Transforming Nagaland: Zeliang Reveals Game-Changing Initiatives Underway, Eying Brighter Future for Citizens
Nagaland Government’s Flagship Programmes and Schemes Have Transformative Impact, Says Deputy CM T R Zeliang
Nagaland, a state in India’s northeastern region, has made significant progress in recent years, thanks to the efforts of its government and its flagship programmes and schemes, according to Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang. Speaking at the fifth general convention of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in Kohima, Zeliang emphasized that these initiatives are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future.
While acknowledging the progress made, Zeliang acknowledged the challenges that remain, including the state’s relatively low per capita income of approximately Rs 1.45 lakh, which is lower than that of other northeastern states like Sikkim, with a per capita income of Rs 5.87 lakh. He set a target to double the per capita income in the next 5-6 years.
Road Connectivity: A Major Hurdle to Economic Growth
Zeliang highlighted the long-standing issue of road connectivity, which has been a significant hindrance to the state’s economic progress. "Since statehood, one major drawback to Nagaland’s economy has been road connectivity," he pointed out. However, he expressed optimism about the progress made with the construction of four and two-lane highways, and emphasized the need to connect every district with sustainable two-lane highways.
The Role of Road Infrastructure in Boosting the Economy
As a landlocked state, road infrastructure is crucial for Nagaland’s economy, with national highways playing a key role in this regard. Currently, the state has 12 national highways covering a total length of 1,578.38 km, of which 910 km is under the Nagaland Public Works Department (PWD) and the remaining 668.38 km is overseen by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Addressing the Land Acquisition Challenge
To expedite the construction of national highways, the government is working on amending the Nagaland Land Requisition and Acquisition Act, 1965, to simplify the land compensation process, enabling faster progress on these vital projects.
Monitoring Developmental Activities and Empowering the Youth
As the minister in-charge of Planning and Transformation, Zeliang urged other ministers and advisors to remain actively involved in monitoring the progress of developmental activities. He emphasized the importance of not just reviewing progress on paper but physically inspecting ongoing work to ensure the successful implementation of flagship programmes.
Building a Sustainable Future
Zeliang also urged the youth to explore opportunities outside of government employment, with a particular focus on skill development, to ensure the state’s long-term sustainable growth. He recognized the growing potential of Nagaland’s tourism sector, particularly the internationally recognized Hornbill Festival, and emphasized the need to promote eco-tourism and adventure tourism to create job opportunities and stimulate local economies.
Diversifying the Economy
Acknowledging the state’s reliance on central government funds, Zeliang called for efforts to diversify Nagaland’s economy and reduce its dependence on external support. He suggested that tapping into the state’s natural resources, such as crude oil, coal, iron ore, and limestone, could significantly contribute to its economic growth.
Summary:
Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang highlighted the importance of flagship programmes and schemes in transforming the state of Nagaland, emphasizing their role in addressing immediate needs and laying the foundation for a brighter future. He acknowledged the challenges, including low per capita income and road connectivity issues, and outlined initiatives to address these concerns, including the construction of national highways and the simplification of the land acquisition process. Zeliang also emphasized the need to diversify the economy and empower the youth through skill development, while recognizing the potential of tourism and natural resources.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/nagaland-govt-flagship-programmes-schemes-transformed-state-deputy-cm-zeliang-1176958-2025-02-28?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-02-28 09:29:00
