Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman completed a two-day visit to Kiphire on 13 and 14 November where she attended a series of programs focused on banking expansion, welfare delivery, skilling, and regional development.
At a Credit Outreach program organized by the State Bank of India, she reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to uplift the Northeast and Aspirational Districts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Minister said in her address that Kiphire stands tall with its own history, untouched by British occupation. She praised the people of Nagaland for living in harmony with nature and reminded the gathering that the environment remains the region’s greatest strength.
She highlighted Saramati, the proud peak of Kiphire, describing it as a symbol of hope and endurance. She also spoke about the delicious apples grown at 2,000 meters in Thanamir village, noting that it is the only place in the entire Northeast where apples are cultivated.
Expressing her wish to visit the Pungro sub-division, she mentioned the lime caves in Mimi and the graceful flow of the Zingki river, which holds significant potential for water sports such as rafting and canoeing.
Sitharaman said the Prime Minister has visited the Northeast 70 times and that central ministers together have made more than 700 visits, reflecting the priority given to the region. She highlighted the banking expansion in Nagaland, recalling that in 2019 there were 1,143 unbanked villages, a number that has now reduced to 15. She also commended SBI, SIDBI, NABARD and corporate partners for their developmental contributions.
Nine bank branches across the Northeast, including three in Nagaland, were virtually inaugurated during the program. She also dedicated an SBI ATM at Y Junction in Tawang, which stands at the second highest altitude in India and the third highest in the world. Symbolic cheques were handed over to credit, grant, and CSR beneficiaries. SBI has carried out CSR activities worth about Rs 98 lakh in Kiphire district.
Earlier, the Minister visited Anganwadi Centre A in Forest Colony, where she interacted with mothers, children, and workers and reviewed welfare schemes. She inaugurated the Government ITI Kiphire, handed over computer sets, and participated in the launch of the Chief Minister Micro Finance Insurance Scheme for Logistic Connect and Tourism Taxi, which benefits 30 local entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to strengthen mobility, support tourism, and create new livelihood opportunities in the district. The event included addresses by MLAs Moatoshi Longkumer and S. Kiusumew Yimkhiung.
She urged the youth of Nagaland to take advantage of new training opportunities in Dimapur and Kohima in AI, robotics, and emerging technologies, adding that the state will play an important role in India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.