DIMAPUR, SEP 28 (NPN): Nagaland governor Nand Kishore Yadav has called for stronger last-mile delivery of government services, greater inter-departmental coordination and accountability during an official visit to Zunheboto, emphasising that government programmes must translate into visible results for people, particularly in remote areas.
According to a DIPR report, the governor while addressing officials and representatives of Sümi socio-cultural organisations at the district headquarters on September 28, 2026, said the district administration was the face of government for ordinary citizens and urged officials to be accessible, responsive and accountable.
He stressed the need to strengthen basic public services, particularly in education and healthcare.
On education, Yadav called for greater focus on learning outcomes, teacher and student attendance, retention and transition to higher education or vocational opportunities, with particular attention to schools in remote areas.
On health, the governor emphasised the need for functional personnel, medicines and equipment at district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and sub-centres.
Yadav also called for a shift in agriculture from a predominantly subsidy-oriented approach towards higher productivity, value addition and market linkages, along with stronger farmer organisations.
The governor identified electricity, drinking water, roads and digital connectivity as essential to development and stressed the need for better-quality and more durable roads to avoid repeated expenditure on the same stretches.
Emphasising on inter-departmental coordination, the governor called for delayed projects involving multiple departments to be resolved through clear timelines and coordinated action.
On tourism, Yadav highlighted the potential of Satoi Wildlife Sanctuary and Ghosü Wildlife Bird Sanctuary and called for their sustainable development with local youth participation through homestays, cultural experiences and other community-based initiatives.
The governor advocated greater use of digital governance and district-level dashboards to monitor key indicators and improve accountability. He underlined that citizens with limited digital access should continue to receive adequate facilitation.
Describing Zunheboto as the “Land of Warriors”, Yadav highlighted its cultural identity and potential in agriculture, forests, human resources and tourism. He expressed hope that the district would advance through a combination of good governance, economic opportunity, social development and preservation of its cultural and natural heritage.
During the visit, the Sümi Hoho submitted a representation covering the Naga political issue, religious sensitivities surrounding Vande Mataram, upgradation of Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital and the proposed Showuba-Pangsha East-West Corridor.
The Hoho urged the Centre to bring the Naga political issue to a final, honourable, inclusive and mutually acceptable conclusion, referring to the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, and the Agreed Position of November 17, 2017.
On Vande Mataram, it affirmed respect for the National Song and national symbols while requesting that official protocols take into account the faith and conscience of communities with religious sensitivities regarding some of the song’s later stanzas.
The Hoho also sought upgradation of Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital from 75 to 100 beds, along with additional doctors, nurses, equipment, medicines, diagnostic facilities and infrastructure. It highlighted the proposed Showuba-Pangsha East-West Corridor as a long-pending connectivity project that could link western, central and eastern Nagaland through Zunheboto towards Shamator.
Sümi Kükami Hoho stressed the continuing importance of the Kükami institution across nearly 400 Sümi villages. It sought consultation with traditional institutions on policies affecting customary rights and said development should not come at the cost of Sümi identity and traditional institutions.
Zunheboto Area Public Organisation (ZAPO) raised concerns over youth unemployment and substance abuse and called for greater investment in education, sports, skill and vocational training.
It also sought timely completion of road projects and greater support for farming in the Tizu river basin through improved market access, technology, irrigation and storage facilities.
While proposing vote of thanks, NLA deputy speaker, S Toiho Yeptho, stated that he had known the governor from earlier days and appreciated his commitment to public service. He highlighted that, for the betterment of the people, he goes beyond expectations. He further stated that Zunheboto, being at the heart of Nagaland, has not developed at the desired pace. However, with his leadership, Toiho expressed that Zunheboto would witness further progress and development, with government schemes and programmes reaching the grassroots level.
The programme was chaired by deputy commissioner (DC) Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, while the welcome address was delivered by advisor for food & civil supplies, legal metrology & consumer protection and DPDB Zunheboto chairman, KT Sukhalu.
