Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio highlighted several key initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of government operations and ensuring a sustainable financial and energy future for the state.
Speaking about the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Dr Rio emphasized their substantial role in the annual budget, stressing the need for timely execution to maximize benefits for the people. To streamline the process, the state government has launched the Nagaland e-Proposal System (NePS), a digital platform that will facilitate the submission of proposals and ensure the timely release of funds. Dr. Rio urged departments to be “implementation-ready” from the start of the financial year and advised early submission of proposals, particularly for civil works, to ensure that projects are initiated and completed as scheduled.
In his address, Dr Rio also focused on the state’s revenue generation. He noted that while Nagaland’s own tax and non-tax revenues contribute around 13% of the total revenue receipts, there is considerable potential to increase tax revenue. The government has urged citizens to demand GST cash memos for all transactions, a simple step that would promote transparency and help curb tax evasion. To further bolster tax administration, a dedicated research wing within the State Taxes Department will be established to analyze tax data, detect patterns of evasion, and optimize revenue collection. Additionally, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reading posts will be installed along major inter-state routes to ensure compliance with e-way bills.
Addressing the challenges in the power sector, Dr Rio acknowledged the growing difficulty in ensuring uninterrupted power supply due to increasing demand from households, businesses, and entrepreneurs, coupled with revenue losses. To mitigate this, the state has begun the installation of smart prepaid meters aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability in power distribution. Dr Rio emphasized that the success of this initiative relies on the cooperation of all citizens and power consumers, along with the proactive efforts of the Department.