The Pughoboto Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB) meeting for April was held at ADC Office, Pughoboto, on 7th April 2026 under the chairmanship of MLA and SDPDB Chairman Dr. Sukhato A. Sema, with Vice Chairman and ADC Meyazungba Jamir, NCS, co-chairing the session.
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Convergence Programme conducted from March 30 to April 2, 2026, under the aegis of SDPDB Pughoboto. SDO (C), Yithachu Thur reported that multiple departments including Agriculture, Rural Development, Horticulture, Health & Family Welfare, Soil & Water Conservation, and Social Welfare—collaborated to ensure last-mile delivery of government services, enhance inter-departmental coordination and improve public access to essential schemes.
The Agriculture Department focused on capacity building for natural and organic farmers, FPOs, and SHGs, including a farmer–scientist interaction with experts from KVK Zunheboto. Demonstrations on maintenance and repair of farm machinery were also conducted. The Horticulture Department organized training sessions, including oyster mushroom cultivation. Rural Development strengthened the MGNREGA job card database through updates and verification drives.
Health & Family Welfare services included OPD care, NCD and anaemia screening, and Ayushman Bharat CMHIS registration. The Social Welfare Department facilitated Aadhaar-related services such as enrolment and biometric updates. The district administration coordinated verification processes and issued essential documents like PRC, Indigenous Certificates, and ST certificates.
The programme recorded key achievements, including delivery of multi-departmental services on a single platform, increased public participation, improved awareness of government schemes, and strengthened coordination among departments. However, challenges such as incomplete beneficiary documentation, poor internet connectivity, power disruptions, logistical constraints and lack of dedicated funding were also noted. The board proposed expanding future initiatives to include departments like Food & Civil Supplies, PHED, Power, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Industry & Commerce, Forestry and banking services.
SDAO, Michael Kitoho Swu presented a report on an exposure visit undertaken on March 20, 2026, to the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), School of Agricultural Sciences (Nagaland University), and ICAR, Medziphema. The visit emphasized the need to address seasonal limitations in agricultural activities in Pughoboto, which currently remain confined only from April–October. Plans for an Integrated Farming System (IFS) Model Demonstration Farm were discussed to promote year-round land utilization, increase cropping intensity, and enhance farmer income. Collaboration proposals include training, research extension, and establishment of a substation in Pughoboto, which received positive support from the board.
Er Yekiho Sumi, SDO PHED also presented updates on the Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal), which aims to provide functional household tap connections to all rural households by 2028. Concerns highlighted included timely fund release, sustainability of water sources, inadequate user fees for maintenance, and the need for social audits. PHED also reiterated its role in implementing the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) to achieve ODF Plus status through sanitation and waste management initiatives.
Earlier, the invocation was delivered by Pughoboto Adhoc Town Chairman, Hokiqhe Sheqi, who also expressed gratitude to SDPDB for supporting local sports initiatives. He highlighted Pughoboto subdivision’s victory in the 1st Intra-District U-23 Football Tournament. Organised by Zunheboto District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) in collaboration with Zunheboto District Football Association (ZDFA) held in Zunheboto from March 10-14,2026 and acknowledged the Sumi Aphuyemi Union for assistance. He further urged the board to continue promoting sports and youth engagement in the region.
The meeting concluded with discussions on strengthening development initiatives and ensuring inclusive growth across the subdivision.
(Kaholi, APRO Pughoboto)
