Centre committed to saturation of welfare schemes: Jitendra Singh

Morung Express News
Wokha | June 17

The Dharti Aaba Abhiyan Awareness and Benefit Saturation Camp was launched at the Wokha Village Multipurpose Hall on Tuesday by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh.

The campaign, which will run till July 2, seeks to generate awareness about the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) and various central government welfare schemes across Wokha district.

It is part of a year-long nationwide initiative to commemorate the Janjatiya period (Nov 15, 2024 – Nov 15, 2025) in honour of tribal icon Birsa Munda, and in Wokha district, 53 villages, divided into seven blocks, have been mapped for coverage under the scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh expressed hope that the 15-day campaign would lead to the saturation of multiple flagship welfare schemes, thereby ensuring that their benefits reach the last mile. He encouraged the formation of women’s self-help groups (SHGs), noting the North-East region's longstanding record of excellence by women across various sectors.

Highlighting developmental concerns, he informed about the discussion on highway improvement and other infrastructure grievances with local legislators.

He also underscored the need to incorporate advanced technologies into local enterprises, particularly through the promotion of startups in the fruit and food processing sectors under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.

He suggested that a legislative building be established in Nagaland and urged the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to support the proposal.

Reflecting on the North-East’s transformation over the past decade, Dr Singh, who is also the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, noted India’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest economy.

He also highlighted the NE’s critical role in the country’s growth.

“Inclusive development is key to India becoming a global power,” he said, urging local youth to explore innovation and technology-driven agriculture as potential career pathways.

Speaking on behalf of the local community, Chipen Kikon, President of the Wokha Village Students’ Union, thanked the Minister for visiting the village, calling it “a reflection of the strong bond between our people and the leadership of our great nation.”

He said Wokha’s selection as the campaign’s launch venue was a matter of immense pride. “Our land is one of courage, culture and community,” he said, praising the Naga people's resilient spirit.

Kikon highlighted challenges faced by local youth, particularly in education, due to poor road connectivity, limited access to higher education institutions, and geographical remoteness.

Quoting statistics, he stated that Wokha village has a population of 4,966, with 1,215 students—620 in Classes LKG to 10, 348 undergraduates, 169 graduates, and 78 postgraduates—along with 447 educated but unemployed youths.

Appealing for the upgradation of the local Government High School to a Higher Secondary School, Kikon noted that this would benefit not only the youth of the village but also serve neighbouring communities who share the same hopes and hardships.
He emphasized that education is key to building a strong state.

He concluded by describing Dr Singh as “a selfless intellectual leader” and expressed hope that the Minister would carry the aspirations of Wokha’s youth forward.

The Wokha Village Council also submitted a formal representation to the Union Minister for the school’s upgradation to GHSS.

The proposal, already approved by the Wokha District Planning and Development Board in November 2022, has seen little progress since, and the Council expressed concern over the delay.

Later in the programme, Dr Jitendra Singh distributed quality planting materials to farmers and officially launched the DAJGUA, reaffirming the government’s support for sustainable agriculture and tribal welfare.

Nagaland MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe was also present at the event chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Renbomo Lotha. Vandan Erui, Village Council Chairman, Wokha Village delivered the welcome address.