Kohima: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Nagaland on Thursday for a three-day official visit aimed at reviewing developmental initiatives and strengthening Centre-state cooperation in the northeastern state. She was received at Dimapur Airport by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang, and other state cabinet ministers.

Welcoming the Union minister, Chief Minister Rio expressed optimism about the visit, stating, “We look forward to her valuable insights and guidance in further strengthening our developmental initiatives and economic growth. I wish her a pleasant stay in Nagaland.”

During her visit, Sitharaman is scheduled to tour Dimapur, Kiphire, and Kohima, focusing on assessing the progress of key central schemes and developmental projects, particularly in Kiphire, one of Nagaland’s Aspirational Districts. The visit is also expected to reinforce collaborative efforts between the central government and the state administration in multiple developmental sectors.

Following her arrival in Dimapur, Sitharaman proceeded to Kiphire, where her schedule includes a comprehensive review of ongoing development projects and welfare initiatives. She is expected to meet local stakeholders, including tribal leaders and beneficiaries of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, also known as the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ program. Additionally, she will visit the Kiphire District Hospital to observe healthcare initiatives under central schemes.

Sitharaman’s engagement in Kiphire will include a review meeting on the Aspirational District Programme with district heads of departments, focusing on strategies to improve the performance and delivery of welfare schemes. On Friday, her itinerary will feature interactions with Anganwadi workers and participation in the Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, which aims to strengthen local entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Further, the Union minister will inaugurate the Government Industrial Training Institute in Kiphire, interact with students, and launch NSRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) stalls along with a Credit Outreach Programme at the Government High School Ground. These initiatives are designed to empower local youth and promote skill development and financial inclusion in the district.

Later on Friday, Sitharaman will travel to Kohima to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Telangana State Network and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT). She is also scheduled to launch the ‘SAMARTH’ and Digital Hardware initiatives at NIELIT Kohima, aimed at enhancing digital skills and promoting technological literacy among students.

The concluding day of her visit, Saturday, will see Sitharaman inaugurate the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre in Dimapur, focusing on artificial intelligence-driven skill development programs. She will also review the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Projects during a session at Niathu Resort. Following these engagements, the Finance Minister is expected to depart for New Delhi.

This three-day visit underscores the central government’s commitment to strengthening development initiatives in Nagaland, improving infrastructure, enhancing healthcare and education, and promoting skill development in Aspirational Districts. The visit also highlights the focus on bridging regional disparities and ensuring the successful implementation of central schemes to accelerate socio-economic growth in the northeastern states.

By reviewing the progress of ongoing projects and interacting directly with stakeholders, Sitharaman’s visit aims to provide actionable insights to further improve the delivery of government schemes, encourage local entrepreneurship, and ensure that Nagaland’s development trajectory aligns with the broader national objectives of economic growth and self-reliance.