Nand Kishore Yadav reviewed the Planning & Transformation Department, stressing evidence-based planning, technology-driven governance and inclusive development across the state.
Review meeting of Planning & Transformation Department held
DIMAPUR — Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Friday chaired a review meeting of the Planning & Transformation Department at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, and emphasised the need for evidence-based and people-centric planning to ensure inclusive and sustainable development across the state.
According to a press release issued by the PRO, Lok Bhavan, the meeting reviewed the department's planning framework, flagship initiatives, geospatial innovations, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nagaland's long-term development vision.
The department's presentation was made by Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema.
During the meeting, Yadav stressed the importance of effective coordination among departments, timely execution of projects and optimum utilisation of available resources to ensure that the benefits of development reach every section of society.
He said planning must remain transparent, result-oriented and people-centric, while encouraging the department to continue embracing innovation and modern technologies to support sustainable and inclusive development.
The governor was briefed on the department's core functions, including formulation of the state's development plans, coordination with the NITI Aayog, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), North Eastern Council (NEC) and various central ministries, besides monitoring developmental programmes and guiding departments on planning priorities.
The presentation also highlighted the roles of the State Planning Board, State Level Project Implementation and Management Committee, State Project Review Monitoring and Coordination Committee, and the State Land Acquisition Authority.
Kikheto informed the governor that the annual plan outlay for the 2026-27 financial year has been approved at INR 1,350 crore.
The allocation covers developmental departments, the state's share, the Local Area Development Programme (LADP), land acquisition, budget initiatives and support for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).
The meeting also reviewed trends in plan outlays, land acquisition expenditure and sector-wise allocations aimed at accelerating balanced and inclusive development across the state.
The governor was also apprised of the department's role in implementing centrally sponsored initiatives through MDoNER, the NEC, the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and PM-DevINE, as well as the progress of the Aspirational District and Aspirational Block programmes. Kiphire continues as Nagaland's Aspirational District, while Akuhaito, Khongsa and Thonoknyu have been identified as Aspirational Blocks.
Thonoknyu Block received performance-based incentives from the NITI Aayog, it stated.
The meeting reviewed Nagaland's progress towards achieving the SDGs and the state's SDG Vision 2030.
The governor was informed that Mokokchung, Kohima and Dimapur are the leading districts from Nagaland in the North East Region SDG Index.
A significant part of the presentation focused on the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT), established with support from the NITI Aayog under the State Support Mission.
The institute is playing a key role in preparing the Viksit Nagaland @2047 Vision Document, which is currently under review and is expected to be finalised after approval by the High-Level Steering Committee and the State Cabinet, the release stated.
During the presentation, Kikheto said Nagaland has undergone significant transformation since attaining statehood.
In view of the changing socio-political landscape and the developmental aspirations of the people, he stressed the need for enhanced support from the Government of India.
He said central funding for Nagaland should be brought at par with other North Eastern states to help bridge critical infrastructure gaps, accelerate socio-economic development and effectively implement the state's long-term development agenda.
The department also showcased the achievements of the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre in leveraging geospatial technology, drone applications, artificial intelligence and remote sensing for governance and development.
The governor was briefed on initiatives such as village resource mapping, urban mapping, watershed studies, disaster management, landslide monitoring, PM GatiShakti support, traffic management, medical drone delivery, drone-based agriculture and indigenous drone development.
The presentation noted that more than 1,300 villages have been mapped, with Nagaland continuing to pioneer drone-based governance initiatives in the North East.
Senior officers of the Planning & Transformation Department and the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre attended the review meeting.