Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, while presenting the state budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 during the 6th Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on March 6, lamented the unresolved Indo-Naga political issue but assured that the state government remains committed to playing a proactive and contributory role in seeking an early solution.
To further efforts on this front, Rio highlighted that the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) had been constituted and, in its meeting held on August 28, 2024, resolved to hold consultations with apex tribal bodies and civil society organizations on the issue. He urged all negotiating parties to make every effort to conclude discussions with a settlement that is “honourable, inclusive, and acceptable to the people.”
Addressing concerns regarding the Eastern Nagaland region, Dr Rio informed the Assembly that the state cabinet had deliberated on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) on October 30, 2024. Following these discussions, the state government forwarded its comments on the third Draft Memorandum of Settlement to the Union Home Ministry on November 6, 2024. The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing governance closer to citizens and ensuring that the concerns of the people in the region were addressed.
In a key administrative update, Dr Rio announced that the erstwhile Meluri sub-division of Phek district was officially inaugurated as Nagaland’s 17th district on February 21, 2025. The new district has been named “Land of Fortune,” reflecting the government’s vision for its development and prosperity.
Dr Rio also outlined the state’s fiscal concerns, stating that the 16th Finance Commission visited Nagaland from November 4 to 6, 2024, during which the state government submitted a memorandum requesting a substantial Revenue Deficit Grant to cover committed revenue expenditures. The state also sought Capital Deficit Grants to support development initiatives, citing revenue constraints.
Furthermore, the chief minister informed the Assembly that the government had urged the Commission to waive the mandatory property tax requirement for Urban Local Body (ULB) grants, given Nagaland’s unique landholding system under Article 371(A). Additionally, State Specific Grants were sought to fund key development projects critical to the state’s progress.