NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog holds Interaction with Chief Ministers of North-Eastern States
CMs of all 8 North-Eastern States participated
Posted On: 12 JUN 2026 5:52PM by PIB Delhi
NITI Aayog today convened an Interaction with the Chief Ministers of the North-Eastern States. Representatives from all eight States – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura participated and deliberated on development priorities, innovations and challenges. The interaction by Shri Ashok Lahiri, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog; Members from NITI Aayog and CEO, NITI Aayog saw participation of the Chief Secretaries and senior officers from North-Eastern States. The deliberations witnessed constructive and outcome-oriented discussions.
Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighted that the North East is undergoing a significant transformation and emerging as a key engine of growth. Emphasising the State’s immense potential, particularly in hydropower, he stressed the need to further strengthen the skills and capacity building of its human resources. He also shared innovative governance initiatives being implemented in the State such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar and Cabinet Aapke Dwar, aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery and swift redressal of public grievances.
Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, opined that development must be balanced to avoid regional disparities and ensure inclusive growth. He appreciated the historic tripartite MoU signed yesterday between Government of India, Assam and Nagaland for facilitating mineral oil operations in the Assam–Nagaland boundary areas, highlighting it as a model of cooperative development. Shri Sarma also noted that Assam has emerged as the fastest-growing State in the country while making significant strides in social development indicators. He stressed the importance of addressing regional requirements to sustain and accelerate this progress.
During the interaction, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, emphasised that economic growth must translate into meaningful human development. He shared Meghalaya’s vision in the form of ‘Transformation Journey 2032’ which aims to realise the goal of a Viksit Meghalaya.
Shri Sangma highlighted the significant role of Externally Aided Projects in creating critical assets and accelerating development. He also advocated greater collaboration among North Eastern States in the areas of trade, exports and environmental sustainability, while underscoring the need for policies tailored to the unique requirements of the region.
Shri Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram, in his address highlighted the immense tourism potential of the State and shared its successful community-based tourism model driven by self-help groups and local communities. He noted that tourist footfall in Mizoram has increased manifold over the past four years. He also sought support for the Mizoram Ginger Mission and emphasised the need for greater flexibility in Centrally Sponsored Schemes to address eligibility challenges often faced by North Eastern States.
Shri Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, emphasised the importance of continuing the support provided through the 15th Finance Commission to sustain the State’s development momentum. He highlighted the potential for new infrastructure projects, expansion of economic activities, oil and gas exploration and strengthening the agriculture sector. Shri Rio also stressed the need for improved transport infrastructure and enhanced global market access for products such as Nagaland coffee. Reaffirming his commitment to collaborative development, he expressed support for the shared vision of achieving a Viksit Bharat.
Shri Y. Khemchand Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, highlighted the ongoing efforts associated with rehabilitation and resettlement measures in the State. He stressed the importance of robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the timely implementation of reconstruction and housing initiatives, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to support affected communities and restore normalcy.
Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim, discussed the critical role of tourism, connectivity and digital infrastructure in driving the State’s development. He emphasised the need for commercially viable air connectivity and improved digital infrastructure to enhance accessibility and economic opportunities across the region. Shri Tamang also called for the continuation of the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) to promote industrial growth, attract investments and generate employment. He underscored the importance of policy frameworks that reflect the unique demographic and ecological realities of the North Eastern Region while ensuring sustainable development.
Dr. Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, highlighted the State’s geographical constraints, extensive international border and skill gaps, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to accelerate economic growth and investment. He observed that trade and connectivity infrastructure, including integrated check posts, rail services and air connectivity need to be enhanced. Dr. Saha also underscored the potential of sectors such as bamboo, rubber, textiles, pharmaceuticals, sports and tourism and called for greater support towards skill development, innovation, value addition and export promotion. He further emphasized the need for enhanced healthcare and educational infrastructure, while noting that Tripura is among the first few States to prepare its Viksit Tripura vision document.
The discussions focussed on sharing of successful initiatives, policy innovations and impactful development schemes across sectors such as agriculture, rural development, healthcare, education, skill development, tourism, livelihoods, infrastructure etc.
In her concluding remarks, Ms. Joram Aniya, Member NITI Aayog thanked everyone for their participation and for sharing the progress, achievements and developmental priorities of their respective states. She noted the issues and suggestions raised during the interaction and stated that NITI Aayog would continue to work closely with the concerned ministries and departments of Government of India to facilitate the development of the North-Eastern states.
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