Kohima, November 5 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has expressed satisfaction over Nagaland’s performance in the NITI Aayog Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2023–24, with three districts of the State ranking among the top ten nationally.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party said the achievement reflects the State Government’s commitment to inclusive growth, balanced regional development, and people-centric governance, as well as effective planning and coordination across key sectors such as education, healthcare, gender equality, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
The NPF highlighted that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, during the 7th Meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog in New Delhi on August 7, 2022, had proposed initiatives including six power projects—such as the Tizu Valley Hydro-Electric Project—solar PV grids at Sub-Zhadima, a 132 kV transmission system along the Foothill Road, smart-meter installations in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Kohima, and last-mile rural electrification to ensure statewide power connectivity.
The party also noted his advocacy for addressing challenges specific to Nagaland, including the traditional land-holding system that affects digital agricultural reforms, requests for special consideration for small revenue-deficit states, and proposals for an A320-capable airport and model degree colleges in remote areas like Wakching and Mangkolemba to enhance connectivity and education.
In this connection, the NPF criticised hate it alleged as an earlier reports by a television channel that, used outdated 2021–22 data and portrayed Nagaland as one of the lowest-performing states and questioned the Chief Minister’s leadership.
While the party upholds press freedom, responsible journalism requires accuracy, fairness, and balance, it held, adding the sensational reporting not only undermines media credibility but also distorts public understanding.
Such narratives as biased, counterproductive, and detrimental to healthy public discourse, it added.
Moreover, with the recent merger and the overwhelming support of the people, Nagaland stands united on the path of development and political stability, it added.
In the North Eastern Region District SDG Index 2023–24, Mokokchung, Kohima, and Dimapur emerged among the top 10 performers in the region, ranking 4th, 6th and 10th respectively, out of 121 districts across eight NE states, measured against 15 SDGs.
