An awareness and sensitisation programme was organised by the Directorate of Minority Affairs at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Mokokchung, on May 14.
The initiative aimed to educate and empower notified minority communities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains, about various government welfare schemes. The programme focused on ensuring equitable access to educational, economic, and infrastructure development opportunities.
Welcoming the officials, Ajit Kumar Verma expressed gratitude to the department for launching the initiative. He acknowledged that while the welfare programmes are relatively new to the local population, sustained institutional outreach would help bridge the information gap. He also expressed optimism that the department would introduce additional targeted schemes in the future to strengthen the socio-economic development of the state.
Delivering the keynote address, Andrew C Imti outlined various schemes aimed at the protection, welfare, and economic development of religious minorities. He informed that the newly established independent Department of Minority Affairs in Nagaland would function as the nodal agency for implementing such schemes.
He further stated that Minority Affairs Ministry schemes, previously handled by different state departments, are now being streamlined under a single department.
The programme also featured PowerPoint presentations by departmental officials on various schemes. Khriezotuolie, Programme Assistant, explained micro-credit schemes available under the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation, while Rugozeto Iralu, Superintendent, highlighted application procedures for minority scholarship schemes.
Project Officer Shalo Khing presented updates on the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram and PM VIKAS schemes.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Andrew C Imti.
