Nagaland FM arrives state on 3-day visit; hands over medical equipment in Kiphire

Union finance and corporate affairs minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived Nagaland Thursday on a three-day visit to the state. During her stay here, Sitharaman is scheduled to attend a series of official programmes and review implementation of various central schemes in the state.
State chief minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio accompanied by deputy chief minister TR Zeliang, minister P Bashangmongba Chang, advisor Moatoshi Longkumer and a host of state officials and dignitaries welcomed the Union Minister at Dimapur Airport.
While welcoming Sitharaman to Nagaland, Dr. Rio said “We look forward to her valuable insights and guidance in further strengthening our developmental initiatives and economic growth.” He wished her a pleasant stay in Nagaland.
Later, she departed for Kiphire by chopper accompanied by minister P. Bashangmonba Chang and advisor Moatoshi Longkumer. After arriving at ‘Aspirational district’ Kiphire, the Union Minister handed over medical equipment to District Hospital Kiphire (DHK) donated by SBI under Cooperative Social Responsibility (CSR).
Sitharaman expressed gratitude to the State government and district administration for their generous welcome. She stated that her visit to Nagaland was a blessing because she got to see the beauty of Nagaland in person.
Union Minister said it took some time to plan, but it has given her the chance to visit the Aspirational District of Kiphire, witness the people’s aspirations, and implement various CSR projects.
Recalling her interactions with state government and the lack of resources that Nagaland faced, Sitharaman said each time she visits Nagaland she made sure substantial CSR was brought in Nagaland.
The Union Minister thanked SBI for volunteering and coming up with meaningful and critical medical equipment contributions under CSR to DHK.
Stating that medical challenges and requirements has increased, Sitharaman said having modern equipment help brings in precision in diagnostic treatment.
Sitharaman also interacted with Lakhpati Didis during her visit to Kiphire, where the women shared their inspiring stories of empowerment and economic progress.
Addressing the women, Sitharaman lauded their achievements and said that those who now aspire to become crorepatis certainly would in the future. “More importantly,” she said, “your stories and messages will travel across the country, inspiring and motivating women everywhere.”
The Finance Minister also held interactions with leaders of the four major tribes of Kiphire district—Sangtam, Sumi, Tikhir, and Yimkhiung—as well as with BJP leaders of the district.
A public programme would be held at public ground Kiphire on November 14.
On Friday, she is scheduled to interact with Anganwadi workers and participate in the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan”, at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, and also inaugurate the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Kiphire, and engage with students, besides launching the NSRLM stalls and credit outreach programme at the Government High School Ground.
Sitharaman then will travel to Kohima to witness signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Telangana State Network (T-SAT) and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), and also launch the “SAMARTH” and digital hardware initiatives and interact with students at NIELIT-Kohima.
On Saturday, the finance minister is set to inaugurate the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling at Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC) in Dimapur, and later review the “Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment” (SASCI) scheme, at Niathu Resort, before departing for New Delhi.