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DIMAPUR — Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, presented the state’s roadmap for achieving socio-economic transformation by 2047 at the state level consultative meeting for the North Eastern Council (NEC) Vision Plan 2047.
Held on Wednesday, the meeting, organised by NEDFi and NEC, focused on aligning the Northeast’s development with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat.” Zeliang outlined Nagaland’s key priorities, emphasising sustainable growth, infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and empowerment of youth, women, and marginalised communities.
The deputy CM highlighted the need to modernise the state’s agriculture sector through technology integration, organic farming practices, and sustainable methods. He stressed the importance of promoting diverse crops, improving irrigation, establishing cold storage facilities, and investing in capacity building for farmers and agricultural enterprises.
While acknowledging improvements in road networks, he stressed the ongoing need for better, more sustainable road connectivity. He called for investments in road infrastructure, along with improvements in air, rail, and waterways. He also emphasised the need for the NEC’s intervention in developing warehouse and cold storage facilities at bus depots and terminals to support the growing e-commerce sector and improve logistics.
Highlighting Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, he recommended capacity-building initiatives, investment in cultural and exhibition spaces, and the promotion of art and cultural activities to reach wider audiences. Tourism remains one of the sectors with the most potential in the state for income generation and self-sustainability, he added.
Zeliang highlighted the potential for agro-based industries, given Nagaland’s favourable climate and agricultural output. He called for the establishment of food processing units to support farmers and prevent post-harvest losses, and urged the NEC to prioritise this area.
Further, he said that the overall infrastructure development in the healthcare sector requires a major revamp and infusion of modern technology, including the establishment of multi-specialty and super-specialty hospitals, PSA oxygen plants, and strengthening of blood banks and blood component separation services, among others.
The establishment of green climate resilient healthcare facilities and the introduction of efficient biomedical waste management systems will contribute to a more sustainable healthcare infrastructure, he said.
He also highlighted the lack of essential infrastructure, including academic buildings, hostels, laboratories, and libraries, which are critical for the effective functioning of higher educational institutions. The absence of adequate facilities for incubation centres and sports amenities further limits opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship, he said.
Zeliang reiterated his concern about the timely release of funds for effective project implementation in a state with a long monsoon season. He urged NEC officials to convey this message to relevant ministries, suggesting that funds for the agri-allied sector be released in October-November and funds for infrastructure projects in July-August to align with the state’s working season.
He further requested the NEC and NEDFi to incorporate the state government’s proposals and suggestions into the NEC Vision Plan 2047, expressing confidence in achieving the national goal of “Viksit Bharat 2047” through collaborative efforts.