Budget reaffirmed national priority for NE: Dy CM Patton

Dimapur: Nagaland deputy chief minister Y Patton on Monday said the Union Budget for 2026-27, presented by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, reaffirmed the national priority accorded to historically disadvantaged and geographically challenged states, including Nagaland.

Congratulating Sitharaman on presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget, Patton described it as highly visionary and a step in the right direction towards realising the dream of a Viksit Bharat. He said provisions supporting high-value agriculture, including agarwood cultivation in the northeast, are well aligned with the region’s ecological and economic strengths and will be crucial for its long-term development.


Patton further highlighted that the enhanced focus on animal husbandry, fisheries, and rural entrepreneurship would directly support livelihood diversification in hill states like Nagaland. He welcomed the strengthened MSME framework, which he said reflects the Centre’s intent to empower small enterprises and local entrepreneurs in remote regions.

He stressed that increased public capital expenditure would sustain infrastructure momentum, which is critical for improving connectivity and market access.

Patton also appreciated the budget’s emphasis on skilling, allied health, and the services sector, noting that these measures would expand employment opportunities for youth and align with the Nagaland govt’s initiatives to build human capital. Acknowledging the support extended to handloom, handicrafts, and village industries, he said the budget recognises cultural economy of indigenous communities.

He added that the budget’s inclusive approach integrates growth with social justice and regional equity, balances fiscal prudence with growth imperatives, prioritises capital formation, and provides a stable, outcome-oriented framework for inclusive and sustainable development. Patton said this is crucial for achieving the vision of both a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Nagaland.