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NAGALAND STEPS UP AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR CENSUS 2027

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:49:44 +0000

NAGALAND STEPS UP AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR CENSUS 2027

admin June 09 2026

The Inter Media Publicity Co-ordination Committee Meeting convened under the aegis of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) was held on 9^th June 2026 at the Akashvani Office, Kohima.

Director, Census Operations Nagaland, Dr. Keneilhoutuolie Miachieo, IFS, in his speech said the Directorate of Census Operations, Nagaland, has launched an extensive awareness campaign ahead of Census 2027 to ensure complete and accurate household coverage across the state.

Addressing a media interaction organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and All India Radio, census officials informed that the first phase of the census, the House Listing Operation, will be conducted across Nagaland from July 1 to July 30, 2026, while self- enumeration through the Census portal will be available from June 16 to June 30. Over 6,100 enumerators and supervisors have been deployed for the exercise.

A state wide publicity campaign through print, radio, television, social media and local dialect broadcasts has been planned to promote public participation. Three press conferences will also be held during the first phase of the census, the officials added.

Emphasizing the significance of the exercise, officials also stated that accurate census data is essential for effective governance and development planning. Citizens were urged to cooperate with census personnel and furnish correct information to facilitate comprehensive and reliable enumeration across the state.

Head of Office, Press Information Bureau & Central Bureau of Communication Kohima, P. Sophie in his welcome address said that the Inter Media Publicity Co-ordination Committee (IMPCC) meeting was organized to follow the mandate from the Ministry to hold such IMPCC meeting monthly, and highlighted that the primary purpose of the meeting was to strengthen inter-departmental synergy and streamline communication strategies among various central departments, public sector undertakings and government media wings, with the key objective to synergize government outreach and schemes launched.

He also explained that the IMPCC meeting would choose a team to launch a strategic campaign for the whole month so that the message is delivered to targeted groups and also to counter misinformation and crisis management to bring about awareness to the masses through float campaigns in departments’ social media.

During the meeting, each department presented its departmental activity reports and a discussion on Media Strategies for the Census 2027 was held.

The first Inter Media Publicity Co-ordination Committee Meeting was attended by Head of the Programme, Akashvani Kohima, Ella Kayina, PRO Defence, Colonel Shukla and officials and staff of Akashvani Kohima, Information & Public Relations, Press Information Bureau & Central Bureau of Communication Kohima and Doordarshan Kendra Kohima.

(Maongtemjen, IA)

Tree Plantation Drive Conducted at Longleng Peak

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:07 +0000

Tree Plantation Drive Conducted at Longleng Peak

admin June 09 2026

District Administration Longleng in collaboration with Longleng Town council, Forest Department and Police conducted a Tree plantation drive at Longleng Peak on 9th June 2026. (IA Longleng)

FIRST PHASE CENSUS TRAINING FOR ENUMERATORS AND SUPERVISORS UNDERWAY AT CHIEPHOBOZOU BLOCK

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:40:48 +0000

FIRST PHASE CENSUS TRAINING FOR ENUMERATORS AND SUPERVISORS UNDERWAY AT CHIEPHOBOZOU BLOCK

admin June 09 2026

The first phase of Census Training for Enumerators and Supervisors for Chiephobozou Sub-division was commenced on 9th June 2026 at DIET conference Hall, Chiechama, Kohima.
Delivering a keynote address, Additional Deputy Commissioner Chiephobozou, Vekusheyi Rhakho and Sub- divisional Census Officer, Chiephobozou said that Census is one of the largest administrative and statistical operations undertaken by the Government, where it would provide vital information on the population, demographic characteristics, literacy, housing amenities and socio-economic conditions of our people. They also informed that the data collected will form the basis for policy formulation, developmental planning and resource allocations by the Government. He appealed the Enumerators and Supervisors to be the backbone of this census exercise. Success and credibility of the exercise will depend on their sincerity, dedication and professionalism, they added.
They directed them that information collected must be accurate, unbiased and complete, and urged upon all to familiarise with the concepts and instructions provided during the training that every household and every individual must be covered without omission and duplication and confidentiality of the information furnished by the public must be maintained at all time. Asserting that supervisors have a very important responsibility of guiding and monitoring the work of the Enumerators and ensure that the highest standard of accuracy and quality is maintained. He reminded that Census work is not merely a routine administrative task, but it is a historic responsibility and a contribution towards nation building. Encouraging the trainees that quality and accurate enumeration, would depend on the sincerity and accountability of the Enumerators and Supervisor, they said they must be accountable and bear responsibility for any omission, negligence or irregularity in the conduct of Census operation. He expressed his confident that with their dedication and cooperation "we would be able to conduct Census 2027 successfully and set the high standard of excellence in our Sub- division".
The inaugural session was chaired by EAC and Census Charge Officer, Chiephobozou Rural, Viketoulie Metha who also delivered a welcome address.
Brief Overview of Training were highlighted by Field trainers, Alemsongla Jamir and Ruthla Sangtam. Concluding remarks by Ane Khieya, EAC Kohima and Census Charge Officer, Botsa. The first Phase training was attended by 23 Trainees from Botsa, 7 from Chiephobozou (Rural) and 13 from Chiephobozou Town.

