Union Minister of State (IC) for Ministry of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday officially launched the Dharti Aaba Abhiyan Awareness and Benefit Saturation Camp at Wokha village in the presence of a host of officials including local MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe.
The campaign, running from June 17 to July 2, aims to raise awareness about various government schemes across the country. This initiative commemorates the Janjatiya period from November 15, 2024 to November 15, 2025 and is organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to honour the legacy of tribal leader Birsa Munda.
In Wokha, 53 villages are scheduled to be covered under this scheme, divided into seven blocks for effective implementation.
On the occasion, Singh expressed optimism that the 15-day campaign would facilitate the saturation of several flagship schemes, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. He encouraged the formation of women’s self-help groups (SHGs), highlighting the consistent contributions and excellence of women from the Northeast in various fields. He also acknowledged India’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest economy and expressed hope for continued progress in the years ahead.
Addressing developmental concerns in Nagaland, Singh discussed key issues with local legislators, including the need for highway improvements and other grievances. He assured that efforts would be made to integrate technology into local enterprises, particularly to promote technology-driven startups in the fruit and food sectors under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Additionally, he suggested the establishment of a legislative building in Nagaland and recommended that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) contribute towards its construction.
Dr. Singh lauded the resilience and contributions of the people of Nagaland to India’s growth journey, reflecting on the transformation of the Northeast over the past decade. He emphasized that inclusive growth is essential for India’s rise as a global power and noted that the Northeast, especially states like Nagaland, will play a pivotal role in this journey. He also encouraged local youth to engage in technology-driven agriculture and innovation, recognizing the potential for startups in fruit production and other sustainable ventures.
Wokha Village Students’ Union president Chipen Kikon expressed gratitude for the Union Minister’s visit, describing it as a “reflection of the strong bond between our people and the leadership of our great nation.” He remarked that the honour of Wokha village being selected as a launch venue for the national campaign was a moment of pride and significance for the entire community.
“Our land is one of courage, culture and community… What makes it truly special is its spirit – the unshaken spirit of the Naga people who live high among the hills, toil on the land, and dream big in the classroom,” Kikon stated.
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Emphasizing the community’s faith in education, the student leader acknowledged the challenges they face due to difficult terrain, poor road conditions, and limited access to higher education. “Though our will is strong, the path to opportunity is often steep,” he said.
He provided statistical insights into the educational landscape of Wokha, citing a total population of 4,966, with 1,215 students across various levels: 620 in LKG to Class 10, 348 undergraduates, 169 graduates, and 78 postgraduates. He also noted the presence of 447 educated but unemployed youths.
In an appeal to the minister, Kikon called for the upgradation of the local government school to a higher secondary school. “This step would not only benefit the youth of our village but also serve neighboring communities who share the same hopes and hardships,” he said. “If we invest in education, we invest in the strength of the state itself.” Highlighting the broader challenges of the younger generation, Kikon remarked, adding, “This generation has become one of survival, where knowledge and ideas can be expensive and hidden treasures. Sometimes, even the system can be deceiving.”
Appreciating Singh for his visit, the student leader called him a “selfless intellectual leader” whose visit gives hope to the youth of Wokha.
“We trust that you will carry our voice with you and help open the doors to a brighter future.”
During the programme, the Wokha Village Council submitted a formal representation to the Union Minister, urging the upgradation of Government High School Wokha Village to Government Higher Secondary School. The proposal, officially approved by the Wokha District Planning & Development Board in November 2022, has not seen substantial progress, and the Council expressed concern over the delay. They emphasized that the upgradation is essential to meet the growing educational needs of students in the area.
Later in the day, quality planting materials were distributed to farmers, and the official launch of the Dharti Aaba Abhiyan was marked by Dr. Jitendra Singh. The programme was chaired by Renbomo Lotha, ADC Wokha, with a welcome address by Vandan Erui, VCC, Wokha Village.
