Nagaland has launched its first Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme (CMFPN), with 18 young professionals selected for practical exposure to governance, public policy and development.
The Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme, implemented by the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), was first proposed in 2024 and received an allocation of Rs 2.50 crore in the State Budget 2025-26.
The budget described the programme as an effort to nurture future leaders and policy innovators and develop a cadre of highly skilled professionals with a deeper understanding of Nagaland’s development priorities.
According to the government, the fellows will undertake assignments and internships with government departments and institutions, gaining exposure to flagship programmes and sectors including agriculture, MSMEs, industry, tourism, sports and the Hornbill Festival.
The 18 fellows were selected through an open application and interview process. They are also to receive exposure to government institutions, NGOs and international missions, along with mentorship from senior leaders, bureaucrats and technocrats, IDAN Chairman and Advisor to the Chief Minister Abu Metha said.
The idea, according to Metha, grew out of his experience with the International Visitor Leadership Programme of the US Department of State in 2014. He said the experience demonstrated the value of exposure to global networks, best practices, governance and policy approaches, leading to the idea of developing a fellowship suited to Nagaland’s context.
Metha described the CMFPN as an investment in people and Nagaland’s youth. He said the objective was to equip the fellows with knowledge, experience and networks so they could contribute meaningfully to society and become assets to the State.
The programme has already moved beyond the launch stage. On September 7, the 18 fellows interacted with Governor Nand Kishore Yadav at Lok Bhavan. The government said the fellows had been assigned to different departments to assist with policy briefs, research reports and developmental frameworks aligned with State priorities and the vision of Viksit Nagaland 2047.
The interaction covered areas including tourism, agriculture, health, public administration, intellectual property rights and grassroots research. The Governor also encouraged the fellows to study practices elsewhere and consider what could be adapted to Nagaland’s circumstances.
The fellowship is intended to combine professional exposure with practical engagement in government, giving the fellows an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to ongoing public-sector work.
The government has said it hopes the programme will provide a foundation for further opportunities for young people in Nagaland.
MT has sought further details from IDAN on the fellowship, including the number of applications received, selection criteria, duration, financial support for fellows, departmental assignments and how their work will be evaluated. A response was awaited at the time of publication.