Union minister Oram takes stock of govt. schemes in Zunheboto

DIMAPUR — Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, visited Zunheboto on Monday, to review the progress of the Akuhaito Aspirational Block and other schemes in the district.

He was accompanied by Advisor for Tribal Affairs, H Tovihoto Ayemi; Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, KT Sukhalu; and MLA, Picto Shohe.

According to an update from DIPR, while addressing a gathering at the Zunheboto Multi-purpose hall, Oram stated that the main objective of his visit was to take stock of the various government-aided schemes and benefits, and survey its implementation.

He emphasised that his visit was not merely about delivering prepared remarks but about actively listening to the concerns and grievances of the people of Nagaland. He went on to say that the central government’s ideology prioritises engaging with citizens, understanding their challenges, and delivering development and benefits.

This visit, he stated, reflected the prime minister’s directive for all ministers to visit every corner of the country, especially the Northeast, to understand the needs of the people and work towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

Focussing strongly on the Northeast, the Aspirational District initiative was started as a flagship programme, he said.

Oram also elaborated on the recently launched ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan,’ initiated by the prime minister on October 2. This initiative, with a budget of INR 79,156 crore, aims to benefit over 63,000 tribal-majority villages in Aspirational Districts, including Akuhaito, by implementing 25 schemes over the next five years through the collaborative efforts of 17 ministries, he said.

He further highlighted the inauguration of 40 new Eklavya schools and the foundation stone laying ceremonies for 25 more schools, totalling INR 2,834 crore. Additionally, projects worth INR 1,365 crore under PM-JANMAN, encompassing 1,387 km of roads, 120 Anganwadis, 250 Multi-Purpose Centres, and 10 school hostels, were inaugurated, he said.

The update stated that the minister and accompanying officials engaged in productive interactions with beneficiaries and local communities, and the event concluded with the inauguration of a Tribal Exhibition at the Multi-purpose hall.

On Sunday, October 13, he had held a meeting with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and discussed various developmental works and the central projects and schemes being implemented in the state.

The Union Tribal Affairs minister said that he and the Chief Minister emphasised on effective implementation of the EMRS for the successful and result-oriented education of the tribal students.

Also read: Union Minister Oram on three-day visit in Nagaland