The Prime Minister today committed for an all round development of Nagaland and the North Eastern States. Inaugurating the 10-day Hornbill festival cum Statehood day of Nagaland today at Kohima and addressing a mammoth gathering as the Chief Guest, the Prime Minister termed Nagaland as a Natural Economic Zone, NEZ. Although Mr. Modi regretted that the resources are still untapped in the region, he said that it was his priority to nourish the NEZ for the North East.
Emphasizing the fact that Nagaland is a tourists hotspot, he said that tourists need good road, rail and air connectivity. For this, the Prime Minister said, fourteen new railway lines will be initiated at a cost of twenty eight thousand crore rupees. Giving out his Government’s initiatives for the NE region, Mr. Modi announced Ishan Uday and Ishan Vikas schemes for the benefit of Naga youths. In Ishan Uday scheme Ten thousand students from North East region will be provided special scholarship for furthering their studies.
In Ishan Vikas two thousand students and five hundred teachers will be dispatched to different parts of India during vacations every year to visit prestigious technical institutions. Stressing on the development of textile industry in the NE region, he said that one modern apparel manufacturing unit will be set up in each of the NE States. Twenty crore rupees have been provided for the programme. In energy sector, Mr. Modi announced a project of five thousand crore rupees in six NE States including Nagaland. This will facilitate intrastate transmission supply. Announcing a comprehensive telecom development plan for digital connectivity, Mr. Modi said five thousand crore rupees have been earmarked for 2G mobile coverage in the region.
In agriculture sector, the Prime Minister said that six colleges will be opened for promoting organic agriculture system. Mr. Modi said that the NE would become India’s capital of organic farming, saying that only North East can provide maximum organic agriculture. He also stressed on protecting the rich biodiversity of the state. The Prime Minister also called upon the youth of Nagaland to nurture their talent in IT resources. Mr. Modi while appreciating the rich and vibrant culture of the Nagas also urged the people to build a resurgent, stronger and prosperous Nagaland and for the benefit of India.
