Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, emphasized the need for industrial development in Nagaland.
Addressing the media at Niathu Resort on Saturday, Athawale said he had met with chief minister Neiphiu Rio and proposed initiatives to boost industrial growth in the state, with plans to facilitate meetings between Rio and business leaders in Mumbai to attract investments.
“I have given the proposal that in Nagaland, some industrial development should be there, and I invited him (Rio) to Mumbai, where I will arrange meetings with business people,” Athawale said, expressing optimism that these efforts would create employment opportunities in the state.
Athawale also addressed Rio’s request for a new airport in Kohima, assuring that he would personally advocate for the project with the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and Aviation Minister.
“I will give time to sanction the important demand of the chief minister,” he stated.
On national economic growth, Athawale praised the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, highlighting India’s rise to the fifth-largest economy, with the goal of becoming the third-largest by 2028.
Responding to allegations by the opposition INDIA bloc about plans to change the Constitution of India, Athawale dismissed the claims, reiterating that the BJP-led NDA government respects the Constitution and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has no intention of altering the constituion.
The union minister of state also reflected on his party, the Republican Party of India (A), which contested eight seats in the Nagaland state assembly elections, winning two. He praised Nagaland’s opposition-less government as a model of political unity.
Additionally, the minister confirmed that he had spoken with officials regarding pending proposals on social justice projects in the state and assured that they would be approved soon.