Nagaland: Centre focus on education & NE: MoS

Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, on Saturday visited Government Middle School (GMS), Kuda village Dimapur, and Khonoma Village as part of her ongoing tour of Nagaland, underscoring the Centre’s focus on education, food security and development of the Northeastern region.
At Government Middle School, Kuda, the minister was accorded a warm welcome and attended a short programme organised in her honour. Addressing students, teachers and village leaders, she expressed happiness at being present in the village and appreciated the special song performance by the students, describing it as a reflection of their talent and dedication.
Highlighting national priorities, she said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, special emphasis has been placed on strengthening education and accelerating development in the Northeastern states. She reiterated the government’s commitment to the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and promotion of ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives. Describing education as a powerful tool in nation-building, she noted that the government has prioritised basic infrastructure such as clean drinking water, toilets and improved facilities in schools. Referring to the National Education Policy, she said the focus is on holistic, skill-based and mother tongue-based learning to make students self-reliant and future-ready.
Chairman of the School Management Board, Duoneinuo Kire, welcomed the minister and stated that the school has played a key role in providing foundational education to the village. She submitted a representation seeking enhancement of wages for mid-day meal cooks and expressed hope that the matter would be considered favourably.
Later, Bambhaniya visited Khonoma Village, located about 20 kilometres from Kohima. Known for its rich Angami Naga heritage and community-led conservation efforts, the village also holds historical significance.
During her visit, she paid homage at the Archaeological Survey of India memorial dedicated to G.H. Damant and others who were killed during the events leading to the historic Battle of Khonoma in 1879.
She also toured local stalls selling indigenous food items and products operating under a trust-based system, where customers pick items and leave the appropriate payment. The Minister appreciated the honesty-driven practice and commended the village for integrating digital payment facilities alongside traditional methods.
At Khonoma Fort (Semoma), she interacted with village functionaries. The Village Chairman informed her that ration supplies under government schemes are reaching beneficiaries regularly and conveyed gratitude to the Prime Minister for ensuring food security. He also requested upgradation of the Government High School to include Higher Secondary (Class XII) classes under the National Education Policy. Bambhaniya assured that the matter would be looked into, while village leaders expressed appreciation for ongoing developmental initiatives.