NITI Aayog Meets Northeast CMs to Chart Development Roadmap
Leaders of all eight North-Eastern states discuss growth priorities, innovation and regional challenges
- Chief Ministers of all eight North-Eastern states participate
- Discussions focus on infrastructure, tourism, skills and livelihoods
- States share successful governance and development initiatives
- NITI Aayog pledges continued support for regional development
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th June: NITI Aayog on Friday convened a high-level interaction with the Chief Ministers of all eight North-Eastern states to deliberate on development priorities, policy innovations and key challenges facing the region.
The meeting was chaired by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri and attended by NITI Aayog members, the CEO, Chief Secretaries and senior officials from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
The discussions focused on sharing successful governance models, development initiatives and sectoral priorities covering agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, infrastructure, rural development, skill development and livelihoods.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the North East is emerging as a major growth engine and highlighted the state’s hydropower potential and governance initiatives such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar and Cabinet Aapke Dwar aimed at improving service delivery and grievance redressal.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stressed the need for balanced development to avoid regional disparities and ensure inclusive growth. He welcomed the recent tripartite agreement among the Centre, Assam and Nagaland on oil exploration in border areas and described it as a model of cooperative development.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized that economic growth must translate into human development and outlined the state’s Transformation Journey 2032 vision aimed at building a developed Meghalaya. He also called for greater regional cooperation in trade, exports and environmental sustainability.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the state’s growing tourism sector and community-driven tourism model involving self-help groups and local communities. He also sought support for the Mizoram Ginger Mission and greater flexibility in Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stressed the importance of continued financial support and highlighted opportunities in infrastructure, oil and gas exploration, agriculture and global market access for products such as Nagaland coffee.
Representing Manipur, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh discussed ongoing rehabilitation and resettlement efforts and underscored the need for effective monitoring of reconstruction and housing projects.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang emphasized tourism, connectivity and digital infrastructure as key drivers of growth. He called for improved air connectivity, enhanced digital infrastructure and continuation of the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS).
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha highlighted challenges arising from the state’s geographical location and international border while emphasizing the need for stronger trade infrastructure, connectivity, skill development and support for sectors such as bamboo, rubber, pharmaceuticals, textiles and tourism.
Concluding the interaction, NITI Aayog Member Joram Aniya thanked the participating states and assured them that the institution would continue working closely with central ministries and departments to address the issues raised and support the development aspirations of the North-Eastern region.
The deliberations were described as constructive and outcome-oriented, focusing on strengthening cooperation and accelerating development across the North East.
