Nagaland Assembly Budget Session Commences, Naga Political Issue Expected to Take Center Stage
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Synopsis
The Nagaland Assembly's Budget Session has commenced, presided over by Governor La Ganesan. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is set to present the state's budget and discuss pressing issues, including the Naga political situation and infrastructure projects.
Key Takeaways
- Governor La Ganesan's speech opened the Budget Session.
- Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will present the annual budget on March 6.
- Discussion on the Naga political issue is expected.
- Other topics include highway projects and public significance matters.
- The session will run until March 8.
Kohima, March 3 (NationPress) The Budget Session of the Nagaland Assembly commenced here on Monday with the traditional address by Governor La Ganesan.
A senior official from the state Assembly secretariat indicated that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also manages the Finance portfolio, is set to present the state's annual budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 on March 6, with general discussions scheduled to follow the next day.
On Monday, the Chief Minister also introduced the supplementary demand for grants for 2024-25.
Additionally, he will present the report from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on the session's final day, March 8.
Discussions pertaining to the governor's address will commence on Tuesday. Following a recess on Wednesday, the session will reconvene on March 6.
Other agenda items, as finalized by the Business Advisory Committee for this six-day session, include discussions on matters of public significance, the laying of annual administrative reports from government departments, and the introduction and approval of government Bills.
Similar to previous sessions, the Sixth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly is anticipated to address the longstanding Naga political issue.
Discussions regarding the construction of the foothill road—a vital state project—and delays in various NHIDCL-implemented highway projects are also expected to be included.
This session is scheduled to run until March 8.
In related news, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and key leaders from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) convened in Dimapur on February 21 to arrange for new formal discussions between the government and the prominent Naga group shortly.
A Nagaland government official reported that on February 21, MHA advisor for the North East, A.K. Mishra, met with NSCN-IM's General Secretary and chief negotiator Thuingaleng Muivah to deliberate on various elements of the Naga political issue.
“Two other senior NSCN-IM leaders were also present. Both parties agreed to initiate formal talks as soon as possible to advance the long-standing Naga political situation,” the official stated on condition of anonymity.
Mishra also engaged with the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) in Dimapur on the same day.
The NNPGs, an alliance of seven other Naga factions, have been negotiating with the Centre and signed an “Agreed Position” back in 2017.
