Wokha: Public discourse on community development and welfare conducted

Morung Express News
Wokha | February 12

A public discourse programme on community development and welfare was held at Old Aree Village, Wokha on February 12, organised by the Core Committee. The event saw the inauguration of key development projects, including a new community hall and an agricultural product collection store by Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, who also completely initiated these projects. 

Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar and other Heads of Departments (HODs) also attended the inauguration programme. 

The programme focused on providing platform for both the government departments and the villagers to interact with each other. It also provided an opportunity for villagers to voice their concerns and learn about the schemes and plans available to them. 

Interacting with the villagers, Mhathung Yanthan emphasised the importance of addressing local issues through direct engagement, allowing the villagers to better understand government initiatives and to review the progress of departmental work in the area.

During the programme, several pressing concerns were discussed and resolved. In relation to the Rural Development and MGNREGA schemes, issues concerning job cards were addressed. The Health and Family Welfare Department also addressed concerns regarding staff irregularities, with assurances that staff would be stationed regularly at the village. In the Education sector, it was revealed that 48 students were enrolled at the Aree Government Primary School. 

Yanthan also encouraged the teachers to lead an enrolment drive in order to support the school's bid for an upgrade to a high school. 
Furthermore, the District Agriculture Officer highlighted that Old Aree, along with N Longidang and Humtsoe, has been identified as an aspiration village, with plans for the formation of two additional self-help groups. Villagers were also urged to take advantage of the PM Kisan scheme.

In addition to the community hall and agricultural product collection store, Advisor Mhathung Yanthan inaugurated a new community hall cum guest house at New Aree Village. In his speech, Mhathung Yanthan encouraged the villagers to express their concerns openly, stressing that collective community welfare should take precedence over individual interests. He emphasised the need for unity, balance, and inclusivity in building a stronger, more resilient community.

Furthermore, he also extended his gratitude to all departmental officials for their support and expressed hope that their efforts would bring lasting benefits to the village.

Deputy Commissioner Wokha Vineet Kumar, addressing the gathering, underscored the importance of resilience and hard work. He urged the villagers not to be deterred by the remote location of their community, stating, “Tough places create mentally tough people,” and encouraged them to pursue excellence in all their endeavours.

As part of the visit, the Advisor and Deputy Commissioner also toured the Old Aree Government Primary School, where they interacted with both teachers and students. 

During this visit, it was noted that although there are currently nine teachers at the school, there is a shortage of a Hindi teacher. In response, the Advisor confirmed that a request for the appointment of a Hindi teacher had already been submitted.