Nagaland CM highlights developmental activities undertaken across the State

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 16

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today highlighted the various developmental activities being undertaken by the state government across Nagaland. 

“My Government has been pursuing major projects, namely, construction of Ciethu Airport at State Capital Kohima, Dimapur- Tizit Railway line, Foothill road, Establishment of Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Upgrading of Nagaland Institute of Mdical Science & Research (NIMSR) as a Central Institute, Establishing a New Incubation City ‘Nagaki’ in Chumoukedima district, declaration of more National Highways in the State with the Government of India,” Rio said in his address at the 78th Independence Day celebration in Kohima.

Rio was hopeful of a favourable decision from the Government of India.

Rio said that Public Works Department (Roads and Bridges), under the North-East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) has completed three projects under Tuensang, Longleng and Noklak District amounting to Rs 100.58 crore covering a total length of 35.12 Kms.

During the upcoming year, the Department will be implementing many projects, including eight (8) projects under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) covering more than 175 Kms with an approved cost of Rs 620 Crore.
Under various heads the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) shall be supporting eighteen projects covering more than 300 Kms with a cost of more than Rs 900 Crore, Rio said.

In the highway sector, two-Lane widening for a total length of 93.6 Km on NH-61 (new NH-2) spanning Wokha and Mokokchung districts, widening of single lane to intermediate lane from Mokokchung to Chare via Dikhu, covering more than 20 kilometres, rehabilitation of Dimapur Overbridge on NH-29 are a few of the important projects being undertaken by the Highways Department.

Construction of the Konyak Heritage Complex in Mon under Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) is progressing at a fast pace, he said adding that this project is being undertaken by the North East Council (NEC) and stands as a pioneering effort to preserve the traditional Konyak heritage.

‘Reliable source of power necessary for economic development’
The Chief Minister said that a reliable source of power is a necessary condition for economic development of our State.

Towards this end, Rio said “My Government has taken many initiatives in the generation, transmission and distribution aspects of the power sector.”

Two major Hydro Electric Projects – the 42 MW Lower Tizu and 24 MW Zungki with project cost of Rs 541.12 Crore and Rs 368.53 Crore respectively have been approved by the Government of India for funding under the Asian Development Bank.”

The 2.4 MW Duilumroi Small Hydro Project which commenced during FY 2020-21 is scheduled for completion by August 2024. Survey and investigation works for development of Lower Doyang HEP with a capacity ranging between 18 to 24 MW has been initiated.

The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) under the Jal Jeevan Mission has provided Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to 91% of target households in the State by early July 2024.

Out of a total of 1,548 rural villages/ habitations, a total 64% of villages/habitations have been fully covered with FHTC as on date.

Stating that Start-up Nagaland has fostered entrepreneurship with five incubators, he said “This includes one for persons with disabilities. Over 970 employment opportunities among Naga indigenous youth have been generated by the start-up ecosystem so far in the State. Of the 200 200 start-ups that were surveyed, the estimated revenue generated was around Rs. 58 Crore for the Financial Year 2023-2024.”

He said that the Department of Information Technology & Communication has successfully upgraded the Nagaland State Data Centre (NSDC) under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. This upgradation has enabled the NSDC to provide more secure and efficient government services.

NSDMA proactively responding to disasters across state
Rio said that the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority has been proactively responding to disasters across the state.

Insuring against disaster risk is an important aspect of mitigating the impact of disasters, he said adding that the Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS), a pioneering risk insurance solution in the world is being implemented with effect from June 2024 to May 2027.

He said that the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the 2nd August 2024 with the State Bank General Insurance as insurer and Munich Re along with GIC-Re India as reinsurers.

Stating that agriculture sector still plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic progress of the State, he said “Nearly, 70% of our population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and allied activities.”

The Department of Agriculture under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) has credited an amount of Rs 520 Crore into the bank accounts of 2,03,462 farmers till end-June of this year.

Work is progressing under the Digital Agriculture Mission, for the development of an integrated web-based Geo- Portal and mobile application to help farmers. The buy-back of Fresh Fruit bunches (FFBs) under National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) has commenced in Peren, Wokha, Mon, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Mokokchung and Longleng.

Rio said that Nagaland state received the “Best State Horticulture Award 2024” at the Agriculture Leadership Conclave on 10th July, 2024 in New Delhi organized by the Agriculture Today Group.

The Chansu Organic Kiwi Producer Company Limited, Phek supported by the Department of Horticulture was awarded “Centre for Innovations in Public Systems Award 2023′ under Rural Development/Environment category for their achievements in Promotion & Marketing of Organic Kiwi Fruit.

The Department of Horticulture has initiated the organic cultivation of Citrus, Persimmon, Ginger and Large Cardamom covering an area of 2,500 hectares.

