Parliamentary data reviewed in 2026 show that Nagaland did not receive approval for any new proposals under the Centre’s ‘Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)’ scheme during the 2025-26 financial year, even as several initiatives were submitted for consideration.
The figures were placed in Parliament under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and indicate that while funds were allocated to the state during the year, the entire amount was tied to ongoing commitments and earlier sanctioned projects. The column for new proposals considered for approval recorded zero for Nagaland.
According to the data, a total of Rs 2.91 crore was allocated to Nagaland under the TRI scheme for 2025-26. However, the allocation was entirely directed towards continuation of existing work.
This included Rs 25 lakh for construction of the Tribal Research Institute building sanctioned in 2017-18 and Rs 2.66 crore for continuation of regular TRI activities carried over from the 2024-25 financial year. The institute under construction at Tseisema remained the primary focus of spending.
No fresh initiatives from the state moved forward during that funding cycle.
Proposals that did not receive approval
Records show that a range of research, livelihood and cultural initiatives were among proposals that did not secure approval during the year. These included:
•Research study on socio cultural and economic sustainability of Myanmar border villages.
•Promotion of naturally grown organic and value-added products including kholar, sticky millet, foxtail millet, red rice, traditional honey varieties such as Cerene honey, sour honey and rock bee honey, and wild apple.
•Rejuvenation of traditional Naga village water sources at Litta Old Village, Kichilimi Village, Ghukiye Village, Viyilho Village and Kiphire ancestral villages.
•Organisation of health camps at 17 locations across Nagaland.
•Seminar and workshop on tribal traditional values with Naga youths.
•Skill development training for tribal livelihoods at Khaghaboto, Kuhuboto, Niuland, Aghunaqa and Ato areas.
•Training on mushroom cultivation at Tuensang Town.
•Training on metal craft at Noklak Town.
•Training on banana mats, baskets and bags at Tobu in Mon district.
• Training on incense stick making at Wakching Village in Mon district.
• Training on development of leather value chain at Mongken Apparel and Production Unit in Dimapur.
•Training on plastic handbags and indigenous doll making for tribal self-help groups.
• Organisation of Hornbill Festival related activities for 2025.
• Organisation of a three day Tribal Art and Craft Mela.
• Educational tour outside the state for EMRS students.
TRIs operate under state governments, with proposals prepared at the state level before being evaluated by a central apex committee. Parliamentary records do not specify why no new proposals from Nagaland were approved during 2025-26.
In centrally sponsored schemes, approval depends on technical documentation, financial planning, outcome indicators and compliance with national guidelines. Funding cycles may also prioritize clearing existing liabilities and continuing earlier commitments before taking up new initiatives.
Decisions are influenced by overall national allocations and comparative evaluation of proposals submitted by different states within the same financial year.
The 2025-26 data provide a snapshot of how proposal preparation, central evaluation processes and long pending commitments can shape the pace of new cultural and livelihood initiatives under the TRI framework.
While Nagaland continued to receive funding for ongoing activities during the year, the absence of fresh approvals meant that new research, training and community development initiatives did not move forward under the scheme during that period.