Kohima, Dec 4 (NationPress) Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia stated on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Act-East, Act-Fast, Act-First” initiative has significantly propelled development throughout the North-Eastern territory.

Upon arriving at Nagaland’s Dimapur airport, Scindia underscored the Centre’s unwavering support for the development of the Northeastern states. He emphasized that the Prime Minister’s policy has led to remarkable advancements in the region, which consists of eight states.

During a press interaction, he mentioned that 10 percent of the gross budgetary support, exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore annually, has been allocated to enhance growth across these eight states, collectively referred to as “Ashta Lakshmi.”

Scindia, currently on a three-day official visit to Nagaland, was questioned about a recently removed video from the DoNER Ministry’s social media that was said to exhibit cultural misappropriation concerning the GI tag of the Naga King Chilli. In response, he admitted he was unaware of the situation but expressed that if such a mistake occurred, it would be regrettable.

He reaffirmed that the DoNER Ministry has persistently celebrated the culture, identity, and diversity of all communities in the Northeast, including the 17 tribes of Nagaland, with utmost respect.

Scindia’s itinerary in Nagaland includes a focus on development projects and cultural interactions. On December 5, he is set to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony for several DoNER-funded initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities in the state. He will later participate in the traditional stone-pulling ceremony at Touphema village.

In the evening, he will be a special guest at the Hornbill Festival in Kisama, where he will have the opportunity to experience cultural performances and exhibitions showcasing the heritage of the Naga tribes.

On December 6, Scindia will visit the Heirloom Naga Centre in Sovima, where he will engage with artisans and review efforts to promote traditional crafts, sustainable village industries, and community-led livelihood programs.

This visit will conclude his three-day tour. Earlier on Thursday, he was welcomed at the Dimapur airport by Jacob Zhimomi, Minister for Public Health Engineering, Nagaland, and Moatoshi Longkumer, MLA and Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, along with senior officials and representatives from various departments.