The Nagaland legislative assembly has passed the 2025-26 state budget of Rs 24,699.83 crore, with a majority of the members approving the demand for grants of 82 departments for the next fiscal. The budget was presented by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the finance department, and was passed through a voice vote. The budget includes several new initiatives, including the Skill Mission, which aims to train 5,000 youths in self-employment and private-sector employment, with a focus on emerging industries. Other initiatives include the Living Morung Initiative for preserving Naga culture and traditions, Solar Power Mission to address the state’s energy deficit, and a Drone Training Centre to offer job-linked training in drone technology for youths.
The budget also allocates funds for expanding banking access to unbanked blocks, supporting infrastructure development to facilitate bank branches, and introducing a fleet of 40 buses to improve transportation. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme has been introduced to develop future leaders of the state, and efforts are being made to fast-track development in inter-state border areas.
Speaker Sharingain Longkumer praised the leader of the House, the finance minister, and the MLAs for coming up with a “far-sighted budget” that reflects their commitment to the people of Nagaland. The budget was passed with a sense of optimism, with hopes that it will lead to a resurgent and transformed Nagaland in the coming days. The assembly has also formed various financial and non-financial committees for the 2025-2026 period, and has adjourned sine die.