Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi at the review meeting held at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chümoukedima on May 20. (DIPR Photo)
Chümoukedima, May 20 (MExN): A high-level central team will compile findings from a developmental review of Nagaland’s Longleng district and submit a report to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and concerned Union ministries, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Jitan Ram Manjhi said on Wednesday.
The review meeting was held at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chümoukedima as part of directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess ground realities and developmental needs of districts across the country.
The programme was chaired by W Manpai Phom, NCS, Deputy Commissioner and Vice-Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Longleng, stated a DIPR report.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed developmental activities and discussed the implementation status of various Government of India schemes in the district. Officials from different departments presented reports and briefed the Minister and the visiting central team on ongoing projects, achievements, challenges, and areas requiring further support and coordination.
Addressing the gathering, Manjhi emphasised the importance of effective implementation of MSME-related initiatives and urged officials to work collectively for the welfare and economic development of the people.
“All findings, feedback and reports gathered during the visit will be compiled and submitted to the PMO and the concerned Union Ministries for necessary action,” the visiting central team informed.
MLA and Chairman of DPDB Longleng, A Pongshi Phom, expressed gratitude to the visiting central delegation and lauded the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing people-centric welfare schemes across the country. Speaking on behalf of the people of Longleng district, he thanked the dignitaries for visiting Nagaland to interact with district officials and the public, stating that the meeting would positively impact people’s lives and strengthen developmental initiatives in the district.
Highlighting various centrally sponsored schemes, Phom noted that initiatives in agriculture, health, education, rural development, solar energy, industries, electricity, social security and welfare sectors were significantly improving the living standards of the people. He further stated that the Department of Industries and Commerce in Longleng district was playing an important role in empowering youth through self-employment opportunities. Schemes such as the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), he said, were helping young entrepreneurs establish businesses and generate employment for others.
The MLA also appreciated the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative launched by the Government of Nagaland in August 2022, stating that the programme had greatly supported private enterprises and transformed many lives in rural areas. He added that the state government, under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, remained committed to the welfare and development of the people despite various challenges, assuring that elected representatives, officials and departments were working collectively for the effective implementation of developmental schemes.
During the interaction, officials were asked to provide detailed information regarding the implementation and present status of centrally sponsored schemes in Longleng district. Discussions were also held on whether Longleng falls under the Aspirational District Programme, under which focused developmental support is provided to selected districts across the country.
Special emphasis was laid on the National Oil Palm Mission, where the visiting team enquired about the progress of plantation activities and the benefits being extended to farmers and local communities. The team also interacted with district authorities to understand the needs and priorities of the people, particularly in agriculture, livelihood and infrastructure development. Officials highlighted the importance of proper coordination among departments for effective implementation of welfare schemes.
After the review meeting, Union Minister Manjhi appreciated the efforts of the district administration and various departments of Longleng for implementing developmental and welfare schemes. He encouraged officers to continue working with dedication to ensure that government programmes effectively reach the grassroots level.
Assuring support to the district, he stated that the Union Government and his ministry would continue to extend assistance and cooperation for the overall development and progress of Longleng district.
Later in the day, the Minister also held a review meeting with state officers of the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Coir Board and MSME-DFO under the Ministry of MSME at the Police Guest House.
