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The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, has appealed to the Central government for enhanced support in infrastructure, education and connectivity across the state. He reminded that the establishment of an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Nagaland had been announced in the Union Budget for 2015-16 and that the state has allotted 200 acres of land for it. He also underlined that with only eight km of rail line currently in Nagaland, the proposed 250 km Dimapur-Tizit rail link and the proposed Ciethu Greenfield Airport in Kohima need to be prioritised. Rio further highlighted the state's mineral potential, the absence of national-level institutions like an IIT or National Law University, and the impact of the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit regime in December 2024.
The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, addressed the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region Zone?III Conference and sought special attention from the Central government for his state's development in key areas of infrastructure, connectivity, education and institutional uplift. Advertisement
He recalled that the creation of an IISER in Nagaland was announced in the Union Budget for 2015-16, and that the state has already earmarked 200 acres at Sukhovi near Dimapur Airport in readiness for the project. He also called for upgrading the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research to an AIIMS-type central institution, stating that it would raise healthcare access and education standards for Nagaland and neighbouring states.
On connectivity, Rio pointed out that Nagaland currently has only eight kilometres of railway track, and stressed that the 250 km Dimapur-Tizit railway line through the Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng and Mon districts needs to be fast-tracked. He also asked the Centre to reconsider the Ciethu Greenfield Airport project in Kohima, which had recently not been approved due to budget constraints, arguing that improved air access is vital.
Despite Nagaland's rich deposits of cobalt, nickel, natural gas and petroleum, the chief minister noted that oil exploration remains sub-judice and as a result the state continues to be resource-constrained. He emphasised that the absence of national-level educational institutions such as an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) or a National Law University is a drawback for talent retention and innovation in the state.
Rio expressed concern over the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in December 2024 for Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, saying that this has discouraged investment and limited growth opportunities. He urged that special consideration be given to Nagaland for infrastructure, connectivity, education and institutional development so that the people can meaningfully participate in the nation's progress.
Source PTI
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