On the fourth day of the 6th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), several legislators participated in a general discussion on the state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The discussion took place on 7th March 2025, with a unanimous consensus that the budget was both people-friendly and well-balanced, addressing the multifaceted needs of the state.
Naiba Konyak, MLA, in his address, raised concerns about the Naga political issue, noting that it was neither a failure of the government nor the people. He emphasized that although the issue had been a recurring topic in Assembly sittings, no substantial resolution had been reached. While the Nagas continue to hope for a solution, Konyak urged the Government of India to clarify its position on whether it genuinely seeks a resolution. This would allow the people to focus on other developmental activities, he said. Despite the unity of all 60 MLAs in forming an opposition-less government, Konyak expressed disappointment that the issue remained unresolved.
He acknowledged the efforts made by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) and the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) in negotiating financial matters under the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority. The budget reflected the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns, he added. Konyak also called for increased budget allocations for the Roads and Bridges Department to ensure the proper maintenance of roads, and he requested the Food and Civil Supplies Department to extend its services to Tobu, considering the logistical challenges.
Furthermore, Konyak lauded the Chief Minister for the construction of the Konyak Heritage Village, which was highly appreciated by the Konyak community. He also recognized the benefits of schemes like the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and Ayushman Bharat but highlighted that hospitals in Eastern Nagaland lacked adequate medical equipment, urging the government to address this gap. He concluded by calling for the maintenance of urban roads in Tobu, alongside the positive funding for urban infrastructure.
Dr. Neisatuo Mero, MLA, described the budget as a balanced and thoughtful one. He highlighted the government’s commitment to facilitating a resolution of the Naga political issue and reiterated that the House awaited the draft agreement between the Government of India and state stakeholders. Dr. Mero praised the budget’s focus on youth, lauding allocations for hospitality, tourism, construction, and the Special Road Development Programme (SRDP). However, he expressed concern over the slow progress of road construction along the Kohima-Jessami section of NH-29, despite the issuance of a work order.
On the agriculture and allied sectors, Dr. Mero acknowledged the success of various programs but noted that in Phek, many terrace paddy fields had been abandoned as farmers migrated to urban areas. He urged the government to assist in converting these lands into productive areas through alternative plantations.
Imkong L. Imchen, Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, termed the budget as “skilfully balanced,” highlighting its focus on the welfare and well-being of the people of Nagaland. Imkong emphasized the state’s ongoing financial challenges, which had hindered the provision of financial benefits to citizens, especially the salaried class. He also touched upon the ongoing peace process between the Government of India and Naga Political Groups, urging the Government of India to intensify efforts toward a final resolution. Imkong called for greater transparency and accountability in governance to ensure that allocated funds for development projects were utilized efficiently.
Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries & Commerce, described the budget as statesman-like and futuristic, with a clear focus on youth empowerment. She appreciated the Chief Minister’s commitment to building the capacities of the youth, especially through initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Micro-Finance initiative, Nagaland Skill Mission, and Rural Training and Logistics Programme. These initiatives, she noted, would provide training and employment opportunities for 5,000 youth in various sectors. Jakhalu stressed the importance of creating robust economic policies and an enabling ecosystem for growth, which would, in turn, stimulate the state’s economy.
Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, expressed his concern about the state’s low revenue generation and stressed the collective responsibility of both legislators and citizens to achieve economic stability. He commended the budget for addressing core needs and for the development of youth-oriented facilities in the Youth & Sports Resources Department. He lauded the Chief Minister and the School Education Advisor for their bold initiative in rationalizing the state’s teaching staff, which had positively impacted the education sector. Imna Along also expressed pride in the success of the 25th Hornbill Festival and thanked the Chief Minister for recognizing the Tourism Department as an industry.
Dr. Sukhato A. Sema, MLA, commended the Chief Minister and the Minister-in-charge of Finance for the formation of the Political Affairs Committee and the consultations held on the Naga Political Issue. He expressed appreciation for initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative and Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), particularly noting that CMHIS would benefit every household in the state. Sema also urged timely payments to empaneled hospitals to ensure smooth implementation of health insurance schemes. He lauded the allocation for the Nagaland Skill Mission and stressed the importance of supporting district administration and banks to facilitate the opening of branches in unbanked areas.
T. N. Mannen, Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, commended the Chief Minister for presenting a budget focused on all-around development. He particularly appreciated the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, which he believed would significantly improve healthcare access. Mannen also praised the Nagaland Skill Mission and other youth-focused schemes but urged stakeholders in the agriculture sector to adopt more environmentally friendly farming methods to ensure the health of consumers.
Nyamnyei Konyak, MLA, expressed his satisfaction with the budget, which he believed covered all key developmental areas. However, he pointed out the need for improvements in the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, which was facing implementation challenges. Konyak also emphasized the importance of exploring new markets for agricultural products, urging the concerned department to make efforts in this direction.
Achumbemo Kikon, MLA, described the budget as “forward-looking” and urged legislators to unite and expedite the resolution of the long-standing Naga Political Issue. He expressed concern over the state’s inability to fully utilize funds under centrally sponsored schemes, a critical issue that needed to be addressed. Kikon also praised the increase in the fund allocation for the Border Affairs Department, which would help address concerns of people living in border areas.
G. Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor for Land Resources Development, termed the budget as visionary and inclusive. He thanked the Chief Minister for incorporating significant socio-economic changes and praised the focus on skilling and employment-led growth. Zhimomi also highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in the agriculture sector and informed the House that the Department of Land Resources Development would participate in the International Coffee Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey, in May 2025.