(Akamla, IA Chiephobozou)

ENUMERATOR AND SUPERVISOR TRAINING FOR CENSUS OF INDIA 2027 BEGINS IN KOHIMA DISTRICT

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:18:05 +0000

ENUMERATOR AND SUPERVISOR TRAINING FOR CENSUS OF INDIA 2027 BEGINS IN KOHIMA DISTRICT

admin June 09 2026

Training for Enumerators and Supervisors under Phase-I of the Census of India 2027 commenced across Kohima district on June 9 and will continue till June 11, 2026.
The three-day programme covers census concepts and legal provisions, ground-truthing of House Listing Block boundaries, preparation of layout maps, and the use of the House Listing Operation (HLO) Mobile App. Participants are also being trained in data collection, verification, self-enumeration procedures, and data security measures.
Practical sessions include mobile app-based data entry, error detection, household approaches, handling refusals, and communication protocols. The training will conclude with role-play exercises, a Seva Bhaav Pledge, and distribution of kits to the participants.
The training is being conducted in four batches covering various charge clusters.
At DIET Chiechama, 43 trainees from Chiephobozou Rural, Chiephobozou Town and Botsa charge clusters are undergoing training under field trainers, Alemsongla Jamir and M. Ruthla Sangtam.
The second batch, comprising 47 trainees from Sechü- Zubza, Jakhama and Kezocha charge clusters, is being held at the DPDB Hall under the guidance of Anisha Himb and Ketoriavi Sakhrie.
EAC Kezocha, Zerutso Kesiezie urged participants to take their responsibilities seriously, emphasizing that the quality of their work would directly impact the accuracy of data used by the government for planning and policymaking.
He encouraged the trainees to consider their participation in the census operation as a privilege and an opportunity to contribute to a nationally important exercise.
At the DC's Conference Hall, 49 trainees from Kohima Sadar (Rural) and Kohima Sadar (Statutory Town) are being trained by Dr. Keduolhoulie Belho, and Dr. Medongulie Tsiekhanuo.
Addressing the participants, EAC Kohima, Khriethozo Pfükri, described the census as a constitutional exercise of national importance conducted under the Census Act, 1948. He noted that the census, originally scheduled for 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will now be conducted in two phases.
Pfükri informed that House Listing Operations will take place from July 1 to 31, 2026, while Population Enumeration is scheduled for February 2027. He also highlighted that the 2027 Census will be India's first fully digital census.
Acknowledging that census duties would be carried out alongside regular official responsibilities, he urged participants to cooperate and actively engage in the training programme. He further reminded enumerators and supervisors of their legal responsibilities under the Census Act and called for accuracy, dedication and teamwork to ensure the successful conduct of the exercise.
Involving 50 trainees from Kohima Sadar (Statutory Town), is being conducted at the DRDA Hall under field trainers, Thejakielie Meyase and Savilie Yhor.
Alemyapang Longchar, CEO, KMC and City Census Officer, stressed the importance of the three-day training programme and urged the participants to make full use of it. He said supervisors would play a key role in guiding enumerators and ensuring that the Census is conducted effectively.
Referring to the Census schedule, he informed that during the first two days of the exercise, enumerators would identify and demarcate their respective blocks, prepare layout maps and verify field details. He urged supervisors to maintain close coordination with the enumerators and provide necessary support throughout the process.
Noting that the Census would be conducted through a paperless and digital platform, he said technical and operational challenges may arise and called upon the participants to be prepared to address them. He stressed that no person should be left out of the Census and urged supervisors to closely monitor the work and progress of the enumerators.

