Emphasising the need for sustained Centre-State coordination to ensure the effective implementation of flagship initiatives, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating development in Nagaland and the North Eastern region.
During a meeting held in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Central government was prioritising innovation, scientific research, and technology-driven development in the Northeast.
Rio, accompanied by deputy chief minister Y. Patton and Horticulture and HRD minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse, discussed collaborative measures to scale up development in key sectors, especially science and technology, good governance, and administrative reforms.
The meeting focused on collaborative efforts to further accelerate development in Nagaland through key initiatives of the central government, particularly in areas related to science and technology, administrative reforms, and good governance.
Discussions included the potential for expanding science and technology infrastructure in the state, encouraging start-ups and incubation centres, and promoting scientific temper among youth through programmes of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
Singh highlighted central schemes under the Department of Space and Atomic Energy, which could benefit hilly and remote states like Nagaland through geospatial technology applications in planning, disaster management, and agriculture. He also pointed to opportunities for youth through start-up incubation, science outreach, and innovation promotion supported by the Departments of Science & Technology and Biotechnology.
Singh also assured Rio that the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) remained committed to capacity-building and digital training for civil servants in the Northeast through structured interventions and career enhancement programmes.
Appreciating the Centre’s consistent focus on the Northeast, Rio expressed Nagaland’s interest in actively partnering in national missions, particularly those relating to skilling, entrepreneurship promotion, and public grievance redress mechanisms tailored to regional needs.