The Department has established 380 low-cost mushroom units to popularise mushroom cultivation.

The Department of Sericulture, under Silk Samagra-2 has covered eight hundred (800) beneficiaries. Through the of Silkworms, employment generation to 17,350 persons were provided between 2021-22 and 2023-24. Between 2022-23 and 2024-25, under the State Programme for augmentation of Eri & Muga, 200 acres of land has been covered under silkworm host plant cultivation.

The Fisheries Department under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has constructed 150 hectares of water bodies the State during 2023-24, impacting 1,050 beneficiaries in the state.

Encourages indigenous breeds of cattle
Rio said that the state has to encourage indigenous breeds of cattle if we have to achieve self-sufficiency in meat production.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has established the Community Thutho Project at Lumithsami Village in Zunheboto aimed at the propagation of indigenous breed in community forest land. The Department recently established one Veterinary Hospital at Tseminyu and One (1) Mini Dairy Plant-cum-Dairy Farmers Training Institute in Mokokchung. The mini dairy has a capacity of processing 5000 litres of liquid milk per day and will be able to produce Chilled milk, Lassi and Dahi.

He said that the Department of Soil & Water Conservation has completed the installation of Static Soil Testing laboratories in Tseminyu, Cheiphobozou and Pughoboto. Demonstration and farmer’s training on soil health card and soil health management is targeted in 74 identified villages.

In order to issue Soil Health Cards in all the targeted villages, 14,800 soil samples have been collected and testing is actively underway.

The Department of Land Resources achieved 400 hectares of area under coffee plantation during the previous Financial Year. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, eighty-six (86) micro-watersheds with a cross-treatment area of 32,000 Hectare was covered.

With a focus on natural resource management, this project is being implemented in 9 (nine) districts namely Tuensang, Noklak, Kiphire, Phek, Peren, Kohima, Wokha, Zunheboto and Mokokchung and aims at sustainable economic development through a focus on high value plantation crops.

The Department of Water Resources, in line with Jal Shakti Abhiyan Campaign, has completed 29 Water harvesting structures/ water harvesting ponds in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Wokha & Zunheboto. Additionally, 262 units of Groundwater Irrigation Schemes covering a cultivable command area of more than 660 hectares have also been set up under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

The Department of Co-operation under the National Cooperative Database (NCD) has uploaded the data of 8, 110 registered Cooperatives Societies to the National Cooperative Database.

Computerization of 231 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) is progressing apace with computerisation completed in thirty-three (33) of these PACSs.

Tender process for construction works at Eco Park underway
Rio said that Nagaland state has an abiding relationship with Japan.

The Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change is implementing the Nagaland Forest Management project, which is an Externally Aided project funded by JICA, Government of Japan.

The project has so far covered 152 villages across the state with an expenditure of more than Rs 125 crore.

Another important milestone was the joint inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial on 8th May 2024 by Chief Minister of Nagaland and the Ambassador of Japan to India, His Excellency, Suzuki Hiroshi.

Rio said that the Kohima Peace Memorial is fully funded by the State Government.

Further, the tendering formalities for construction works at Eco Park is underway and work will be taken up in earnest once formalities are completed. This is a significant project funded by JICA and scheduled for completion by end of this year.

Rio said that the Nagaland Madrigal Singers led by Hito Kiho represented India and won two Gold Medals at the World Choir Games.

The Nagaland Madrigal Singers competed in two prestigious categories, Contemporary Music Mixed Voices and Mixed Chamber Choir won gold in both the categories.

Under the leadership of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland hosted the 3rd North East Games in March 2024.

The state overall medal tally has improved from 79 in Shillong in the 2nd edition to 134 in this edition.

For first time, State hosted the Khelo India University Games for Wrestling in February 2024.

Nagaland (first in India) organised the Asia Music Summit and MoUs were signed for showcasing Naga talents in events across the world.

The State also launched its documentary film, “Head Hunting to Beat Boxing” at the Cannes Film Festival 2024.

New gallery for 7000 capacity under construction at Kisama
Rio said that the Nagaland Tourism Policy 2024 was launched on March 20, 2024. Nagaland is envisaged as a ‘Green Destination’ focusing on sustainability and community-centred tourism, while advancing infrastructure development, strengthening promotion efforts, and generating tourism awareness, he said.

Chümoukedima and Niuland are part of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme of the Government of India. Under this, the Chümoukedima Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat, Tsiepama was virtually launched by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on March 7, 2024.

Rio said that Nagaland shall be celebrating the 25 anniversary of the Hornbill Festival this year. “To enhance the tourist experience, new galleries having a capacity of more than 7,000 are under construction and new features and amenities are being added in the Kisama Heritage Village,” Rio said.

