Nagaland receives sevenfold increase in funding under Modi govt, claims Scindia

November 15, 2024 3 Views No Comment

Kohima, November 15 (MExN): Nagaland has seen a sevenfold increase in funding from the Union Government over the past ten years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claimed Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Addressing the media after a review meeting on MDoNER developmental projects for Nagaland with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Noune Resort in Chümoukedima on November 14, Scindia informed that the State had received close to Rs 37,000 crore since Modi assumed office as Prime Minister.

In terms of grant-in-aid from the Centre, Scindia highlighted that Nagaland had received Rs 64,768 crore over the last decade, double the amount provided in the previous ten years.

A press release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Kohima noted that the Minister also recognised Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, history, and economic growth, asserting that this aligns with PM Modi’s vision that “the North-East must be the growth engine of the Indian economy.”

Scindia further remarked that Nagaland, strategically located as an entry point to South East Asia, holds immense potential from an international perspective.

He also praised the State’s “tremendous” economic growth, noting it had achieved a growth rate of 8.5% to 9%, with a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs 48,000 crore.

He emphasised that the Centre has worked in partnership with Nagaland to achieve developmental goals across all sectors and reiterated the commitment that all towns, cities, and villages in the country will have 4G service by the middle of next year.

Regarding infrastructure, Scindia mentioned that the Centre has allocated Rs 1,080 crore for the installation of towers and infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland.

Highlighting the role of DoNER as a partner in the development of the eight North-Eastern states, the Union Minister explained that the review meeting had covered a wide range of topics, including handicrafts, handlooms, silk, agriculture, palm oil, tourism, infrastructure, and internet connectivity.

Meanwhile, CM Rio expressed satisfaction with the extensive discussions and exchanges of ideas on how to collaborate for the development of the North-East as an integral part of a developed India. He also welcomed the decision to establish a new high-level task force focusing on sports and tourism.