Union MoS Nimuben Bambhaniya highlights Northeast development, food security schemes, women empowerment and local products during Chümoukedima visit.
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DIMAPUR — Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, on Saturday said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, special emphasis has been placed on the development of the north-eastern states.
Addressing a media briefing at Chümoukedima, the minister said that the Centre is working to give the region fresh momentum and a distinct identity by making the Northeast self-reliant.
She maintained that the government remains committed to reaching every section of society and ensuring that the benefits of its schemes reach the poor, farmers, youth, women and the last person at the margins.
During her visit, Bambhaniya held a meeting with the district administration, including the district magistrate and district-level officers, and listened to issues raised by local stakeholders.
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She also interacted with Anganwadi workers, health centre staff, school authorities, women from self-help groups and village council representatives. Additionally, she visited a fair price shop and interacted with beneficiaries.
Highlighting the Centre’s food security initiatives, she shared that free rations are being provided to nearly 80 crore beneficiaries across the country, describing it as the world’s largest food distribution programme.
Referring to Nagaland’s potential, the minister said that the state is known for its natural beauty and holds immense scope for development.
The minister highlighted that visitors from across India and abroad attend the Hornbill Festival, which she described as a matter of pride, adding that Nagaland’s culture and art are unique attractions.
According to Bambhaniya, the government is guided by the mantra ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Praya’ and that special emphasis has also been laid on the ‘Make in India’ initiative to establish the quality of Indian products globally.
Encouraging the promotion of local products from Dimapur, including handicrafts, handlooms and agricultural produce, she stressed that these should be taken to global markets under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives.
She added that youth and women must be made self-reliant through skill development, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed Northeast.
The minister also highlighted the government’s focus on women’s empowerment, stating that around 1.25 crore women across the country have become ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ with a target of increasing the number to three crore in the coming days.
Expressing optimism, she said that the north-eastern states would continue to progress under the prime minister’s leadership and called for collective efforts to make Nagaland a developed state.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the minister’s visit, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, addressed queries regarding the suspension of rice distribution at fair price shops since December.
According to the DC, he had interacted with the district civil supply officer and was informed that the previous stockist had terminated the supply contract after December, resulting in non-distribution of rice in January.
However, he added that a new stockist has since been appointed and supply resumed from February. Stocks for both January and February have already been lifted, and rice distribution has begun in Padumpukhuri, he said.