T R Zeliang inaugurates the office building of the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT) at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima on March 13
Kohima, March 13 (MExN): Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister for Planning and Transformation and National Highways T R Zeliang on Friday inaugurated the office building of the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT) at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Kohima.
Addressing the launch programme, Zeliang said the establishment of NIoT marks a significant milestone in strengthening institutional capacity for strategic planning, policy innovation and development monitoring in the state. Envisioned as a think tank and knowledge hub for the government, the institute will support evidence-based policymaking, monitor key development programmes and help align the state’s priorities with national development goals.
He said that in a rapidly evolving development landscape, governments must rely on robust data systems, research-driven policies and coordinated action to ensure effective governance. Institutions like NIoT will play an important role in shaping the future trajectory of the state, particularly as India works towards the vision of a developed nation by 2047. Through research, data analytics and policy support, the institute will assist the government in designing innovative and impactful development strategies, he added.
Zeliang also commended the Planning and Transformation Department and stakeholders involved in establishing the institute, expressing confidence that it would contribute to inclusive and sustainable development in Nagaland.
Giving a brief introduction of the institute, John Borgoyary, regional head of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), emphasised the importance of long-term planning and effective implementation of development vision documents. He noted that while governments often prepare such documents, they are rarely revisited for implementation.
Referring to the state’s development roadmap towards Vision 2047, Borgoyary said a team of consultants is working on preparing digital documents to guide Nagaland’s long-term development strategy. He also highlighted the need to integrate planning with transformation and encouraged officers and experts associated with NIoT to collaborate in refining the state’s vision documents.
Temsunaro Aier, Development Commissioner of Nagaland, stressed the importance of stakeholder consultations in preparing the state’s Vision 2047 document. She informed that consultations would be conducted across districts involving various stakeholders and officials to gather inputs for the roadmap. Aier also urged deputy commissioners and district officials to cooperate with the team by sharing relevant data and insights.
Established in January 2026 under the state’s Planning and Transformation Department, NIoT is supported by NITI Aayog under its State Support Mission. The institute aims to design development strategies by leveraging expertise from knowledge institutions, development partners, multilateral agencies, civil society organisations and academia.
Among those present at the programme were MLA Tseilhoutuo Routso, Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary and Agriculture Production Commissioner V Shashank Shekhar, deputy commissioners and officials from the Planning and Transformation Department, besides members of NIoT.
