Highlighting connectivity as a key driver of economic transformation, Dr Rio sought Centre's support for a clutch of major infrastructure projects, including the Foothill Road, also referred to as the Trans-Nagaland Highway. He pressed for strengthening of air connectivity through development of short landing strips at strategic locations across the state.
On the railway front, Rio sought extension of the Dimapur-Zubza line up to Kohima, early sanction of the Dimapur-Tizit Railway Project and development of inland waterways in Nagaland.
To address growing traffic congestion and rapid urbanisation, Rio sought support for construction of flyovers and elevated corridors in Dimapur, Kohima and Chümoukedima.
In a significant ask, De Rio requested establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Nagaland, along with strengthening of tertiary healthcare infrastructure in the state. He also sought financial assistance for the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Kohima.
The CM sought special consideration for the proposed Nagaki City in Chümoukedima district, describing it as a “major economic transformative economic initiative.” He called for development of core infrastructure to facilitate investment and accelerate implementation of the project.
On the economic front, he sought support for expansion of coffee cultivation, promotion of agarwood-based livelihoods and implementation of hydroelectric projects.
The CM also called for enhancement of sports infrastructure and expansion of youth development programmes across the state.
Expressing gratitude to NITI Aayog for its support in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programmes, the Sampoornata Abhiyan and the establishment of the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT), Dr Rio said the state looks forward to continued partnership with the Centre and fellow North Eastern states in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.