(DPRO Kohima & Molungnenla, IA Kohima)

CHIEF MINISTER DR. NEIPHIU RIO INAUGURATES FOOD PROCESSING INCUBATION CENTRE AT TOLUVI, LAUNCHES THREE PROJECTS VIRTUALLY

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:16:12 +0000

CHIEF MINISTER DR. NEIPHIU RIO INAUGURATES FOOD PROCESSING INCUBATION CENTRE AT TOLUVI, LAUNCHES THREE PROJECTS VIRTUALLY

admin June 08 2026

Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the Incubation Centre for Food Processing at the State Industrial Area, Toluvi, Dimapur on June 8, 2026, during a programme organised by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland. He also virtually inaugurated three projects under the department on the occasion.
In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio stressed on the importance of strengthening the agriculture and allied sectors, noting that nearly 70 per cent of Nagaland's population depended on farming for their livelihood.
The Chief Minister stated that small-scale industries and food processing units were among the most viable avenues for industrial development in Nagaland. Referring to the facilities inaugurated on the occasion, he said such initiatives would play a significant role in creating employment opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurship and reducing dependence on imported goods. He observed that Nagaland remained largely a consumer state, with most commodities and products imported from outside. However, he expressed confidence that initiatives such as food processing and incubation centres would help the state gradually become more self-reliant by promoting local production and value-added products.
Dr. Rio stated that the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, funded by the Government of India, was aimed at strengthening infrastructure and supporting economic development. He said the projects inaugurated under the scheme would empower local entrepreneurs, create market linkages and facilitate the processing of local produce into marketable products.
Emphasising the need for proper management of the facilities, he called for maintaining quality standards, ensuring regular upkeep of the units and utilising the infrastructure effectively for the benefit of farmers and producers. He added that reducing the role of intermediaries would help ensure that greater benefits reached farmers directly.
   The Chief Minister also urged the youth to take advantage of the opportunities provided through such facilities and government initiatives, including the Chief Minister's Micro Finance Scheme. He noted that despite high levels of unemployment among educated youth, participation in job fairs remained low, with only a small number securing employment. This, he said, highlighted the need for greater focus on skill development, vocational training and entrepreneurship.
   Calling for a change in mindset, Dr. Rio encouraged young people to look beyond government jobs and explore opportunities in self-employment, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the private sector. He expressed confidence in the ability of Naga youth to compete and succeed in an increasingly competitive global environment. Despite financial constraints faced by the state, Dr. Rio assured that similar processing and incubation facilities would be established in other districts in the future. He said the government remained committed to expanding such infrastructure to promote inclusive economic development across Nagaland.
   The Chief Minister called upon all stakeholders to work together and make optimal use of the state's resources by combining traditional wisdom with youthful energy. He stressed the need to focus on economic development at the individual, family and community levels and urged citizens to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the goal of a developed India.
   During the programme, Dr. Rio virtually inaugurated the Incubation Centre for Entrepreneurs and Infrastructure Development at the Industrial Growth Centre, Ganeshnagar, Chumoukedima; the Incubation Centre for Food Processing at Tuensang; and the Modern Aggregation Centre at Longnak, Mokokchung. These projects were constructed under SASCI V (2024-25) and PM Gati Shakti scheme.
Advisor for SCERT and Food Processing, Achumbemo Kikon, in his speech, commended the Department of Industries & Commerce for completing the expansion project. Highlighting the department's roadmap, Kikon outlined the "Six P's" vision for the Food Processing Department—Production, Processing, Preservation, Packaging, Pricing and Patenting. He said the department would pursue these priorities in a mission mode to strengthen the food processing ecosystem and enhance value addition across the state.
Emphasising the importance of food processing in every region, he said the sector has immense potential to generate employment, improve farmers' income and promote sustainable economic growth. He called for the cooperation and active participation of village communities in building a self-reliant economy and reviving a culture of self-sufficiency.
Sharing the department’s vision, Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu stated that the department envisions replicating the food processing model in all districts of the state, with each district developing facilities based on its unique resources, agricultural strengths and local produce. She said the objective was not merely to install machinery, but to establish functional food processing ecosystems that would improve farmers' income, generate employment opportunities, create profitable enterprises and strengthen local economies.
   Jakhalu said food processing should be viewed as a complete value chain linking farms, processing units and markets. She noted that the department's focus was on creating a sustainable ecosystem that would enable local produce to be processed, packaged and marketed effectively.
   Drawing lessons from past experiences, she observed that infrastructure alone could not guarantee industrial success. Sustainable growth, she said, required several supporting components, including a reliable supply of raw materials from farmers, a trained workforce to operate and manage facilities, adequate working capital for procurement and daily operations, proper packaging and branding to ensure quality and marketability, and strong market linkages connecting producers to buyers and retailers.
   She expressed confidence that with coordinated efforts from the government, farming communities, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, the food processing sector could emerge as a key driver of economic development, employment generation and rural prosperity in the state.
   Earlier, Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, delivered the welcome address, while the programme was chaired by Director of Industries & Commerce, P. Tokugha Sema.

