Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav chaired a review meeting with the Planning & Transformation Department at Lok Bhavan Kohima on July 31.
Kohima, July 31 (MExN): Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Friday chaired a review meeting with the Planning & Transformation Department at Lok Bhavan Kohima, focusing on the state’s planning framework, flagship initiatives, geospatial innovations, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the long-term vision for Viksit Nagaland @2047.
During the meeting, Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, made a detailed presentation on the department’s core functions, which include formulation of state development plans, coordination with NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the North Eastern Council (NEC), and various central ministries, besides monitoring programmes and guiding departments on planning priorities.
Sema informed the Governor that the Annual Plan Outlay for 2026-27 has been approved at Rs 1,350 crore, with allocations covering developmental departments, state share, Local Area Development Programme (LADP), land acquisition, budget initiatives, and support for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). The meeting also reviewed trends in plan outlays and sector-wise allocations aimed at accelerating balanced and inclusive development.
The Governor was apprised of the department’s role in implementing centrally sponsored initiatives through MDoNER, NEC, NESIDS and PM-DevINE, as well as the progress of Aspirational District and Aspirational Block programmes. It was highlighted that Kiphire continues as Nagaland’s Aspirational District, while Akuhaito, Khongsa and Thonoknyu have been identified as Aspirational Blocks, with Thonoknyu Block receiving performance-based incentives from NITI Aayog.
The meeting also reviewed Nagaland’s performance in achieving the SDGs, with the state’s SDG Vision 2030 and district-wise indicators being discussed. Mokokchung, Kohima and Dimapur emerged as the leading districts in the North East Region SDG Index.
A significant part of the presentation focused on the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT), established with support from NITI Aayog under the State Support Mission. The Governor was informed that the institute is playing a key role in preparing the Viksit Nagaland @2047 Vision Document, currently under review and expected to be finalised after approval by the High-Level Steering Committee and the state cabinet.
Sema observed that the situation in Nagaland has undergone significant transformation since statehood, and in view of the changing socio-political landscape and developmental aspirations, he stressed the need for enhanced support from the Government of India. He stated that central funding for Nagaland should be brought at par with other north eastern states to enable the state to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and accelerate socio-economic development.
The department also showcased achievements of the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre in leveraging geospatial technology, drone applications, artificial intelligence and remote sensing for governance. The Governor was briefed on initiatives including village resource mapping, urban mapping, watershed studies, disaster management, landslide monitoring, PM GatiShakti support, traffic management, medical drone delivery, drone-based agriculture, and indigenous drone development. It was highlighted that over 1,300 villages have been mapped and the state continues to pioneer drone-based governance initiatives in the North East.
Appreciating the department for adopting technology-driven governance and strengthening planning, monitoring and implementation mechanisms, Yadav emphasised the importance of evidence-based planning, effective coordination, timely execution, and optimum utilisation of resources to ensure developmental benefits reach every section of society. He further stressed that planning must remain people-centric, transparent and result-oriented, while encouraging the department to continue embracing innovation and modern technologies for sustainable and inclusive development.
Senior officers of the Planning & Transformation Department and Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre were present during the review meeting, according to a press release from PRO Lok Bhavan.
