Kohima, May 7: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Jitendra Singh in New Delhi to discuss development initiatives focused on science, technology, and governance in the Northeast.

He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y. Patton, and Minister for Horticulture and Human Resource Development, Salhoutuonuo Kruse. The leaders held detailed discussions on strengthening Centre-State collaboration for the accelerated development of Nagaland.

Jitendra Singh reiterated the Central Government’s priority for the Northeast region under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the role of science and technology in driving inclusive growth. Discussions included enhancing infrastructure for innovation, setting up start-up incubation centres, and promoting scientific education among youth through initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Biotechnology.

The Union Minister also briefed the Chief Minister on developmental applications of space and atomic energy technologies, such as geospatial tools for disaster management, agricultural planning, and infrastructure development in hilly areas.

Administrative reforms, civil service capacity building, and good governance practices were also key topics during the meeting. Singh stated that the Department of Personnel & Training is focused on improving governance in the region through digital training and mid-career interventions for officials.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed the Centre’s continued support and expressed Nagaland’s interest in greater participation in national missions, particularly in areas of skill development, entrepreneurship, and public grievance redressal.

Both sides agreed on the importance of sustained cooperation to ensure effective implementation of central schemes and unlock the full development potential of the Northeast.