Addressing the State Level Consultative Meeting on the NEC Vision Plan 2047, held at Hotel Vivor in Kohima on November 8, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang welcomed the officials of the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi), members of the Drafting Committee on the NEC Vision 2047, officials of the North Eastern Council (NEC), state representatives from various departments, and other dignitaries present.
Zeliang expressed his gratitude to NEDFi and NEC for organizing the meeting, which he believes will contribute to the realization of the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047” for the North Eastern states.
He emphasized that the core objective of Vision 2047 is to achieve socio-economic growth, enhanced infrastructure and connectivity, cultural preservation, sustainable development, and empowerment. Zeliang further outlined that the vision seeks to build a future where Nagaland thrives economically while safeguarding its unique cultural heritage, ensuring environmentally sustainable growth, and empowering the youth, women, and marginalized communities. He described the vision as one that respects the past, embraces the present, and looks forward to a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Addressing sustainable economic growth, Zeliang acknowledged that Nagaland’s economy has traditionally relied on agriculture. Modernizing this sector, he suggested, holds immense potential for the state. Integrating advanced technology, organic farming practices, and sustainable methods will enhance food security and open up new opportunities for export. Strategic initiatives, such as promoting diverse crop cultivation, expanding irrigation and water management systems, establishing cold storage facilities, and investing in capacity building for farmers and agricultural enterprises, will significantly benefit the state.
Zeliang also highlighted the gradual improvements in infrastructure and connectivity in the state but stressed the need for further investments in road infrastructure, along with upgrades to air, rail, and waterway systems. These developments are crucial for ensuring overall economic growth. With the growing demand for e-commerce services, the state is aiming to penetrate the logistics sector by integrating various modes of transport, ensuring seamless connections between rural and urban areas. However, he called for NEC’s intervention in the development of warehouses and cold storage facilities at bus depots and terminals.
Speaking about the promotion of art, culture, and tourism, Zeliang recognized Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, noting that each tribe has its own unique cultural practices and festivals. With the proper support systems, including seminars, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives, alongside investment in state-of-the-art cultural and exhibition spaces, Nagaland can promote and host art and cultural activities on a much larger scale, reaching wider audiences. He also pointed out that tourism is one of the state’s most promising sectors for income generation and self-sustainability, given its natural beauty and heritage sites.
On industrial growth, Zeliang emphasized Nagaland’s potential for agro-based industries, citing the state’s favorable agro-climatic and geophysical conditions that support the cultivation of a wide variety of organic subtropical and temperate fruits and vegetables. Establishing food processing units would help accelerate the growth of producers and boost farmers’ incomes. However, the absence of such units discourages the cultivation of perishable crops, and he urged NEC to focus on this area.
In the healthcare and education sectors, Zeliang pointed out that Nagaland’s healthcare infrastructure requires significant improvement. The absence of multi-specialty and super-specialty hospitals is a major concern. He stressed the need for PSA oxygen plants, improved blood banks, and more robust healthcare systems, including green climate-resilient facilities and efficient biomedical waste management. In education, there is a lack of critical infrastructure, such as academic buildings, hostels, laboratories, and libraries, which are essential for the effective functioning of higher educational institutions. The lack of incubation centers and sports amenities limits opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship.
Zeliang concluded by emphasizing the importance of timely fund sanctions, especially given Nagaland’s monsoon season from March to October. He appealed to NEC representatives to communicate this concern to the relevant ministries, urging that it be reflected in the draft Vision Document 2047. (With DIPR inputs)