FM Sitharaman concludes Nagaland visit, acknowledges State’s unique challenges

Assures Centre’s support for development

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 15

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday wrapped up her three-day visit to Nagaland, inaugurating a Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC), Dimapur, before addressing a press conference in Chümoukedima.

The Finance Minister later addressed a press conference in Chümoukedima where she was asked if she was satisfied with what she saw during her sojourn in Kiphire, Kohima and Dimapur. Responding to queries about her impressions, Sitharaman said she was “satisfied” with the progress but acknowledged that Nagaland faces its “own unique challenges,” largely owing to its difficult hilly terrain. She observed that the State’s geography has prevented opportunities from reaching talented people.

“To meet all those challenges, we are very eager to help… so that every part of Nagaland develops equally,” she added.

On the Dimapur–Kohima 4-lane
The issue of the frequently damaged Dimapur–Kohima four-lane road (NH-29), which has placed the State Government at odds with the NHIDCL, was raised during the interaction. Asked whether the people of Nagaland were being taken for granted by the Centre or the NHIDCL, Sitharaman maintained that the tendering system is transparent and bound by norms of compliance and quality.

She attributed the recurring damage to heavy monsoon rains, noting that similar issues are seen in many other parts of the country.

“That’s not to pride ourselves with it. But that’s a reality,” she said, adding that the Centre is working to ensure such problems do not recur “whether in Nagaland or elsewhere.”

She dismissed any notion of neglect, asserting that the Prime Minister remains committed to the development of the northeastern region, including Nagaland. She also noted that Nagaland is currently the only State with an exclusive AI training programme supported by leading industry partners.

Sitharaman said that the number of villages lacking a banking touchpoint has shrunk dramatically, from 1,153 during her previous visit to just 15, all of which will be covered soon.

On motorcycle ambulances
In Kiphire, the Minister flagged off five motorcycle ambulances donated by the State Bank of India under its CSR initiative. The move drew public criticism regarding their utility in the State’s terrain.
Sitharaman said the idea came from local medical authorities themselves, and would likely be more effective than waiting for a full-size ambulance in remote or emergency situations.

Focus on Kiphire visit
Sitharaman said her visit centred on Kiphire, one of India’s “112 Aspirational Districts,” with a focus on understanding its targets and reviewing progress in health, education, nutrition, agriculture and women’s empowerment.

She said the visit included a credit outreach programme led by SBI and CSR support for medical equipment in government hospitals. Banks, she noted, identified eligible beneficiaries in advance and disbursed loans to farmers and entrepreneurs.

“I ensure that banks come along so that credit outreach programmes can be held,” she added.

Skill development initiatives
In Kohima, the Minister launched a skill development programme at NIELIT in collaboration with the Tata Group to train youth in semiconductor manufacturing. The programme, she said, is inclusive and open to individuals with or without engineering degrees.

In Dimapur, she inaugurated a second AI & Future Skills Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre in partnership with Cyient, an Indian multinational technology company. The programme will provide advanced training in AI, handloom modernisation, coding, robotics and 3D printing. She added that she also reviewed NIELIT’s utilisation of central funds allocated for capital asset creation.