Kohima: Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita on Tuesday participated in a series of public outreach programmes in Kohima, Nagaland, as part of the nationwide campaign marking 12 years of the BJP-led NDA Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The events also commemorated Prime Minister Modi becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of independent India. As part of the Pragati Path Yatra, the Minister visited Kisama Heritage Village, where he took part in a tree plantation drive and a cleanliness campaign aimed at promoting environmental conservation and public participation in nation-building. He also visited the Handloom Marketing Complex, reaffirming the Government’s commitment towards strengthening indigenous industries and traditional handloom sectors in the North East.
Later, Margherita attended the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan at the BJP headquarters in Kohima and interacted with professionals, intellectuals, party workers and members of civil society. During the interaction, he highlighted India’s transformational journey under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and reiterated the vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He also presented letters of appreciation to participants in recognition of their contributions to public discourse and social development.
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Addressing a press conference, the Minister said that the North East had finally received the focused attention and development it deserved under the Modi Government. He cited the inauguration of Nagaland’s second railway station at Shokhuvi in 2022 and the establishment of the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), Kohima, the State’s first medical college, as major milestones. Drawing comparisons with previous governments, Margherita stated that Nagaland had received ₹59,327 crore under tax devolution during the NDA regime, compared to ₹5,405 crore between 2004 and 2014. He also noted a significant increase in grants-in-aid from the Centre, underscoring the Government’s commitment to the development of Nagaland and the entire North East. The programmes were attended by several public representatives, BJP leaders and citizens, reflecting the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” and the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and nation-building.
