Chief Minister’s fellowship programme CMFPN launched
KOHIMA: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio launched the Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme, Nagaland (CMFPN) and the NEDFi-TEDF Research Project aimed at enhancing economic growth in the state through the promotion of niche agricultural products, creative economy advancements and investment diversification. During the launch at the CMRC Conference Hall in Kohima Thursday, he underlined the importance of these initiatives in identifying Nagaland’s strengths and addressing emerging opportunities and challenges.
Dr Rio highlighted Nagaland's substantial potential in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, music, arts, culture, sports and other emerging fields. He called for transforming this potential into economic opportunities through enterprise, investment, markets and exports with a particular focus on creating employment for the populace.
He welcomed the creative economy's focus in the research, stating that it encompasses more than just culture and entertainment; it is also crucial for livelihoods, enterprise, tourism, technology and job creation.
The CMFPN, proposed in 2024 and supported by an allocation of ₹2.50 crore in the State Budget for 2025-26, seeks to provide young professionals with hands-on experience in governance, public policy and developmental processes. This programme not only aims to enhance their skills but also encourages them to contribute to the state's progress.
The event was chaired by I Changsang, Under Secretary of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), who noted the shared commitment towards new developmental pathways in the state. Vineet Kumar, Additional Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, concluded the programme by thanking the Chief Minister, NEDFi, IDAN, researchers and stakeholders for their contributions to these initiatives.