Dimapur: Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, on Monday highlighted the Union Budget 2026-27’s focus on the northeastern states, including the development of five key tourism destinations and the creation of a multi-state Buddhist Circuit. The initiatives aim to boost heritage conservation and improve regional connectivity.
Addressing the media at the Nagaland BJP office in Kohima, Singh said tourism has been identified as a priority sector, with a pilot scheme to train 10,000 tourist guides across the country to enhance ecotourism potential.
He added that the budget is designed to sustain India’s growth trajectory while strengthening regional cooperation and integration with like-minded governments, noting that regional priorities have gained prominence in an increasingly multipolar world.
Singh emphasised the budget’s focus on economic integration, building a competitive workforce, and enhancing India’s global engagement, citing initiatives such as the Migration and Mobility Agreement. On trade and security, he noted that proposed Free Trade Agreements would facilitate market expansion, alongside technology-driven border management systems.
The budget, he said, revolves around the three pillars outlined by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: accelerating economic growth, building human capacity, and ensuring inclusive development. Special attention has been given to empowering youth through self-employment opportunities and addressing their aspirations.
Speaking about Nagaland, Singh highlighted the establishment of professional institutions in Tier-1 and Tier-3 categories to strengthen educational and skill infrastructure. He further said MSMEs would play a critical role in driving empowerment, boosting exports, and promoting regional development.
The formation of industrial corridors has also been proposed to enhance infrastructure and accelerate economic growth in the region, Singh added.