Dimapur, February 1 (MExN): Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton today said the Union Budget 2026–27 places emphasis on the North-Eastern region, with measures he said are relevant to states such as Nagaland in terms of agriculture, livelihoods, infrastructure and human resource development.
In a statement issued by the Media Cell, Dy CM Home & Border Affairs, Patton said the Budget reflects a focus on historically disadvantaged and geographically challenged regions, including the North-East. He said provisions supporting high-value agriculture, including agarwood cultivation in the region, align with its ecological and economic strengths and have implications for long-term development.
Patton said the enhanced thrust on animal husbandry, fisheries and rural entrepreneurship would support livelihood diversification in hill states like Nagaland. He also referred to the strengthened MSME framework, stating that it signals an intent to support small enterprises and local entrepreneurs in remote regions.
According to the statement, Patton said increased public capital expenditure would help sustain infrastructure development, which he described as critical for improving connectivity and access to markets. He also said the Budget’s emphasis on skilling, allied health and the services sector would expand employment opportunities for youth and align with initiatives of the Nagaland state government aimed at developing human capital.
He further referred to support for handloom, handicrafts and village industries, stating that these sectors are linked to the cultural economy of indigenous communities.
Patton said the Budget framework integrates growth with social justice and regional equity, balances fiscal prudence with growth objectives, prioritizes capital formation and provides an outcome-oriented approach to inclusive and sustainable development.