He said that the Rural Development Department under MGNREGA generated an employment of 6.65 lakh person days till early July 2024.

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – Rural Livelihood Mission has achieved 100% saturation of targeted 1.22 lakh rural households. 15,245 Self Help Groups have been formed. 14,288 SHG members have been identified as potential Lakhpati Didis for further entrepreneurial support.

Under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), Community Resource Centre at Yangzitong village under Kiphire and Rural Resource and Training Centre at Thipuzu village under Phek are expected to be completed this year.

The Urban Development Department has been implementing the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM). During 2023-24, ninety-five (95) SHGs were set up for this purpose.

Under the PM SVANidhi Scheme, 3,814 Street Vendors have availed of loan to diversify their businesses. Nagaland Urban Infrastructure Development Project (NUIDP) assisted by the Asian Development Bank aims to cover all the 16 Headquarter towns in our State. In the first phase, for which eight (8) districts have been taken up, drawing up of Feasibility Reports and Detailed Project Reports are underway.

Govt submits proposal bid for “Nagaki City”
The Chief Minister said that the state government has submitted the Proposal Bid for a new planned city, “Nagaki City” at Chathe valley, Chümoukedima District for selection through competitive bidding.

Preliminary survey works in the proposed Master Plan area (of around 500 hectares) is in progress, he said.

The Municipal Affairs Department has been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Till date 21,525 houses have been completed under this Scheme and 9,241 houses are at various stages of construction.

He said that the Department of Health and Family Welfare has been taking many initiatives to improve the health and welfare of the citizens. Four Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have received the National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) Certification from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

“With the aim to comprehensive radiation oncology services in the state, the department is taking up gradation of Radiation Oncology Centre at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur at a cost of Rs 34.50 crore from this year,” Rio said

Rio expressed happiness that the NIMSR has successfully completed the first year of its functioning and the second batch of 100 students will join soon.

The other Medical College in Mon is also making good progress, he said.

With the launch of the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) in October 2022, Nagaland became one of the first States in the Country to provide Health Insurance Cover for all in the State, Rio said. “Since its inception, more than 10,700 patients could avail cashless treatments. Immunisation coverage of 91.13% of infants has been achieved during the previous Financial Year,” he said.

He said that Social Welfare Department through the helpline facility in 2023-24, assisted sixty-four (64) women and 297 children.

Education, Labour, Employment, Skill Development
The Chief Minister said that the Department of School Education constructed seventeen (17) new school buildings and 17 residential quarters. The World Bank funded Nagaland Education Project – The Lighthouse (NECTAR), is in its fourth year of operation in the State.

An Attendance Management System called SMILE App. an Education Information Management System (EMIS) having a database of all students and teachers, schools and education offices in the State and the concept of Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs) are some of the important initiatives under NECTAR. Sixteen (16) LSCs, one per district, have been selected. These schools will develop innovative models and will lead the institutional transformation of School Education in our State.

The Department of Higher Education under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY) has constructed eight (8) Girls Hostels at a total cost of Rs 42 cr. The National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) has accredited 37 (Thirty-Seven) colleges out of 71 (Seventy-One) Higher Education Institutions in Nagaland. Under the three (3) scholarship schemes being run by the Department, an amount of Rs 24.22 cr of scholarship money has been provided to 47,228 students during this year. Under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), four (4) projects totaling Rs 25 crore has been approved by Government of India.

“The Department of Technical Education is undertaking efforts to ensure that all Polytechnic Institutes in the State shall obtain accreditation under the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). The Government Polytechnics in Longleng and Kiphire are expected to start their academic sessions very soon,” Rio said.

The Chief Minister said that the State Council for Education Research and Training (SCERT) under DIKSHA, has uploaded 148 E-Textbooks of Nagaland Heritage textbook for classes 1 to 8.

The SCERT is in the process of developing a State Curriculum Framework for School Education (SCFSE).

The Department of Labour trained fifty (50) trainers per district under the “Skill Proficiency Management for Building and Other Construction Workers – Advance Training of Trainers”. This programme will address the shortfall of trainers in key construction trades, including Electrical, RCC & Brick Masonry, and Stone Masonry etc.

The Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship shall train 90 youth from the three aspirational blocks namely Thonoknyu, Akuhaito, and Khonsa. Training will be provided for multiple occupations through State funding.

To ensure quicker dissemination and easy access of news, the Department of Information & Public Relations has developed the DIPR Nagaland Mobile App compatible with Android phones. Eight (8) Multimedia Mobile Vehicles for Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Zunheboto, Mokokchung, Phek and Wokha were flagged off in June 2024.

Meanwhile, Rio thanked the efforts of the Department of Economics and Statistics, Nagaland, became the first State among the North Eastern States to estimate and publish Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP).