Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Shillong: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called for increased central financial support during the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council held on Thursday. The meeting included Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for DoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and other regional leaders.
Rio highlighted the state's fiscal difficulties following the end of Revenue Deficit Grants. He urged the central government to provide special assistance to cover these funding gaps, noting that current capital investment schemes remain loan-based and conditional. He stated, "Nagaland had placed before the council its development priorities, fiscal concerns and strategic initiatives requiring continued support from the Centre and regional development agencies."
The Chief Minister outlined several priority projects, including the Trans-Nagaland Highway, improvements to Ciethu Airport, and expanded rail and inland waterway connectivity. He argued that these developments would stimulate growth in agriculture, tourism, and industry. Furthermore, he reiterated requests for a new IIT, a Greenfield AIIMS, and the continued development of the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Kohima.
Beyond infrastructure and health, Rio emphasized the necessity of upgrading the state's power sector and investing in sports facilities to benefit the youth. He also mentioned that the state is working toward resuming petroleum and natural gas exploration through a policy that respects Nagaland's unique constitutional status.
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