India’s digital revolution has transformed the way the
country does business, with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
emerging as powerful engines of inclusive economic growth. With the advent of
digital governance, the ease of doing business has significantly
improved—thanks to platforms and schemes such as Udyam Registration, the
Government e-Marketplace (GeM), digital lending portals, and various
startup-friendly initiatives. Today, even entrepreneurs from the most remote
corners of India are participating in the national economy like never before.
This transformation has opened doors for small business
owners from a remote and resourceful state like Nagaland, offering them a fair
chance to be part of India’s growing digital economy.
According to recent statistics from the Ministry of MSME,
over 5.5 lakh MSMEs in the Northeastern Region have registered under the Udyam
portal as of late 2024. This includes a steadily growing number from Nagaland,
demonstrating that with the right infrastructure and policy support, neither
distance nor remoteness are barriers to progress.
These MSMEs have gained access to national-level tenders,
subsidies, credit linkages, and GeM procurement opportunities, which were once
beyond their reach. This digital shift has ushered in new opportunities for
wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and decentralised economic participation.
To fully unlock this potential, however, the Government of
Nagaland must now take digital governance seriously and implement it as a core
policy for inclusive growth.
Under the Startup India policy, for example, startups can
participate in tenders without prior experience and are exempt from submitting
Earnest Money Deposits (EMD)—a move designed to level the playing field. There
are also specific advantages for SC/ST entrepreneurs, such as the L1 + 15%
provision, allowing them to win tenders if their bid is within 15% of the
lowest bid, promoting diversity and inclusion in public procurement.
Additionally, the MSME Samadhaan portal has proven to be an effective tool for
addressing delayed payments to MSMEs, ensuring that small businesses are not
left waiting for dues. Such initiatives have significantly boosted the
confidence and sustainability of MSMEs across the country.
It is this ecosystem of fairness, empowerment, and
opportunity that Nagaland must now build. The tools are already
available—what’s needed is the political will and policy implementation to
harness them for the betterment of the people.
The Problem: Opaque Tendering, Unequal Opportunities and
Compromised Quality
Despite being a state rich in talent and entrepreneurial
spirit, Nagaland’s procurement ecosystem continues to be marred by the opaque
culture of table tenders and under-the-table dealings. It is no secret that
across key departments like Home, Transport, PWD, Agriculture, Horticulture,
and Food and Civil Supplies, the same set of contractors have been receiving
work for over a decade.
This monopolisation of contracts, often executed without
transparency or fair competition, sidelines aspiring entrepreneurs—especially
youth and first-time business owners—who are left disillusioned and disengaged.
The result is a grossly unequal distribution of work and wealth, leading to
widespread frustration and a growing trust deficit between the government and
the people.
Moreover, an unspoken consequence of this tendering
malpractice is that contractors who secure work through backdoor dealings often
feel entitled to compromise on the quality of work or undersupply in the case
of goods procurement. Since contracts are allegedly “bought” rather than earned
on merit, there is little accountability or incentive to deliver high
standards. This directly affects infrastructure durability, service delivery,
and the credibility of government institutions.
The Solution: Digital Governance and Transparency
The Government of Nagaland must build and adopt its own tech
infrastructure for e-governance, especially for procurement and public tenders.
This can be achieved through:
• A State-run e-Procurement Portal, integrated with mobile
access, for real-time publication and monitoring of tenders.
• Transparent and traceable bidding processes, with fair
eligibility criteria.
• Inclusion of first-time entrepreneurs and local MSMEs in
government procurement policies.
• Regular capacity building for local businesses to equip
them to participate competitively.
Digital governance will not only reduce corruption but also
improve service delivery, ensure justice to the underserved, and create a fair,
accountable, and efficient government.
A Vision for Nagaland
As part of the NDPP-led Government’s manifesto and its
commitment to good governance, it is only fitting that Nagaland takes the lead
in ushering in a new era of digital transparency and inclusive development.
The State must move away from outdated practices that breed
inequality, and instead, cultivate a culture of integrity, innovation, and
public service. Economic justice and digital governance are not merely
administrative tools—they are instruments of social change. Bhutan, our
neighbouring country, sets a powerful example by prioritizing Gross National
Happiness. As a Christian-majority state, Nagaland too must walk the talk in
setting ethical standards of governance that promote happiness, equity, and
inclusion. This is not just a policy shift; it is a moral imperative.
A digitised, corruption-free governance system would mean
faster services, efficient project execution, and ultimately a happier, more
prosperous Nagaland.
Conclusion
The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) strongly urges the
State Government to recognise the untapped potential of local entrepreneurs and
take immediate steps to implement a transparent, digital-first governance
model.
Let us make Nagaland a beacon of hope, growth, and good
governance in the Northeast. Let us show that a small state can lead with big
ideas—and set a bold example not just for India, but for the world.
