Union Minister of State (MoS) for Power and Heavy Industries, Krishan Pal Gurjar on Saturday said that Centre was ready to address the power demand in Nagaland and also prepared set up industries in the State. He said this while interacting with media persons during his maiden visit to the newly created Niuland district on Saturday to review the implementation of Centrally sponsored schemes– Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme, and also interact with the beneficiaries/public, NGOs and officials.
Responding to a query on State’s power sector, where around 90% of electricity is sourced externally, Gurjar highlighted Modi’s vision of “One Nation, One Grid”. He explained that this initiative aims to create a unified grid system, allowing any state to source electricity to any part of the country. Gurjar noted that India, under Modi’s leadership, has become a power surplus nation, adding that the Centre was willing to provide any amount of power required by the state.
Gurjar further mentioned that after Modi came to power, the country achieved a remarkable transformation in power sector where people are able to get 20 hours of power supply per day, as compared to 10 to 12 hours before Modi-led government came to power.
He informed that the government would be setting up a 5MW Solar Power plant at Hovukhu village in Niuland , for which the foundation stone was laid in April 2022.
This would benefit Nagaland significantly and contribute to the overall energy sustainability of the region, he stated.
When asked about plans for much-needed industrial development in the state, the minister said that the Centre was ready to accept proposals of the state government to set up any industry provided there was availability of raw materials. He vowed that Modi government would carefully consider setting up of industries if suitable resources were identified.
Meanwhile, Gurjar expressed satisfaction that Nagaland has been able to successfully implement Central schemes, and lauded the state government’s commitment to effective governance.
He assured that the Modi-led government would continue its efforts to support and usher in more developmental initiatives.
Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering focus on development of the North East, he reminded that Modi was the only Prime Minister to have visited the region the highest number of times since independence. Underscoring PM’s belief that India’s progress was intertwined with the region’s growth, Gurjar said what Modi-government could achieve in 10 years, others could not do in 70 years.
He further mentioned Modi’s assurance that no person would go to sleep hungry and highlighted the success of Ayushman Bharat free medical insurance scheme, benefiting over 7 crore people. Gurjar said that the central theme of Modi was his commitment to inclusive development.
He emphasized that Modi views strength of the nation through empowerment of every individual, stating that until the last person becomes strong, the country will not be strong.
He concluded by affirming that Modi prioritizes India’s well-being, and under his leadership, India stands as the fastest-growing economy in the world.
Minister for Public Health Engineering and Co-operation, Jacob Zhimomi, in his speech, expressed joy at the enthusiastic implementation of Central schemes in the state.
Reflecting on the pre-2014 scenario, Zhimomi recalled challenges in communication and initial skepticism about receiving four-lane infrastructure in the state. He also pointed out that the opening of a new railway station in the state, was a significant development after a hiatus of 100 years.
He further underscored the positive social impact of various welfare programmes initiated by the Modi government. Zhimomi was optimistic about development in power sector, employment, and improved livelihoods through the visit of the Central minister.
He also conveyed the sentiments of the people at the grassroots-level, predicting that BJP would retain power and form the government at the Centre under the leadership of Modi.
Zhimomi also highlighted to the MoS the effective collaboration between BJP and Rio-led NDPP alliance government in the state, comprising 37 MLAs. In a firm message to the gathering, Zhimomi urged them not to doubt the government, citing the ten years of BJP governance as evidence of its capabilities.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by ADC Niuland, S Athsangla, and welcome address delivered by DC Niuland, Sara S Jamir.
After the session, the MoS, along with Jacob Zhimomi and department officials visited
Hovishe village to see how welfare schemes were being implemented.