Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s latest budget, dubbed the “Budget of New Initiatives,” makes ambitious promises in skill development, employment, financial inclusion, tourism, and sustainability. The proposals, on paper, appear forward-looking and well-intentioned. But as always, the question remains: Will these initiatives translate into real change on the ground?
A major highlight is the Nagaland Skill Mission, which aims to train 5,000 youth across various sectors. This move acknowledges the state’s unemployment crisis, but past experiences suggest that mere training is not enough — job placement and retention remain challenges. Without a strong industry presence in Nagaland, how many of these trained youth will find stable employment within the state? The budget does mention government-backed skill loans, but how accessible will these be for young entrepreneurs?
The Tourism, Hospitality, and Transport Scheme is another notable proposal. Setting up 500 homestays and 200 tourist transport vehicles could enhance the tourism sector. However, previous initiatives in tourism have often struggled due to weak infrastructure, poor connectivity, and inconsistent policy support. Entrepreneurs will need more than concessional loans; they need sustained marketing, infrastructure, and a proper regulatory framework.
With 20 unbanked blocks finally set to receive bank branches, financial access in rural areas will see some improvement. But mere infrastructure is not enough. These new banks, as well as existing ones, need to cater to the unique economic challenges of rural Nagaland.
The Nagaland Solar Power Mission is a welcome step toward sustainable energy. However, Nagaland’s electricity woes—high transmission losses, electricity theft, and non-payment of bills—cannot be solved without fixing governance and accountability within the power sector, even well-meaning initiatives will struggle.
The Living Morung Initiative aims to preserve traditional knowledge while integrating it with modern development. But will this be a grassroots movement or just another top-down cultural showcase? If this initiative is to have lasting impact, it must empower local communities rather than just create another attraction for visitors.
Rio’s budget presents a mix of much-needed reforms and ambitious new programs. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on execution.
Nagaland has seen well-intended policies before, most of which failed to achieve their objectives due to weak implementation and lack of follow-up. If the government truly wants this budget to be different, it must prioritize transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes. Otherwise, the ‘Budget of New Initiatives’ may end up as just another budget of unfulfilled promises.