Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia visited Tuophema Village in Nagaland on December 5, where he announced significant infrastructure projects totaling ₹443.412 crore. During the inauguration of various initiatives under the Ministry of DoNER, Scindia emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to the development of the Northeast. He outlined plans to enhance tourism, promote Naga coffee internationally, and improve infrastructure connectivity throughout the region.
Scindia laid the foundation stones for 11 new projects. These include a multispecialty hospital at Chümoukedima worth ₹58.721 crore, a 50-bed hospital at Peren for ₹44.651 crore, and a Kohima multi-disciplinary sports center at the IG Stadium complex for ₹72.691 crore. Other ventures include the Nagaland Innovation Hub for Startups, which will cost ₹19.566 crore, and the development of a 1.5 MW Dzüna small hydro project at ₹22.803 crore.
Six additional road projects were announced, connecting crucial towns and villages. Significant projects include a road from Jalukie to the new DC complex model township (8.40 km for ₹21.91 crore), and upgrades to other roads amounting to millions for improved accessibility throughout the region.
Scindia also inaugurated projects related to the enhancement of a 132 kV substation in Dimapur and educational infrastructure aimed at improving IT capabilities in 190 schools across Nagaland. The combined value of five educational projects totals ₹202.98 crore. He expressed that these investments would bolster local markets, enhance healthcare services, empower students, foster innovation, and create opportunities for the youth.
Highlighting the potential of Naga coffee, which is cultivated on over 11,000 hectares, Scindia confirmed ongoing work on a major tourism circuit linking Dimapur, Kohima, Kisama, and Dzükou Valley. He pledged comprehensive support from the DoNER ministry to promote Naga coffee globally.
The Minister remarked on the transformation of the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating it has shifted from being viewed as India’s “last frontier” to becoming the “first frontier” and a gateway to Southeast Asia. He noted that over the last 11 years, the region’s national highways have expanded from 9,000 km to 15,000 km, with the number of airports increasing from 9 to 17 and weekly air traffic movements rising significantly. An investment of over ₹6 lakh crore has been made in the Northeast across 52 ministries, and tax devolution to Nagaland has surged from ₹5,505 crore to ₹37,000 crore.
Currently, the Northeast’s growth rate is outpacing the national GDP growth rate, standing at 10-13%. Scindia announced that high-level task forces, chaired by various Chief Ministers, are developing a unified vision for the region, with a commitment from the Centre to implement their recommendations.
Scindia thanked the local populace for their hospitality and warmth, reminiscing about his father’s visit to Nagaland in 1992. He described his experience as “emotional” and praised the vibrant cultural heritage of the Naga people. He characterized the traditional stone-pulling ceremony he attended as “a powerful symbol of unity, history, and continuity,” emphasizing its unique combination of art and ritual that encapsulates the essence of Naga culture. He underscored the need to preserve Nagaland’s rich cultural and environmental diversity even as the state progresses in development.
With confidence, Scindia concluded that his role would serve as a bridge to making the seemingly impossible possible. He firmly believes in transforming the Northeast and positioning Nagaland as a global destination-a “Shangri-La” that the world must visit and experience.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/minister-scindia-announces-11-new-projects-worth-rs-443-cr-for-nagaland
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-12-05 23:50:00
