Nagaland Assembly: Rs 24,699.83 crore state budget passed by voice vote
Nagaland Assembly: Rs 24,699.83 crore state budget passed by voice vote
Digital Desk: The Nagaland Assembly approved the Rs 24,699.83 crore 2025-26 state budget by voice vote.
The budget was presented by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also oversees the finance department, and passed after the members approved the request for funding from 82 departments for the next fiscal year.
The House also approved the Nagaland allocation (No. 3) Bill 2025, which authorizes payment and allocation of Rs 24,699.83 crore from and out of the state's consolidated fund for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.
Some of the new initiatives introduced in the budget include the Skill Mission, which aims to train 5,000 youth in self-employment and private-sector employment with a special focus on emerging industries.
The Living Morung Initiative, which aims to revitalize and preserve Naga culture and traditions; the Solar Power Mission, which attempts to address the state's energy deficit; and the Drone Training Centre, which will provide job-linked training in drone technology to youth.
Other initiatives include expanding banking access to unbanked blocks by supporting infrastructure development to facilitate bank branches, the Chief Minister's Fellowship Programme to develop future state leaders, the introduction of a fleet of 40 buses to improve transportation, and fast-tracking development in interstate border areas.
On the final day of the session, NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed his personal opinion on the budget, saying it is one of the most comprehensive, indicating a resurgent and transformed Nagaland in the coming days, despite the hurdles.
Longkumer praised the House leader, who is also the minister-in-charge of finance, and his council of ministers and MLAs for putting together a 'far-sighted budget', saying, "Your sincerity towards our people is reflected in the budget."
The Speaker then announced the formation of different financial and non-financial committees of the Assembly, as well as the panel of chairpersons for 2025-2026, before adjourning the House sine die.
