Thursday, 21st May, 2026 (Nokinketer News): Nagaland recorded one of the most dynamic project portfolios among all Northeastern states during the period, with a strong focus on value-chain development and industry-led economic advancement. NEC spent ₹515.04 crore in Nagaland during the 15th FC period under Schemes of NEC (SoNEC) and NESIDS-Roads combined.

Expenditure during 15th FC in Nagaland under Schemes of NEC (SoNEC)

Under SoNEC, Nagaland recorded significant developmental progress during the 15th FC cycle, with an expenditure of ₹205.84 crore with major interventions in development of sports and tourism infrastructure, educational institutions, cultural complexes, skill development centres, community infrastructure, and projects for backward and tribal communities. Special emphasis was also laid on agriculture and allied sectors through promotion of sericulture, beekeeping, horticulture, coffee, rubber, bamboo, handloom and handicrafts, livestock development, fisheries, and value-addition initiatives.

NEC-funded projects also covered preservation and promotion of Naga cultural heritage through museums, heritage complexes, indigenous learning centres, cultural tourism infrastructure, and tribal artisan support facilities, while enhancing eco-tourism and adventure tourism opportunities across the state. In addition, SoNEC interventions promoted environmental conservation, geospatial planning, mineral resource assessment, afforestation, post-harvest infrastructure, and market linkage initiatives, contributing to balanced regional development and improved public service infrastructure.

Achievements under NESIDS (Roads) during 15th Finance Commission cycle

Under the NESIDS Roads program during the 15th FC period, nine road projects worth 309.20 crore have been implemented in Nagaland, of which five valued at 231.79 crore have already been completed. Among the recently completed projects is the upgradation of the road from Dikhu Bridge to Amguri in Mokokchung district, significantly improving connectivity to the cultural heartland of the Ao Naga community and enhancing regional mobility.

Financial Year 2025-26: A highlight

In 2025–26, NEC sanctioned four major projects in Nagaland valued at over ₹ 67.87 crore, aimed at strengthening commercial agriculture, industrial infrastructure, and livelihood generation. Among the flagship initiatives is the Cluster-Based Coffee Value Chain Development project, the single largest state-specific project sanctioned in the Northeast during the year, designed to promote coffee cultivation, processing, branding, and marketing by building upon Nagaland’s internationally recognised Arabica coffee heritage and creating sustainable livelihoods for farming communities. Complementing this initiative, NEC also sanctioned projects for post-harvest coffee processing facilities to modernise production systems and improve access to premium markets. Another significant initiative includes an integrated development project in the backward Phomching Assembly constituency of Mon district focused on irrigation and water management to improve agricultural productivity and support livelihoods in one of the state’s remote regions.

Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Programme and NE-SPARKS in 2025-26

The Council also strengthened youth empowerment and scientific outreach through flagship initiatives such as the Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Program, under which 581 students from universities and colleges across the country visited premier institutions in the North Eastern Region, including Nagaland University and the National Institute of Technology, Nagaland.

Another pioneering initiative, NE-SPARKS (North East Students’ Programme for Awareness, Reach and Knowledge on Space), enabled 786 school students from all eight Northeastern states, including 95 students from Nagaland, to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during 2025–26, promoting scientific awareness and innovation among students.

Fund Released under SoNEC during the month of April 2026 in Nagaland

Further reinforcing its commitment towards inclusive economic development, NEC continues releasing funds during April 2026 for ongoing projects such as construction of a Cultural Activity Complex for the Chakhesang community at Pfutseromi village, Promotion of Naga chilly and the North East Festival of Rice to strengthen Nagaland’s agricultural brand identity, Establishment of a Handicraft Facility Centre at Kohima, and Investigation & assessment of strategic and critical minerals in Nagaland for economic viability. A landmark allocation of funds for mineral exploration is expected to contribute significantly towards the state’s future industrial and economic development.

Fund Released under NESIDS (Roads) during the month of April 2026 in Nagaland

Under NESIDS (Roads), NEC has released a total amount of ₹17.37 crore during April 2026 (FY 2026-27). These include the upgrade of road from Lampong Sheanghah to Nyasa village via Longphoh, Shangnyu, Mon district; construction and upgrade of Glory Peak Tourist Road, Phek; upgrade of road from Tenning to Lekie; and construction of road from Riaga to Sango village in the state of Nagaland.

(Source: DIPR)