Born on November 11, 1950 Neiphiu Rio had his early education from Baptist English School, Kohima and Sainik School, Purulia. He graduated from the Kohima Arts College. An active member of the students union during his college days, Rio was elected as president of Kohima District Youth Wing in 1974 and acting president of UDF Youth Wing, Nagaland during 1976-77.
He was elected as Area Council Chiarman of Northern Angami in September 1984 and was elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly as Congress (I) candidate from Northern Angami- II in 1989. He was appointed as Minister for Sports and School, Higher Education and Arts and Culture. He also served as Chairman of the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation, Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board and Development Authority of Nagaland.
Re-elected from the same constituency in 1993 as Congress (I) candidate, Rio was appointed as Minister for Works & Housing. He had a providential escape on life assassination bid by Naga insurgents on May 30, 1995. Re-elected from the same Constituency as Congress (I) candidate in February, 1998 and appointed as Home Minister.
He is also holding the honorary post of Vice President, Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland Branch and nominated as life time Deputy Governor (Honorary) in 1999 in the Board of Governors by American Biographical Institute Research Association, USA.
{{/usCountry}}He is also holding the honorary post of Vice President, Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland Branch and nominated as life time Deputy Governor (Honorary) in 1999 in the Board of Governors by American Biographical Institute Research Association, USA.
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