Mercy Epao, joint secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, along with Prarthana Pawale, Central Prabhari Officer for the Aspirational District and Block Programme, NITI Aayog, undertook a three-day visit to Kiphire district from April 13–15, 2026.
According to DIPR report, the consultative meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer on April 14 at the DPDB Hall, reviewed innovation projects under NITI Aayog and the culmination of Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0. During the review, Mercy Epao sought updates from each department and urged the Heads of Offices in Kiphire Aspirational District to adopt innovative approaches in implementing government projects. Addressing Self Help Group (SHG) members, she encouraged them to organise exhibitions outside the district to showcase Kiphire’s agricultural produce and local products, while also advising them to apply for schemes with assured funding support.
She further directed district heads to prepare an annual development plan aimed at improving overall performance, and instructed that the proposals be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner for necessary follow-up action.
The visiting officials were accorded a warm reception by the district administration and heads of offices at the Kiphire helipad on April 13. During the visit, the team also inspected key villages including Amahator, Thethuyo and Phelunger, focusing on monitoring and evaluation of ongoing programmes under the Aspirational District initiative.
