Reported by Roopak Goswami
Guwahati: The chief ministers of all eight northeastern states on Friday pitched region-specific development priorities ranging from oil and gas exploration and industrial incentives to connectivity, tourism and human development during a high-level meeting convened by NITI Aayog.
The interaction, chaired by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri, brought together the chief ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura to discuss development challenges, policy innovations and growth opportunities in the region.
A key theme that emerged from the discussions was the need for greater flexibility in central schemes and for policies tailored to the Northeast’s unique geographical, ecological and socio-economic realities.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the recently signed tripartite agreement between the Centre, Assam and Nagaland to resume oil and gas operations in disputed border areas, describing it as a model of cooperative development.
He also claimed that Assam has emerged as the country’s fastest-growing state and stressed the need for balanced regional development.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio underlined the state’s potential in oil and gas exploration, agriculture and infrastructure development while seeking continued financial support and improved market access for products such as Nagaland coffee.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma showcased the state’s “Transformation Journey 2032” vision and called for stronger inter-state collaboration in trade, exports and environmental sustainability. He also emphasised the importance of externally aided projects in accelerating development and improving human development outcomes.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the state’s hydropower potential and stressed the need for investment in skill development and capacity building. He also shared governance initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and grievance redressal.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma focused on tourism and sought greater support for the state’s Ginger Mission, while advocating more flexibility in centrally sponsored schemes. He said tourist arrivals in the state had increased significantly over the past four years.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang stressed the importance of tourism, digital infrastructure and commercially viable air connectivity, while calling for the continuation of the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) to boost investments and employment.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted challenges arising from the state’s geography and international borders, seeking stronger trade and connectivity infrastructure. He identified bamboo, rubber, textiles, pharmaceuticals and tourism as key sectors for future growth.
Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh focused on rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, stressing the need for robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely implementation of housing and recovery projects.
The discussions also covered agriculture, healthcare, education, rural development, skill development, tourism and infrastructure, with states sharing successful initiatives and policy innovations.
NITI Aayog said it would continue working with central ministries and departments to address issues raised by the northeastern states and support the region’s development priorities.