Kohima, March 28: The Nagaland Assembly on Friday passed the state budget for 2026–27, authorising an expenditure of over ₹22,127 crore from the consolidated fund of the state.

The budget was approved through the Nagaland Appropriation Bill, 2026, moved by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the Finance portfolio. It authorises withdrawal of ₹22,127.33 crore to meet government expenditure for the financial year ending March 31, 2027.

Of the total outlay, revenue expenditure accounts for about ₹17,972.70 crore, while capital expenditure stands at approximately ₹4,154.63 crore. A significant portion of the budget — ₹3,928 crore — has been earmarked for pensions and retirement benefits. Other major allocations include civil police, school education, health, rural development, and public works.

The budget also highlighted investment in capital-intensive sectors such as roads, bridges, power, water supply, and urban development, though expansion remains dependent on Central assistance.

Chief Minister Rio cautioned during the budget discussion that the state may face difficulty in meeting obligations like salaries, pensions, and debt servicing without adequate support from the Centre. He said Nagaland has projected a minimum requirement of ₹4,500 crore from the Union government for 2026–27 and expressed hope that the funds would be released following assurances from the Union Finance Minister.

The Assembly also passed three other appropriation bills related to regularisation of past expenditures and supplementary demands. These included:

Supplementary Demand for Grants 2025–26: Authorising an additional ₹5,366.15 crore to meet excess and unforeseen spending.
Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2026: Regularising excess expenditure of ₹1,979.5 million for 2019–20.
Appropriation (No. 1) Bill, 2026: Regularising excess expenditure for 2018–19.

Speaker Sharingain Longkumer concluded the seven-day budget session by announcing the constitution of various Assembly committees. He praised legislators and officials for successfully transacting all business and said the inclusive and progressive budget marks Nagaland’s transition toward becoming a developed state alongside India’s vision for 2047.