KOHIMA : Union minister Pabitra Margherita on Tuesday said the Narendra Modi-led government considers the Northeast as the country’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’ and has prioritised the region’s development through sustained investments in infrastructure, connectivity and welfare programmes over the past 12 years.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP Nagaland state headquarters here to mark 12 years of the NDA government, Margherita said the region has witnessed unprecedented attention under Modi, who has repeatedly described the region as a key driver of India’s growth story.
Margherita, the minister of state for external affairs and textiles, said the Centre’s commitment to the Northeast is reflected in improved connectivity, expanded welfare coverage and increased financial support to the region.
According to him, the region has recorded significant progress in road, rail, air and digital connectivity, alongside investments in healthcare, education, tourism and entrepreneurship.
Turning to Nagaland, Margherita said the state has been a major beneficiary of the Centre’s development initiatives and welfare schemes.
He highlighted investments in infrastructure, tourism, handloom and handicrafts, as well as enhanced fiscal support to the state.
Under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), he said 17 road projects worth about Rs 900 crore and 146 infrastructure projects valued at nearly Rs 1,489 crore have been approved for the state since the scheme’s inception.
The minister also pointed to the role of the ministry of textiles in supporting the Handloom and Handicrafts Complex at Kisama Heritage Village, which serves as a platform for local artisans and weavers to showcase and market their products.
Margherita said the Centre is working to connect artisans from Nagaland to national and international markets through digital platforms and major textile exhibitions such as Bharat Tex.
He noted that traditional Naga handloom products have gained visibility at national events, creating new opportunities for local weavers and entrepreneurs.
Highlighting the state’s tourism potential, he said the state’s rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, cuisine and natural landscapes place it in a strong position to attract investment and visitors.
He added that the Centre and state government are working together to promote tourism and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Referring to the Hornbill Festival, he said the event has evolved into a major attraction that draws visitors from across the country and abroad.
He added that digital marketing platforms introduced by the Centre are helping artisans and weavers from remote areas access wider markets.
On financial assistance, Margherita said tax devolution to Nagaland increased from Rs 5,405 crore during 2004-2014 to more than Rs 59,327 crore since 2014.
He said grants and other forms of central support have also risen substantially, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to the state’s development.
He further noted that Kohima’s inclusion under the Smart City Mission and investments in connectivity projects are contributing to urban development and economic growth in the state.
The minister further outlined the impact of flagship welfare schemes in the state.
He said more than 4.13 lakh Jan Dhan accounts have been opened in the state, over 7.7 lakh Ayushman Bharat cards issued, and more than 1.22 lakh LPG connections provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
He added that over 3.42 lakh rural households have received tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
According to Margherita, around 14 lakh beneficiaries in the state are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, while more than 1.8 lakh farmers have benefited from assistance under PM-KISAN.
He maintained that the development witnessed in Nagaland over the past decade reflects the Centre’s broader vision for the Northeast as India’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’ and growth engine.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the state’s progress through continued investments in infrastructure, welfare and economic development.
“The government of India will continue to work closely with the people of Nagaland to unlock the state’s full potential and ensure inclusive growth,” Margherita said. (Source: PTI)
