Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, Atomic Energy, Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi today, according to a PIB report.
He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y Patton, and Minister for Horticulture and Human Resource Development, Salhoutuonuo Kruse.
The meeting centred on enhancing collaborative efforts to accelerate development in Nagaland through various flagship initiatives of the Government of India, particularly in science and technology, administrative reforms, and good governance.
Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong focus on the North East and emphasized the Centre’s commitment to fostering innovation, scientific research, and technology-driven growth in the region. Discussions included expanding science and technology infrastructure, encouraging start-ups and incubation centres, and promoting scientific temper among youth through programs under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
The Union Minister also informed the Chief Minister about schemes under the Department of Space and the Department of Atomic Energy that could support development in remote and hilly terrains. This includes leveraging geospatial technologies for planning, disaster management, and improving agricultural productivity.
Administrative reforms and civil service capacity building were also on the agenda. Dr. Singh highlighted the Department of Personnel & Training’s (DoPT) efforts to raise governance standards through regular training, mid-career interventions, and digital capacity-building initiatives for officials from the region.
Chief Minister Rio expressed appreciation for the Centre’s continued support and reiterated Nagaland’s commitment to playing a more proactive role in national development missions. He also sought enhanced support for skilling, entrepreneurship, and public grievance redress mechanisms tailored to the state’s needs.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of sustained Centre-State coordination to ensure effective implementation of development initiatives and to unlock Nagaland’s full growth potential.