Member of Parliament S Supongmeren Jamir calls for wider outreach of welfare schemes during the DISHA meeting in Phek.
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KOHIMA — Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir on Wednesday called for greater outreach and awareness programmes to ensure that more people benefit from government welfare schemes and development initiatives.
Addressing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner's (DC) office in Phek, Jamir urged DISHA members to actively sensitise the public on various government schemes and encourage greater participation among eligible beneficiaries.
Stating that opportunities for government employment are limited, he encouraged people to take advantage of entrepreneurship and livelihood programmes. He noted that the Phek district has strong potential in agriculture and animal husbandry owing to its vast land resources.
The MP expressed concern that no new beneficiaries had reportedly been added under the Old Age Pension scheme since 2017 and assured that he would take up the matter with the concerned ministry. He also highlighted the need for repair and renovation of the Sakhi Niwas Hostel at Pfutsero and stressed the importance of timely disbursement of victim compensation without delays.
Highlighting the role of the One Stop Centre in providing support services, Jamir called for coordinated outreach efforts to build public confidence and improve awareness of the facility. He further informed the meeting about ongoing initiatives to improve telecom connectivity in the district through the construction of mobile network towers.
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Meanwhile, Advisor for Civil Administrative Works department, Kudecho Khamo, thanked Jamir for his contributions towards the development of the state and urged all departments to sincerely implement projects and schemes aimed at public welfare.
Khamo also underscored the need for accurate data on elderly persons, widows, and persons with disabilities, stating that reliable figures would help authorities effectively pursue welfare-related matters with the concerned departments and ministries.
The meeting was attended by Medokul Sophie and Toshipokba Longkumar, non-official members of state-level DISHA for Nagaland.
During the deliberations, Sophie called for a comparative study on enrolment in government and private schools to understand why many parents prefer private institutions and to identify areas requiring reform in the government education system.
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Representing the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. E Mhonlumi Lotha highlighted various programmes being implemented in the district, including the Mobile Veterinary Unit; Entrepreneur Development Programme covering piggery, poultry, feed and fodder development; and sheep and goat farming with 50 per cent subsidy support. She also briefed the meeting on the National Animal Disease Control Programme and other departmental activities.
DC and Member Secretary of DISHA Rhosietho informed the meeting that reported cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act had increased in the district. However, he attributed the rise to greater public awareness and sensitisation, which has encouraged reporting of such cases.
Following the meeting, S Supongmeren Jamir, Kudecho Khamo, and other members and heads of offices in Phek also participated in a tree plantation drive.