PM-SURAJ national portal launched in Nagaland

KOHIMA — Along with the rest of the country, the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) national portal, a credit outreach programme to the disadvantage sections of the society, was launched in Nagaland at a programme held in DC Conference Hall, Kohima, on Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, said that the PM-SURAJ portal is a programme specially meant for sanitary workers, while expressing gratitude to those working in Dimapur and Kohima for sacrificing and risking their health in order to keep the cities clean.

He maintained that the government of Nagaland led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the nation led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are collectively working towards the welfare of the marginalised sections of society.

Many are still suffering due to various circumstances but the government is committed to working for the welfare and uplift of all, he said, adding that the government believes in the idea of taking everyone alone in the journey of development.

He also urged the leaders, bureaucrats and the concerned authorities to ensure that all opportunities and schemes reach the targeted people, for whom welfare activities are initiated.

Noting that one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections of the society in 500 districts will be given credit facilities through the PM-SURAJ national portal, Khamo exuded hope that the people of Nagaland will also be benefitted, urging the beneficiaries to use the fund fruitfully and repay on time.

Also speaking at the event, MLA C Manpon Konyak lauded the scheme, saying that it will help the people.

Delivering the keynote address earlier in the programme, Elizabeth Ngully, Additional Secretary and State Nodal Officer, NAMASTE, Urban Development Department, described the sanitation workers as the foundation and heart of cleanliness, saying that  the dream of a clean India or Nagaland cannot be achieved without them.

Realising the need for a dedicated and sensitive support structure, from the national level to the city level, to inculcate safe occupational practices, strengthen the operationalisation of sanitation response units and promote skilling and entrepreneurship, the Centre has formulated a National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme to make sanitation work safer across urban India in a time-bound mission mode, she informed.

Martha R Ritse, Secretary Social Welfare Department, exuded hope that the stakeholders continue to strive towards working for the welfare of the marginalised sections of the society, and particularly ensure a better working system for sanitation workers.

Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, and Administrator of Kohima Municipal Council T Lanusenla Longkumer also spoke at the programme led by Imlitongzuk Ao, District Welfare Officer, Kohima.

Special Guest Khamo also distributed PPE KITs under NAMASTE scheme and Ayushman Health Cards during the event.