Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 23 (NPN): Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita on Saturday handed appointment letters to 129 newly recruited candidates in the 19th edition of the Rozgar Mela was held at Town Hall, Dimapur.
The programme began with felicitation of the chief guest and dignitaries, presentation of potted plants and ceremonial lighting of the lamp. DRM of Lumding Division, Northeast Frontier Railway, delivered the welcome address before the gathering joined the nationwide live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the Rozgar Mela virtually.
In his address, Margherita congratulated the appointees and described the recruitment drive as a reflection of the Centre’s commitment to transparent and fast-tracked employment generation. He informed that more than 51,000 appointment letters were distributed across the country during the 19th Rozgar Mela, while over 11 lakh letters had been handed over in previous editions.
Highlighting infrastructural and economic transformation in the North-East, the minister quoted Prime Minister Modi’s remark that the region, once considered a “Frontier Region,” was now emerging as the “Front-Runner of Growth.” He pointed out that budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) had increased by 235.6% compared to 2013–14, with major improvements in connectivity through expansion of airports, construction of national highways and rural roads, and development of National Waterways.
On railway development, Margherita said annual budget allocation for Nagaland and the North-East had risen more than fivefold—from Rs. 2,122 crore during 2009–14 to Rs. 11,486 crore for 2026–27. He noted that projects worth Rs. 72,468 crore were underway in the region. Referring to Nagaland, he said the state got its second railway station at Shokhuvi after nearly 119 years. He also highlighted that Indian Railways had electrified about 99.2% of its network.
Describing youth as the driving force of India’s growth, Margherita urged the new appointees to contribute towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” through dedicated public service.
Following the Prime Minister’s virtual address and screening of a short film on Rozgar Mela, appointment orders were formally handed over to candidates. The chief guest personally distributed 40 appointment letters before departing, while senior officials of respective departments handed over the remaining orders.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Senior Divisional Personnel Officer, Lumding Division.