Union Minister Nityanand Rai inspects DoNER-funded projects and healthcare facilities, reaffirming the Centre's development commitment to Nagaland and Northeast
MOKOKCHUNG — Reaffirming the Centre's commitment to the Northeast, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi accords special priority to the region's development, while praising Nagaland's emphasis on education and cultural preservation during a visit to Mokokchung district.
Rai, who is on a two-day tour of Nagaland, inspected development projects funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), visited Ungma village, and later reviewed healthcare facilities at the Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH).
At Ungma village, the minister toured the Library-cum-Museum, a project supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of DoNER. Officials briefed him on the project's implementation and facilities. The project received NEC funding between 2007 and 2009, construction began in 2013-14 and was completed in October 2024. It is yet to be formally inaugurated.
Addressing villagers and officials, Rai congratulated Padma Shri awardee Guru Sangyusang Pongener, describing the honour as a matter of pride for the entire nation. Recalling the Padma Awards ceremony, he said the audience erupted in applause when Pongener received the award from the President of India in the presence of the prime minister, Union home minister and other senior Cabinet ministers.
The minister highlighted Nagaland's rich cultural heritage, noting that every district and village has preserved its own traditions. He said that the state's folk art, music and oral traditions continue to strengthen communities, pass on values to younger generations and safeguard indigenous customs.
Commending Pongener for his lifelong work in researching and preserving Naga folk traditions, Rai described his contribution as invaluable to the state's cultural legacy.
Referring to India's cultural diversity, Rai said that the country's many traditions are united by a shared national spirit. He added that officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs regularly visit the Northeast through the Ministry's dedicated North East Division.
Describing Nagaland as a beautiful state with warm and hardworking people, Rai praised the importance accorded to education and development.
"I am happy to see the importance that has been given to education and development in Nagaland," he said.
The minister also acknowledged the efforts of the state government and district administration in promoting the welfare of the people, reiterating that the Centre remains committed to accelerating development across the Northeastern region.
Later in the day, Rai visited the Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital in Mokokchung, where he was received by Medical Superintendent Dr. Alemwapang Aier, doctors, nurses and hospital staff. He toured various departments of the hospital and inspected the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra on the premises, reviewing the availability of affordable generic medicines and interacting with officials.
Rai is scheduled to attend a review meeting with heads of departments at the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Mokokchung on Monday before concluding his visit.