Shillong, June 19: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has called for greater flexibility, stronger institutional support, and faster approval mechanisms to improve the implementation of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the Northeast, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the region.
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| Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addresses the seminar on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North-Eastern States,” highlighting challenges faced by the region and advocating reforms to improve project financing, approvals, and implementation for sustainable development across the Northeast. (Image: X/Neiphiu_Rio) |
Addressing the seminar on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North-Eastern States,” Rio spoke in the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Ministers from the Northeast, representatives of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), NITI Aayog, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and senior government officials.
During his address, Rio acknowledged the significant contributions of development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), KfW Development Bank, New Development Bank (NDB), and other multilateral institutions. He noted that their support extends beyond financing and includes technical expertise, institutional strengthening, innovation, and the sharing of global best practices.
The Nagaland Chief Minister also expressed appreciation to various Government of India ministries and the Meghalaya government for hosting the seminar.
Highlighting the realities of the Northeastern states, Rio pointed to challenges such as difficult terrain, dispersed settlements, fragile ecosystems, customary land ownership systems, and limited administrative capacity, which often affect project implementation.
He noted that the reimbursement-based funding model followed under many EAPs requires states to pre-finance projects, posing difficulties for smaller states with limited financial resources. In this regard, he suggested that advance financing support from multilateral development banks could be considered.
Rio further observed that delays in obtaining statutory clearances from multiple agencies often slow project execution. He advocated for a dedicated fast-track clearance mechanism for the Northeast to improve efficiency and ensure timely completion of projects.
Looking ahead, he emphasized the need to strengthen project preparation, build institutional capacity, deepen collaboration among stakeholders, and remain responsive to community needs. He identified climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, urban development, digital governance, healthcare, skill development, and entrepreneurship as key sectors for future collaboration and investment.
Rio reaffirmed Nagaland’s commitment to improving EAP implementation and ensuring that development projects translate into tangible improvements in the quality of life of the people.
