A comprehensive vision for Wokha’s future development was laid out during the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting held on June 21, with renewed focus on health, infrastructure, and economic transformation under the national Viksit Bharat@2047 campaign.
Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar, IAS, delivered a detailed presentation on the state’s growth priorities and Wokha’s roadmap under flagship schemes including JAM Trinity, Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, Startup India, and others. He outlined how Nagaland, with its rich biodiversity, skilled youth, and strategic location as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, holds immense potential for structural transformation.
Highlighting trends in the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), the DC noted a clear shift from the primary to tertiary sectors, while also acknowledging persistent challenges such as high public expenditure, power shortages, poor connectivity, and low credit flow. Urbanisation, tourism, creative industries, and the green economy were identified as key growth drivers.
Calling on all departments to align their goals, Kumar urged line agencies to submit their vision and targets for the Viksit@Wokha plan. Advisor Mhathung Yanthan echoed the call, asking departments to integrate their programme objectives with the broader state development mission.
Addressing public health concerns, the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) presented HIV/AIDS and substance abuse data collected at the block and district levels. The team illustrated drug usage patterns using maps and called for an Integrated Health Campaign (IHC) to screen residents for HIV, syphilis, TB, and hepatitis B and C.
As part of this initiative, DAPCU proposed incorporating the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), and non-communicable disease screenings. ASHA and Anganwadi workers will be mobilised for outreach, especially among antenatal groups and underserved areas. The department also highlighted operational hurdles in implementation.
In a brief but significant addition, the Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR presented updates on the successful conclusion of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in Wokha district.
Deputy Chief Minister and DPDB Chairman Yanthungo Patton, who chaired the meeting, and other members including Agriculture Advisor Mhathung Yanthan and MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe, were present along with heads of departments. The board also took note of administrative priorities and urged local associations to support the district football team for the upcoming T. Ao Trophy in Kohima this August.
Among other items, the DPDB reviewed a proposal to upgrade Cherry Hill Kindergarten School in Wokha. Established in 2018 with just nine students, the school now has 32 and occupies one acre. Following verification by the Education Department, the House recommended further action for the upgrade.
The meeting opened with a review of the previous DPDB meeting minutes and ended with a note of thanks from the chair.