NITI Aayog Engages North-Eastern States on Development Priorities

Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighted the state’s potential, particularly in hydropower, and underscored the importance of human resource development.

NITI Aayog convened a two-day interaction with the Chief Ministers of all eight North-Eastern States—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—to discuss development priorities, innovative governance initiatives, and regional challenges. The event saw the participation of Chief Secretaries and senior officials from the states, alongside NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Shri Ashok Lahiri, members of NITI Aayog, and the CEO of the institution. The deliberations focused on outcomes, sharing best practices, and fostering collaborative development across the region.

Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighted the state's potential, particularly in hydropower, and underscored the importance of human resource development. Innovative governance programs such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar, and Cabinet Aapke Dwar were shared as models for efficient service delivery and rapid grievance redressal. Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam emphasized balanced development and highlighted the recent tripartite MoU for mineral oil operations as a model of cooperative progress.

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Infrastructure, Tourism and Skill Development Take Center Stage

Chief Ministers across the region highlighted initiatives that can accelerate economic growth and improve human development. Shri Conrad K. Sangma of Meghalaya discussed the Transformation Journey 2032 vision and the importance of externally aided projects, while Shri Lalduhoma of Mizoram showcased the state's successful community-based tourism model driven by self-help groups. Shri Neiphiu Rio of Nagaland focused on infrastructure expansion, agriculture, and improving market access for local products like Nagaland coffee.

Shri Y. Khemchand Singh of Manipur emphasized rehabilitation and resettlement measures, and Shri Prem Singh Tamang of Sikkim highlighted tourism, connectivity, and digital infrastructure as key drivers of growth. Dr. Manik Saha of Tripura stressed trade, skill development, and sectoral potential in bamboo, rubber, textiles, pharmaceuticals, sports, and tourism, while noting the importance of healthcare and education infrastructure.

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Coordinated Efforts for a Viksit North-East

Discussions also focused on replicable governance innovations, sectoral development schemes, and strengthening inter-state collaboration. Emphasis was placed on agriculture, rural development, healthcare, education, skill development, livelihoods, tourism, and infrastructure. The workshop concluded with the formulation of strategies to accelerate progress, address unique regional challenges, and foster sustainable development in the North-East.

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Joram Aniya, Member of NITI Aayog, appreciated the Chief Ministers' contributions and assured continued collaboration with central ministries to facilitate the growth and development of North-Eastern states. The interaction reaffirmed NITI Aayog's commitment to supporting inclusive, evidence-based, and outcome-focused initiatives across the region, driving progress towards a Viksit Bharat.

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