Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi on Wednesday, 20 May stressed the need for effective implementation of MSME-related initiatives during a review meeting in Chumoukedima, Nagaland, calling on officials to work collectively toward the welfare and economic development of the people. The meeting, held at the Police Complex, Chumoukedima, brought together officers from various departments of Longleng district as part of Manjhi's two-day visit to the state.

Review Meeting: Key Discussions

During the meeting, Manjhi reviewed developmental activities and assessed the implementation status of various Government of India schemes and programmes across Longleng district. Officials from multiple departments presented reports covering ongoing projects, achievements, challenges, and areas requiring further support and inter-departmental coordination.

The visiting Central team informed attendees that the review was being conducted as per the directives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess ground realities and the district's developmental needs. All findings, feedback, and reports gathered during the visit, the team stated, would be compiled and submitted to the Prime Minister's Office and the concerned Union Ministries for necessary action.

Local Leadership Welcomes the Visit

A. Pongshi Phom, Chairman of the Dimapur District Planning and Development Board and local Member of the Legislative Assembly from Longleng, expressed gratitude to the Central delegation. He appreciated the Government of India for implementing people-centric welfare schemes and developmental programmes, stating that the meeting would have a positive impact on people's lives and strengthen developmental initiatives in the district.

Phom highlighted that centrally sponsored schemes spanning agriculture, health, education, rural development, solar energy, industry, electricity, and social security were significantly improving living standards. He noted that the Department of Industries and Commerce in Longleng was playing an important role in empowering youth through self-employment opportunities, with schemes such as the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme helping young entrepreneurs establish businesses and generate employment for others.

He also appreciated the Chief Minister's Micro Finance Initiative, launched by the Government of Nagaland in August 2022, stating that the programme had greatly supported private enterprises and transformed lives in rural areas. He added that the state government, under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, remained committed to welfare and development despite various challenges.

National Oil Palm Mission in Focus

Special emphasis during the meeting was placed on the National Oil Palm Mission, with the visiting team enquiring about the progress of plantation activities and the benefits being extended to farmers and local communities. The team also interacted with district authorities to understand priorities in agriculture, livelihoods, and infrastructure development.

Minister's Assurance to Longleng District

After the review, Manjhi appreciated the efforts of the district administration and various departments of Longleng for implementing developmental and welfare schemes. He encouraged officers to continue working with dedication to ensure that government programmes effectively reach the grassroots level.

The Union Minister emphasised the importance of inter-departmental coordination for the timely implementation of ongoing projects, and assured the district that the Union Government and his ministry would continue to extend assistance for the overall development and progress of Longleng district. This visit is part of a broader Centre-led effort to assess scheme delivery in the Northeast, a region that has historically faced implementation gaps despite significant central allocations.