Kohima, Nov 15 (NationPress) On Saturday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman officially opened the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Nagaland and introduced two new initiatives under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.

During her three-day visit to Nagaland, Sitharaman inaugurated the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC) in Dimapur, accompanied by the state's Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton.

The Finance Minister also observed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Cyient Tech and the NTTC.

A representative from the Nagaland government indicated that the NTTC aims to significantly enhance skill development and innovation through Artificial Intelligence.

Following this, Sitharaman reviewed the projects funded by the Central government under the SASCI scheme in Chumoukedima, launching two more initiatives: the construction of a Pre-Fab Multipurpose Hall in Phek district and a guest house for administrative officers in Zunheboto.

According to the official, the SASCI scheme for 2020-25 has provided the Nagaland government with Rs 3,577 crore to support 340 projects across 17 districts.

Allocations under SASCI have broadened from three sectors in 2020-21 to nine sectors by 2024-25, showcasing a robust diversification of capital expenditure.

State capital expenditure has surged from Rs 1,677 crore in 2020–21 to Rs 4,593 crore in 2024-25, thanks to SASCI support from the Centre. So far, projects under this scheme have involved the construction and upgrading of 1,733 km of roads and bridges across 17 districts, improving connectivity for over 100 villages and benefiting 5.25 lakh people.

Additionally, 15 MW solar power plants have been established at Hovukhu, Zhadima, and Ganeshnagar, along with a 1 MW hydro project at Ponglefo to help mitigate power shortages.

Over 20,000 smart meters are being installed at consumer locations, and upgrades for 132/220 kV transmission are in progress to enhance energy efficiency. The scheme has also backed 29 sports infrastructure projects, including multidisciplinary stadiums and futsal grounds, alongside 222 km of agri-link roads connecting rural communities with major markets.

During the SASCI review meeting held in Dimapur, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with Deputy Chief Ministers T.R. Zeliang and Yanthungo Patton, were in attendance. Chief Minister Rio and his wife, Kaisa Rio, also hosted a state dinner for the visiting Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister on Friday evening at the state banquet hall.

While welcoming the Union Minister, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen noted that this was her third visit to the state, emphasizing that her visit to Kiphire, the most remote district of Nagaland, on November 13, highlighted her genuine interest and concern for the state and its residents. He mentioned that the state eagerly anticipates her insights gained from interactions with government officials, SHGs, and the public.

Imchen recalled that her presence at the Nagaland CSR and Investment Conclave 2022 further stimulated CSR initiatives in education, healthcare, and livelihood sectors.

According to the Chief Secretary, at the time of her visit in 2022, there were 27 unbanked blocks in the state. Following the virtual inauguration of the Nagaland Rural Bank in Wakching (Mon district), this number has decreased to 18, expanding financial inclusion.

He mentioned that the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative, launched during her previous visit, has emerged as one of the state’s most impactful programs, empowering farmers, entrepreneurs, and women-led Self-Help Groups with accessible credit. Imchen expressed gratitude to the Union Finance Minister for the funding allocated to Nagaland under the SASCI scheme, which allows the state to undertake significant infrastructure projects and requested an extension of the one-year project implementation timeframe to accommodate longer-duration projects.