Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla Addresses 8th Session of 14th NLA
KOHIMA, MARCH 2: The Governor of Nagaland, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, on Monday highlighted the February 5 signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the State Government, the Centre and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), terming it a major step toward inclusive and equitable development in Eastern Nagaland. He informed that an Interim Council would soon be constituted and special legislation introduced for its formal establishment.
Delivering his address at the Eighth Session of the Fourteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the Governor described the agreement as a testament to the Government’s commitment to addressing the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland while strengthening unity and balanced growth within the State.
Reaffirming the Government’s stand on the Naga Political Issue, he said efforts continue toward a peaceful and honourable settlement. The Political Affairs Committee (PAC), comprising Ministers, elected representatives of all tribes, political party representatives and Members of Parliament, has been reviewing the matter. He added that the Chief Minister, along with Cabinet colleagues and members of the PAC Sub-Committee, recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting appointment of a political-level interlocutor to expedite the ongoing peace talks.
The Governor also called for cooperation in the upcoming Census 2027 exercise, with house listing in Nagaland scheduled from July 1 to July 30, 2026, and self-enumeration from June 16 to June 30, 2026.
Highlighting developmental progress, he pointed to reforms in the education sector under the Nagaland Education Project–NECTAR and infrastructure upgrades in higher education under PM-USHA. In health, he cited the implementation of the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme and operationalisation of the Nagaland State Drugs Testing Laboratory.
Rural development initiatives have led to over 3.41 lakh household tap connections under Jal Jeevan Mission, while schemes such as PM-KISAN, PMAY-G and MGNREGS continue to support farmers and rural households. The Government is also promoting sustainable agriculture, horticulture, livestock and fisheries development.
On economic growth, the Governor noted progress in startup promotion, recognition in national rankings, and adoption of technology-driven governance measures. Environmental conservation through community reserves, tourism promotion through the Hornbill Festival, and disaster management initiatives were also highlighted.
He further stated that the State has recorded strong GST revenue growth during the current financial year and is aligning its long-term development strategy with the national vision of Viksit Bharat through preparation of a “Viksit Nagaland @2047” roadmap.
Commending the administration, police and security forces for maintaining law and order, the Governor expressed confidence that the session’s deliberations would strengthen collective efforts toward building a peaceful, prosperous and developed Nagaland. (PRO, Lok Bhavan)
