Peren, 25 August (MTNews): Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Labour & Employment, underscored the pivotal role of self-help groups in accelerating the state economic development.
During an interactive session organized by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of the Government of Nagaland at the Jalukie Range Office on August 24th, Yadav emphasized that the activities of self-help groups hold the potential to significantly enhance the economic status of society, thereby contributing to holistic development. The Union Minister commended the forest department for collaborating with these groups to promote a sustainable green environment in the district. He also praised Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his visionary leadership in advancing the state and fostering development.
The session was hosted by C.L. John, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change of the Government of Nagaland, along with senior officers, during the Union Minister’s visit.
In an outdoor session, Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated a Public Park cum Botanical Garden and visited stalls hosted by self-help groups. He interacted with group members who shared their experiences in livelihood management. The launch of the King Chilli Cluster product, created by the self-help groups, and the freshly harvested Wokha were celebrated on this occasion. The event included the release of the Doyang Wetland Compendium and interactive posters showcasing Nagaland’s birds. Additionally, the Tokhu Emong bird count initiative was inaugurated during the program.
During a meeting with Heads of Offices in Peren district, Yadav highlighted achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the transition of 13.5 crore Indian families from poverty to the middle class. He encouraged district officers to identify opportunities and bridge gaps, ensuring government initiatives reach the people. The Minister appreciated informative PowerPoint presentations from various departments and urged officers to enhance development activities in the state.
Yadav’s visit to Oil Palm Field in Ngwalwa
On 25 August, the Union Minister visited the Oil Palm Field in Ngwalwa, Peren district. During the visit, he engaged with the Village Council, discussing several critical topics.
The Minister inquired about the status of the Jal Jeevan Mission, particularly whether villagers had gained access to water tap connections. Additionally, he discussed the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a flagship scheme aiming to provide clean cooking LPG gas to rural Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. The Ngwalwa Village Council informed the Minister that every household within their jurisdiction has been successfully connected to these initiatives. They also shared information about their village’s progress, including the registration of 632 job cards, development projects such as Approach Road and Fishery, as well as extensive tree plantation efforts.