Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, arrived in Nagaland on December 4 for a three-day visit during which he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several development projects and attend the Hornbill Festival.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Scindia said Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring all-round development of the Northeast. He noted that the Centre’s Act East, Act Fast and Act First policy has significantly benefited the region, with 10 per cent of the gross budgetary support—amounting to more than ₹1 lakh crore each year—dedicated exclusively to the Northeast.
Scindia said various ongoing projects are helping unlock the region’s potential, which the Prime Minister has often referred to as “Ashtalakshmi.” He added that the DoNER Ministry has played a crucial role in celebrating and preserving the Northeast’s cultural diversity, including Nagaland’s 17 tribes, a reflection of “profound respect for our people.”
Describing Nagaland as a symbol of diversity, capability and national promise, the minister praised the Hornbill Festival as a vibrant platform that highlights the state’s culture, heritage and growing aspirations. He also visited the World War-II cemetery, where he paid homage to the 1,420 soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
On Friday, Scindia will participate in the foundation stone laying ceremony for multiple DoNER-funded projects aimed at improving connectivity, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities. He is also expected to take part in the traditional stone-pulling ceremony at Touphema village in Kohima district, the native village of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, before attending the Hornbill Festival at Kisama in the evening.
The minister will wrap up his visit on Saturday with a tour of the Heirloom Naga Centre in Dimapur before departing for Delhi.
