As part of the Center’s initiative to transform India into a “developed and self-reliant” nation by 2047, the Prime Minister launched the “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” on 15 November 2023. This nationwide ‘yatra’ has been in progress, reaching different parts of the country.
On 22 January 2024, the Yatra was organized for the Koridang AC, following a request from Advisor IPR Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen. The event, hosted by the Khensa Village Council at Khensa Village Council Hall, saw the active participation of all villages in Koridang AC, except Longkhum village.
During the event, Advisor Imchen expressed his commitment to serving all Naga people, acknowledging the challenge of doing justice to the people of Koridang while representing the broader Naga community.
The focus of the event centered on sharing success stories of beneficiaries from various central schemes, including NSRLM SHGs, PMGAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Kisan Scheme, Soil Health Card, among others.
Beneficiaries from Khensa and Chungtia shared how NSRLM SHGs empowered them to start their own businesses. Mrs Bendanglila of Khensa initiated a Loha Tina business with a loan of Rs 70,000 from the NSLRM SHGs, while Mrs Talinungla of Chungtia established a juice vending machine and pickle production unit with financial assistance from the NSRLM. The beneficiaries suggested that together with the loan, “a little bit of subsidy” would be helpful.
Testimonies from Mangmetong and Mekuli highlighted the positive impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission on their villages. Reportedly, 837 households received water in Mangemetong village.
A representative from the PHED department stated that the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme is one in which the center provides funds only after the village implements the scheme. Noting that Mangmetong, Mekuli, and Longjongkong were the villages that took the risk and started implementing the scheme with their own money, the PHED department awarded them with certificates. The PHED also recognized four other villages – Mangmetong, Khensa, Mekuli, and Aliba under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The Department of Soil & Water Conservation played a crucial role, providing 200 Soil Health Cards and fertilizers to Mekuli village. Flower growers in the village also received assistance. A representative from Aliba village talked about how beneficial the Soil Health Card has been for the village and mentioned how off-season cucumber has been the major advantage of the Soil Health Card.
Meanwhile, the Mangmetong village council admitted that they are yet to receive the Soil Health Card. The representative said that the village has been struggling to grow cabbage, peas, turnip, oranges, etc., for a while. It was when scientists from the department visited the village and informed them that the village has been experiencing a temperature above 32°C, and hence, the crops have been affected. According to the experts, the temperature needed for those crops to grow is about 21-27°C. Therefore, the Mangmetong Council is still waiting for information on crops through the Soil Health Card.
Beneficiaries from Chungtia and Khensa villages appreciated the benefits of the PM Kisan scheme for purchasing saplings and equipment. They also thanked the department for providing fertilizers and suggested that a raise on the amount on PM KISAN scheme would be beneficial.
Similarly, beneficiaries from Aliba and Chungtia spoke highly of the PMGAY scheme, expressing gratitude for government support in building their houses.
Talking to the media after the event, Advisor Imkong Imchen evaluated the yatra as a “down-to-earth” and well-researched scheme, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration by concerned departments and the state.