Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio underscored the importance of aligning national development goals with regional aspirations during the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi on Saturday.
He emphasised that the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 must resonate with the unique needs and ambitions of states like Nagaland.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for convening the meeting, Rio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive growth and self-reliance, while also calling for sustained support and institutional flexibility from the Centre to help smaller states progress effectively.
Rio spotlighted Nagaland’s achievements under its State Startup Policy 2019, which is aligned with the national Startup India initiative.
He shared that the state has been actively nurturing entrepreneurship through the establishment of five startup incubators and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) across all districts.
These centres offer vital mentoring, infrastructure, and capacity-building resources to budding entrepreneurs.
A key highlight of Nagaland’s presentation was the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI) 2.0 — a state-driven financial programme designed to enhance credit access for startups and small businesses.
Currently in its second phase, CMMFI 2.0 offers sector-wide financial support, including up to 30% back-ended subsidies, assistance with detailed project reports (DPRs), and support services via Swavalamban Connect Kendras and credit outreach units.
To further boost its innovation ecosystem, Nagaland has also set up the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre, a flagship facility that acts as a central node for entrepreneurship, startup incubation, and cultural collaboration.
The chief minister also raised several key infrastructure and institutional projects pending approval from the central government.
These include the Foothill Road (Trans–Nagaland Highway), Ciethu Airport in Kohima, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), New High Court Complex in Kohima, and the Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research.
In conclusion, Rio reiterated that the central vision for a developed India by 2047 must be inclusive of northeastern states’ perspectives.
“The vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 must reflect the aspirations of states like Nagaland. With timely support and adaptable institutional frameworks, we are ready to move forward toward self-reliance,” he stated, expressing gratitude to NITI Aayog and the Government of India for their continued partnership.
