Scindia Embarks on Three-Day Nagaland Visit, Emphasises Northeast Development
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, began a three-day tour of Nagaland on December 4, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to accelerating growth in the Northeast.
During his visit, Scindia will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several projects, while also attending the Hornbill Festival — Nagaland’s flagship cultural event.
Speaking to the media upon arrival, the minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s determination to ensure holistic progress in the region. He pointed to the government’s “Act East, Act Fast, Act First” policy, which he said has yielded significant results. Scindia noted that nearly 10 per cent of India’s gross budgetary support — amounting to over ₹1 lakh crore annually — is earmarked for the Northeast.
Highlighting the region’s potential, Scindia referred to Modi’s description of the Northeast as “Ashtalakshmi,” symbolising prosperity and diversity. He stressed that the DoNER Ministry has played a crucial role in honouring the cultural richness of the area, including Nagaland’s 17 tribes, reflecting “deep respect for our people.”
Calling Nagaland a beacon of diversity and national strength, Scindia praised the Hornbill Festival as a platform that showcases both tradition and modern aspirations. He also paid tribute at the World War-II cemetery in Kohima, honouring the 1,420 soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
On December 5, the minister is scheduled to participate in the foundation stone laying of multiple DoNER-funded projects aimed at boosting connectivity, infrastructure, and livelihoods. He will also join the traditional stone-pulling ceremony at Touphema village, the native place of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, before attending the Hornbill Festival at Kisama later in the day.
Scindia’s visit will conclude on December 6 with a tour of the Heirloom Naga Centre in Dimapur, after which he will return to New Delhi.