(Samuel, IA Chumoukedima)

NAGALAND UNIVERSITY POULTRY TRAINING EQUIPS ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL PRODUCTION

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:35:47 +0000

NAGALAND UNIVERSITY POULTRY TRAINING EQUIPS ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL PRODUCTION

admin June 08 2026

As Nagaland continues to depend heavily on imported poultry products despite growing local demand, Nagaland University has taken a step towards strengthening the state's production capacity by training aspiring poultry farmers and entrepreneurs in modern poultry production practices through a five day hands on training on Poultry Production Technology, organised by the Farmers’ Cell of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, which began on 1st June 2026 and concluded on 5th June 2026.

Speaking at the valedictory programme, Dr. Mary N. Odyuo, Associate Professor and In-charge of the Farmers' Cell said, “The five-day Hands-on Training on Poultry Production Technology was organised to equip farmers, youth, and aspiring entrepreneurs with scientific knowledge and practical skills in poultry production, enabling them to pursue poultry farming as a sustainable livelihood and enterprise in Nagaland.”

She noted that despite the growing demand for poultry products in Nagaland, farmers and entrepreneurs often face challenges such as limited access to technical knowledge, disease management practices, inadequate housing and feeding systems and lack of exposure to modern poultry production technologies and so the training sought to bridge these gaps.

Prof. Catherine Rutsa, Head, Department of Livestock Production and Management stressed on the importance of conducting skill development and capacity-building programmes for youth, particularly in the livestock and poultry sectors. Expressing hope on the five-day training programme, she said, “This program has equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills, noting their enthusiasm and proactive engagement throughout the sessions. Of the 12 participants, some were already involved in poultry farming, and the others would venture into the sector and apply the knowledge gained during the training.”

Congratulating the Farmers’ Cell for organising the training programme, Prof. Dipak Sinha, Pro Vice-Chancellor, NU Medziphema Campus said, “Nagaland has a high demand for meat and animal base products, but the state still heavily depends on import from others. Such training initiatives could play a crucial role in enhancing local production and strengthening self-sufficiency in the livestock sector. Future training programmes should be designed separately for experienced farmers and beginners to better address their specific needs.” Prof. Sinha suggest including financial institutions in such programmes to create awareness about credit facilities and loan schemes available to aspiring entrepreneurs and proposed the establishment of a community radio platform or similar communication mechanism through which experts could directly engage with farmers, address their queries, and disseminate timely information to support agricultural and livestock development.

Participants during the valedictory programme shared their experiences on the value of hands-on learning in understanding modern poultry management practices. They described it to be a good learning experience and increased their knowledge on the current practices in poultry farming. Many expressed a desire to use the techniques they learned, share the knowledge with others in their communities and explore poultry farming as a means of making a living and starting a business.

The five-day Hands-on Training on Poultry Production Technology was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Production and Management, bringing together 12 participants from different parts of the State for intensive practical sessions on poultry housing, brooding and chick management, feeding practices, disease prevention, vaccination, record keeping, and enterprise management.

(DIPR)

TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR CENSUS 2027 ENUMERATORS AND SUPERVISORS UNDERWAY AT SHAMATOR

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:34:45 +0000

TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR CENSUS 2027 ENUMERATORS AND SUPERVISORS UNDERWAY AT SHAMATOR

admin June 08 2026

A six-day intensive training programme for Census 2027 for the enumerators and supervisors commenced at the Shamator District Headquarters on 8th June 2026. The training, which will conclude on June 13, aims to equip the field workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge for the upcoming national census.

