Kohima (Nagaland) [India], March 7 (HBTV): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio presented the state budget for the year 2025-26 in the Nagaland Assembly, describing it as a budget for new initiatives. Rio, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented a deficit budget of INR 843.21 crore for 2025-26, a release stated.
Addressing the media after his budget speech at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Rio said the budget was balanced, with expenditure and receipts being equal. While demand remains high, the receipts and balance are positive, benefiting from a strong financial position and introducing new initiatives, the release added.
In his budget statement, he estimated gross receipts at INR 25,849.01 crore and gross expenditures at INR 24,699.01 crore for the financial year 2025-26. However, due to the negative opening balance, the year is estimated to close with a negative balance of INR 843.21 crore.
New Initiatives
The state budget introduced several new initiatives. Rio announced a special initiative under the Nagaland Skill Mission to train and provide employment opportunities for at least 5,000 youth in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, banking and insurance, construction, healthcare, logistics, and drones. INR 5 crore has been allocated for this initiative.
Additionally, the state government will launch the Nagaland Tourism, Hospitality and Transport Scheme, which will facilitate concessional loans for entrepreneurs to establish 500 homestays and 200 tourist transport vehicles. The government has also earmarked INR 2.50 crore for the Drone Training and Logistics Program and another INR 2.50 crore for the Chief Minister's Fellowship Programme.
To revitalize and preserve the culture, tradition, and knowledge systems of Nagaland, the Living Morung Initiative will be implemented by the Department of Art and Culture with an allocation of INR 5 crore. Furthermore, the Nagaland Solar Power Mission, with an outlay of INR 10 crore, will encourage rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Developmental Outlay
Rio stated that the total developmental outlay, including Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), is INR 5,819.24 crore. The state development outlay from Nagaland's own resources stands at INR 1,200 crore—an increase of INR 190 crore, reflecting an 18.81% growth over the financial year 2024-25.
Konyak Heritage Complex
The Chief Minister also announced that the Konyak Heritage Complex is set to be inaugurated on April 5, coinciding with the Aoleang festival of the Konyak tribe in Mon district. The complex aims to boost tourism, culture, and livelihoods.
The major components of the project include nine Morungs, an Angh House (museum), an amphitheater, an indoor stadium, administrative and residential facilities, a hanging bridge and lake, a helipad, a public park, a multi-purpose hall, and an open-air ground with a rostrum.
While similar developments for other tribes may not be feasible, Rio noted that the heritage complex's accessibility near town makes it a significant cultural landmark. (ANI)