In a significant development for the community of Indisen Village, a new Community Hall was officially inaugurated by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, GoI, Jual Oram. The inauguration ceremony was held at the new Community hall, Indisen, Dimapur on 15th October 2024. The programme was chaired by Temsuinla Longkumer P. Imstutoshi Ao, Chairman of the Indisen Village Council Dimapur, where he emphasized on the importance of community spaces for the growth and development of local communities.
The Union Minister of Tribal affairs, GoI, Jual Oram in his inaugural speech, commended the local leadership and the government’s efforts and commitment to developing rural infrastructure. He said that the Indian government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving the living conditions of Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities across the country. The program focuses on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and livelihood enhancement in tribal regions.
According to the 2011 Census the Union Minister said, India’s ST population stands at 10.45 Crores representing 8.6% of the total population. These communities often reside in remote and hard-to-access areas, with unique cultural and linguistic traits. Despite India’s progress in socio-economic and human development, tribal populations continue to face challenges, particularly in education, healthcare, and other socio-economic indicators.
The initiative builds on previous models like the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), expanding efforts with a significant increase in budget allocation. The Government’s 2023-24 budget has earmarked ₹1,200,000 crores for tribal development, involving 41 ministries including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
Oram said the Program's vision is to create enabling infrastructure and improve socio-economic conditions in selected tribal-majority villages, particularly those with at least 50% tribal population. By adopting a coordinated approach across various government ministries, the mission aims to ensure holistic and sustainable development.
The mission's core objectives include boosting literacy, healthcare access, skill development, and infrastructure in tribal regions. The government aims to drive growth through these measures and ultimately achieve saturation mode, ensuring that no village is left behind in terms of development, he added.
Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi commented that such facilities play an important role in promoting unity, social cohesion, and cultural preservation among tribal communities in Nagaland. He also noted that this gives the local community the opportunity to share with one another, across communal and tribal lines. Tovihoto also expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts between the local administration, villagers, etc. in making the project a successful reality. He emphasized the importance of such spaces for the community, stating that "This hall is more than just a building; it is a place for people to gather, celebrate, and share ideas that will shape the future of our village."
Tovihoto reiterated the Government's focus on developing rural infrastructure to improve the quality of life for citizens. He encouraged the people of Indisen Village to utilize the facility for cultural events, meetings, and educational activities that would strengthen social bonds and promote growth.
He also noted that the Community Hall, equipped with modern facilities, is expected to become a central hub for the village, providing a space for social and cultural interactions.
Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, in his speech said that the Union Minister’s visit was a "God-sent blessing” and that the new Village Council Hall, like the "beating heart of the village's future," stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and progress for the people of Indisen. It serves not just as a structure of brick and mortar but as a place where the community will come together to shape their future.
He also expressed his optimism about the new facility and acknowledged the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ efforts in making the project a reality. The villagers emphasized that without the Ministry's generous funding and unwavering support, the hall would have remained a distant dream.
He believed that the newly constructed community hall will herald a brighter and more prosperous future for Indisen village and hoped that the new council hall will foster unity and strengthen their bonds as they work collectively to address the needs of the village.
The event concluded with a benediction, marking the successful opening of a facility that is expected to become a cornerstone for local development and gatherings and a cultural presentation by the Indisen Village Youth Organization performed "Ku Merali Indisen," adding a traditional touch to the ceremony.
(Limatoshi IA, Dimapur)
