What Did FM Sitharaman Accomplish During Her Nagaland Visit?
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Synopsis
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent visit to Nagaland included the inauguration of nine new bank branches. This event is pivotal for enhancing financial accessibility in the region and showcases the government's commitment to rural development and entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways
- Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated nine new bank branches in the Northeastern states.
- Rs 28.02 crore in loans disbursed to support local entrepreneurs.
- Focus on enhancing financial inclusion through various government schemes.
- Promotion of rural entrepreneurship via interactions with Self Help Groups.
- Inauguration of the new Industrial Training Institute to support skill development.
Kohima, Nov 14 (NationPress) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is currently on a three-day visit to Nagaland. On Friday, she virtually inaugurated nine new bank branches across four Northeastern states, including Assam, during the Credit Outreach Programme held in Kiphire district.
According to officials, the nine new branches comprise three each in Assam and Nagaland, two in Manipur, and one in Arunachal Pradesh.
Among the newly inaugurated branches, eight belong to the State Bank of India (SBI), while one is operated by the Nagaland Rural Bank.
During the Credit Outreach Programme in Kiphire district, the Finance Minister distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries of various Central Government schemes. The initiative facilitated loans totaling Rs 28.02 crore to 350 accounts.
The categories for which sanction letters were issued include MUDRA, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Retail, MSMEs, SHGs, and Agricultural loans.
Sitharaman also flagged off vehicles approved under the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), along with a mobile ATM van from Nagaland Rural Bank, as part of SBI’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiative in the Kiphire district.
The visiting minister was accompanied by Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along. She also visited the stalls of the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) set up by various Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Kiphire district.
During her visit, she interacted with SHG members, learned about their products and activities, and commended their work in promoting rural entrepreneurship and women-led development.
Sitharaman inaugurated the newly established Industrial Training Institute (ITI) campus in Kiphire and engaged with both students and teachers. She also presented a cheque of Rs 9 lakh to the ITI as part of SBI’s CSR initiative to bolster skill development and enhance training infrastructure.
The Union Minister attended the BJP's Aatmnirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan in Kiphire.
Earlier that day, the Finance Minister visited the Anganwadi Centre 'A' at Kiphire and had a brief discussion with local Anganwadi Workers, Helpers, and Children.
She also distributed a cheque provided by the SBI and reviewed the progress of Central Schemes, ongoing development projects, and welfare initiatives in the Aspirational Kiphire District.
The Director of the Social Welfare Department in Nagaland, Tosheli Zhimomi, moderated the programme and provided insights into the Anganwadi Centres in the district.
Advisor S. Kiusumew Yimchunger, along with officials from the Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards & Civil Defence, and numerous dignitaries, attended the event.
Later, Sitharaman participated in the Pungro-Kiphire Mandal Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Campaign Vidhansabha Sammelan hosted by the BJP Nagaland.
A vibrant cultural event was organized in her honor at the 14th Nagaland Armed Police Battalion complex in Kiphire.
On Saturday (November 15), Sitharaman is set to inaugurate the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC) in Dimapur and review the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) project at Niathu Resort.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's initiatives in Nagaland. Her engagement with local self-help groups and the inauguration of new bank branches reflect a strong commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods and promoting entrepreneurship. Such efforts align with the broader national agenda of fostering economic growth in underserved regions.
NationPress
14/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of FM Sitharaman's visit to Nagaland?
The visit aimed to inaugurate nine new bank branches and promote financial inclusion and support for local entrepreneurs through various government schemes.
How much loan was disbursed during the Credit Outreach Programme?
A total of Rs 28.02 crore was disbursed to 350 accounts during the Credit Outreach Programme.
What types of schemes were included in the sanction letters?
The sanction letters were for schemes including MUDRA, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Retail, MSMEs, SHGs, and Agricultural loans.
Who accompanied the Finance Minister during her visit?
Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along accompanied the Finance Minister during her visit.
What other initiatives were highlighted during the visit?
The visit also included the inauguration of the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) campus and support for local self-help groups.
