Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, visited Zunheboto on 14 October 2024, for a review meeting on the Akuhaito Aspirational Block. He was accompanied by Advisor for Tribal Affairs, H Tovihoto Ayemi; Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, KT Sukhalu; and MLA, Er Picto Shohe.
While speaking at the honorary program held at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Zunheboto, Oram stated that the main objective of his visit was to take stock of the various government-aided schemes and benefits provided to the people and to survey their proper implementation. He continued by addressing the attendees and beneficiaries, stating that his visit was not only to convey what he had prepared to speak about, but rather to listen to every grievance faced by the people of Nagaland and its districts. He added that the current central government’s ideology aligns with his speech and will further supplement more developments and benefits for its people.
Oram asserted that his visit was part of a vision and policy directed by the Prime Minister to all his ministers and everyone concerned, to visit every corner of the country, especially the Northeast of India, to listen to the voices of the people and work tirelessly towards a ‘Vikasit Bharat.’ He strongly emphasized that the Aspirational District program is the flagship initiative for the Northeast.
While speaking about the recently launched program by the Prime Minister, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which was launched from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, on October 2, 2024, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Oram stated that the Abhiyan aims at saturating more than 63,000 tribal-majority villages in Aspirational Districts with a budget of Rs 79,156 crores.
He mentioned that the Akuhaito Aspirational Block is also included in this initiative, focusing on 25 scheme interventions under the Abhiyan over the next five years, through the coordinated efforts of 17 ministries. He continued that the Prime Minister inaugurated 40 new Eklavya Schools and laid the foundation stones for 25 schools, worth Rs. 2,834 crores, as well as for projects worth Rs. 1,365 crores under PM-JANMAN. He noted that 1,387 km of roads, 120 Anganwadis, 250 Multi-Purpose Centres, and 10 school hostels are set to be built.
The visiting minister and accompanying officials also had an interaction with beneficiaries and communities, and the program culminated with the launch of a Tribal Exhibition at the Multi-Purpose Hall.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, while chairing the event, delivered the welcome address. Advisor for Tribal Affairs, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, gave a speech, while Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, K.T. Sukhalu, delivered the vote of thanks.
Other highlights included cultural performances and special items. Beneficiaries were awarded for their tireless services in implementing schemes at various levels.