Deputy Commissioner of Shamator, Arikumba, NCS, in his inaugural address, emphasized the critical importance of accurate data collection, noting that the census forms the bedrock for future developmental planning and policy-making.

A total of 165 trainees, comprising 25 supervisors and 140 enumerators are participating in the week-long training.

(L. Shahoto Yimchunger, IA Shamator)

TUENSANG DPDB MEETING HELD

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:32:48 +0000

TUENSANG DPDB MEETING HELD

admin June 08 2026

The monthly meeting of the District Planning & Development Board, Tuensang was held on 8th June 2026 at DC’s Conference Hall, Tuensang under the Chairmanship of Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman DPDB, Tuensang.

After reviewing the last month's meeting minutes, the board discussed and recommended for registration of the Society of Leap of Faith Foundation and Mt. Sinai Development Society Tuensang. The chairman also requested the Department to segregate the office waste and minimum uses of plastic in the office. While H. Berimong, ADC, Tuensang also informed the members that under Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, segregate of household waste are divided into Wet Waste, Dry Waste, Sanitary Waste and Special Care Waste which is to be segregated at home before the Collection Point.

Er. Chingting, EE PHED highlights the departmental activities on Jal Jeevan Mission and Swatch Bharat Mission implemented in the District through PowerPoint presentation. SDPO, DEF Tuensang, Dr. Akash Sinha, IPS gave a detailed presentation on Cyber Safety and Security. He informed about the rise of Cyber Crime in the district such as financial fraud and Social Media Crime. He state that Financial Fraud includes - Ponzi scheme, online exchange, lottery scheme, crypto currency, hacking and digital arrest, while the Social Media Crime includes - cyber bullying, defamation, impersonation, cyber sexual Harassment, fake news, circulation of obscene material, sex oration, and cyber grooming.

Saku Chingmak, SDO (C), Alem Yanger, DAO and Lipichem, DPO Land Resource, Tuensang were introduced to the board.

(IA Tuensang)

WORLD FOOD SAFETY DAY 2026 OBSERVED IN DIMAPUR

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:31:40 +0000

WORLD FOOD SAFETY DAY 2026 OBSERVED IN DIMAPUR

admin June 08 2026

The 8^th World Food Safety Day 2026 was observed at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on June 8 under the theme, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.” The programme was organised by the Food Safety Wing under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Eat Right India.

S. Tainiu, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, attended the programme as the special guest and delivered the keynote address highlighted the significance of World Food Safety Day in raising awareness about the importance of safe food and the collective responsibility of ensuring food safety from production to consumption. She stated that food is essential for sustaining life, nourishing the body, and enabling individuals to function effectively in their daily activities. However, unsafe and contaminated food can lead to serious health consequences, including food-borne diseases, hospitalisation, and even death.

Referring to global estimates, she noted that millions of people fall ill every year due to contaminated food, with children under the age of five among the most vulnerable groups. She said food safety is not only a health issue but also a social and economic concern, as food-borne illnesses place a heavy burden on families, communities, healthcare systems, and businesses.

Tainiu stressed that hotel owners, food handlers, and hospitality establishments have a crucial role in maintaining food safety standards. She emphasized the need for proper hygiene and sanitation in kitchens and dining areas, regular training of food handlers, safe sourcing of food products, correct storage practices, and adherence to food safety regulations.

She further called for greater awareness regarding food allergens, urging food establishments to clearly identify allergen-containing foods and train staff to respond appropriately to customers with dietary restrictions and allergy concerns. She also stressed the importance of having emergency response mechanisms in place to address food complaints, suspected food poisoning incidents, and product recalls promptly and effectively.

She urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, food business operators, hoteliers, and consumers, to work together in promoting a culture of food safety. She stated that ensuring safe food is a shared responsibility and that commitment to food safety contributes to better public health outcomes, consumer confidence, and the sustainable growth of the hospitality and food service sectors. She encouraged participants to become advocates of food safety and to apply safe food practices in their homes, workplaces.

A presentation on the theme, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” was delivered by Dr. John Kemp, State Programme Officer & Food Safety (DHFW). He stated that food safety is a shared responsibility involving everyone in the food chain—from producers and transporters to retailers, food inspectors, cooks, and consumers. He noted that data and scientific evidence play a crucial role in identifying food safety risks and developing effective solutions to reduce foodborne diseases. Dr. Kemp also stressed the need for strengthening food safety surveillance systems, promoting science-based decision-making, improving traceability across the food supply chain, and enhancing public awareness to ensure safe and nutritious food for all. He urged all stakeholders to work together in adopting safe food practices and building a healthier society.

