Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, concluded her three-day visit to Dimapur district, highlighting the Centre’s focus on Northeast development and welfare delivery at the grassroots level.
Addressing media persons after holding a review meeting with different departments at Chumoukedima Police Complex, Bambhaniya said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast has received renewed momentum and recognition. She stated that the Government of India is working towards making the Northeast self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) and ensuring that welfare schemes benefit the last-mile beneficiary, including the poor, farmers, youth and women.
During her visit, the Minister held meetings with the Deputy Commissioner and officials, reviewed implementation of central schemes, and interacted with Anganwadi workers, health centres, school representatives, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, village leaders and beneficiaries. She also visited a Fair Price Shop in Dimapur to assess the functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Highlighting the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), Bambhaniya said the government is providing free rations to more than 80 crore beneficiaries across the country, describing it as the world’s largest food security programme. She added that the scheme was extended even during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that no poor household went hungry.
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Speaking about Nagaland, the Minister lauded the State’s natural beauty and cultural richness, mentioning the globally recognized Hornbill Festival as a matter of pride. She encouraged promotion of local handicrafts, handlooms and agricultural products under the “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local” initiatives, stating that Dimapur’s products have the potential to reach global markets.
Emphasizing women’s empowerment, Bambhaniya referred to the Centre’s initiative to promote “Lakhpati Didis,” women earning ₹1 lakh or more annually through SHGs and livelihood support programmes. She said 1.25 crore women across the country have already achieved this milestone, with a national target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis in the coming years.
Calling for collective effort in developing the region, she reiterated the government’s guiding mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” and expressed hope that Nagaland would continue progressing toward becoming a developed state.
Responding to a journalist’s query regarding reports of rice shortage at a Fair Price Shop in Dimapur over the past two months, the Minister reiterated that the Centre remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted supply of free rations under the national food security programme, stressing that the government continues to prioritize the welfare of the poor.
