Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurates Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho multi-utility centre

• Warns any tribe found falsifying data could be delisted from the state’s official tribe list
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Neiphiu Rio speaks during the inauguration of Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho Badze Multi-Utility Centre at Meriema. (EM Images)

• KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday inaugurated the Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho (AGOK) Badze Multi-Utility Centre at Meriema, Kohima, and called upon AGOK members to serve as a think-tank for the government and work for people’s welfare.
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• Addressing the gathering, the chief minister described gazetted officers as the "cream of society" and encouraged them to take on a greater role in guiding both government policy and societal development. "As citizens of the state capital, you have more responsibility," he said, urging AGOK members to be more accommodative, forward-thinking, and dedicated to public interest.
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• Rio noted that the new multi-utility facility, located in a prime area of the capital complex extended up to Tsiesema Basa, has the potential to serve various communities. He expressed hope that it would become a space for promoting greater understanding, cooperation, and unity among people.
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• He pointed out that Naga society largely looks up to the government of the day. As such, the state government has been working and advocating that society should follow the principle of meritocracy, he said.

Also read: CM Neiphiu Rio launches Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission

• He called upon AGOK to mentor and guide aspirants for exams such as UPSC, NPSC, and NSSB.
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• The chief minister also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and skill-based careers, particularly for those who may not enter government service.
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• “Through skilling and entrepreneurship, youth can become job creators and contribute meaningfully to the state economy,” he said. He cited the Chief Minister’s Micro-Finance Initiative (CMMFI) as a key scheme to support budding entrepreneurs.

• Southern Angami Cultural Society presenting a folk song. (EM Images)

• RIIN and indigenous identity
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• Touching on the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), the chief minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to its implementation despite some opposition. Under the proposed framework, a person’s native status would be certified by their village council and finalised by district authorities.
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• He warned against fraudulent indigenous certificates, stating that councils involved in such malpractices would face legal consequences, and any tribe found falsifying data could be delisted from the state’s official tribe list.
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• For successful implementation of both RIIN and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, he called for collective responsibility and public cooperation.
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• Economy over politics
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• The chief minister maintained that more attention should be given to economic development rather than excessive political discourse. “We must talk more about how to improve our economy—both individual and collective—than just politics,” he asserted.
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• He stressed that living beyond one's means leads to financial and moral decline, and urged AGOK to encourage the community to pursue viable, modern livelihoods. Highlighting the evolving nature of professions, he said fields like sports and music, once considered extracurricular, have become sustainable career paths.
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• Rio also shared insights from his recent participation in the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 in Delhi, where top industrialists expressed interest in investing in the region. However, he stated that uncertainty over the ownership of petroleum, natural gas, and minerals in Nagaland has created barriers.
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• Roadblocks and hurdles
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• According to the CM, companies like Ambani’s Reliance, Adani Group, and Oil India are ready to invest, but a pending court case concerning ownership rights of natural resources has stalled agreements. The state government has submitted its arguments, while the opposition’s reply is awaited. “Unless ownership is clarified, we cannot move forward,” he stated.
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• He also expressed displeasure with ONGC and Oil India for dividing blocks in Nagaland without consulting the state government. “The matter will be taken up again,” he said, adding that the matter will be discussed another day.
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• Rio also spoke on the NITI Aayog meeting and Chief Ministers’ Conclave, where the national goal of “Viksit Bharat by 2047” was highlighted. He mentioned that India has recently surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with Germany next in line.
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• To align with the national vision, he said a meeting was held with legislators, department heads, and police officials to push development forward and ensure Nagaland does not lag behind.
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• The chief minister lamented that the unresolved Naga political issue continues to hamper large-scale development projects, even though Nagaland shares a political alliance with the Centre. “There will only be one solution for the Nagas, and it will come through unity,” he asserted.
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• He also lamented the absence of an apex body, with every tribal body giving its own advice and called upon the public, elites, officers, and senior citizens to work together as “Team Nagaland” to bring a resolution to the long-standing issue.
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• Earlier, AGOK President Neilasa Sopfü stated that revenue generated from the facility will be divided into three parts—support for economically disadvantaged students preparing for competitive exams, soft loans for entrepreneurs, and maintenance of the facility.
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• Thejao Vihienuo, President of the Angami Public Organisation, noted that AGOK, established 42 years ago, has played a critical role in APO’s progress. He expressed concern over job reservations not being reviewed and warned of growing immigrant influence in local markets, urging stricter enforcement of laws.