Vikie Nagi, Secretary Finance, Nagaland Hotel & Restaurant Association, in his short speech, said that food safety is the invisible backbone of the tourism and hospitality industry, and that the hotel industry plays a vital role in public health by serving millions of meals daily. He noted that the theme of World Food Safety Day 2026, “Food Safety, Everyone’s Business,” highlights the collective responsibility of all stakeholders involved in the food chain—from production and processing to transportation, storage, preparation, serving and consumption. He emphasized that every department in a hotel has a role to play in ensuring food safety and maintaining guests’ trust. Nagi further assured the Nagaland Hotel and Restaurant Association’s long-term cooperation with the Health & Family Welfare Department in promoting safe food practices and improving public health.

After the formal programme, a hands-on training session was conducted for hoteliers and stakeholders. Food Technicians provided practical demonstrations and awareness on clean hands, food adulteration, and food contamination. Speaking on the theme “Safe Food Begins with Clean Hands,” they emphasized the importance of proper hand hygiene and safe food-handling practices in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring food safety.

The programme was chaired by PelerienoKehie, Designated Officer, Dimapur Zone, while the invocation was offered by Zuthungbemo K. Ngullie, Food Technician. The vote of thanks was proposed by KhrukutoluVeswuh, Deputy Director (Food Analyst), State Public Health Laboratory, Nagaland.

(I.Tiakumla Ao, IA Dimapur)

TR ZELIANG INAUGURATES DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE AT PEREN

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:27:31 +0000

TR ZELIANG INAUGURATES DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE AT PEREN

admin June 08 2026

The District Planning Office, Peren was inaugurated on 8th June 2026, with Deputy Chief Minister, Planning & Transformation and National Highways, T.R. Zeliang, as the special guest.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Zeliang described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the district’s development journey and a step towards strengthening governance and public service delivery. He stated that the establishment of the District Planning Office was long overdue and highlighted the importance of creating adequate administrative infrastructure in the extended model township.

He noted that developmental activities and infrastructure creation in the district have gained momentum in recent years, with roads, government buildings and other essential facilities gradually taking shape. Expressing confidence that the new office would play a crucial role in planning, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating developmental programmes, he emphasised the need for effective planning and judicious utilisation of resources to ensure equitable development.

The Deputy Chief Minister urged departments, engineers, contractors and implementing agencies to closely monitor projects and ensure strict adherence to approved DPRs, specifications, quality standards and timelines. He also called upon government officials and staff posted in the district to utilise the residential quarters and facilities provided by the government, stressing that their presence would contribute towards transforming the extended model township and New DC Headquarters into a vibrant administrative centre.

Highlighting the vision behind the New DC Headquarters, he said the objective was not merely to construct government buildings but to develop a thriving township that would serve as a hub of administration and public services. He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders in realising this vision and congratulated all those involved in the completion of the office building.

Deputy Commissioner, Peren, Hiazu Meru, thanked the Planning & Transformation Department for constructing the District Planning Office and congratulated the District Planning Officer and staff on the inauguration of the new office. He underscored the importance of the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) in addressing developmental issues through coordinated efforts among departments.

Highlighting various developmental initiatives undertaken in the district, including the promotion of agricultural products under the ‘Green Peren’ brand, Meru stressed the need to strengthen economic activities, particularly in the agriculture and allied sectors. He also called for enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the impact of African Swine Fever on farmers.

He also stated that the New District Headquarters is being developed as a model district headquarters in accordance with its master plan and acknowledged the contribution of Deputy Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang towards infrastructure development. He further called for continued cooperation among all departments to accelerate the district’s growth and wished the DPO and staff success in effectively utilising the new office infrastructure.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Deputy Dev. Commissioner, Peren, Heinswading. The dedicatory prayer was offered by Pastor, District Headquarters Fellowship, Peren, Nlumbui Hengame, while E.E. (Planning), Er. Haulimchoba Chang, presented the technical report and District Planning Officer, Peren, Danyi Domeh, delivered the vote of thanks.

(DPRO & Mamang, IA, Peren)