Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Social Justice & Empowerment, B. L. Verma, was on a two-day visit to Nagaland, reviewed the ongoing infrastructure projects and the implementation of various government welfare schemes in Chumoukedima district on 21st January 2026.
The Minister was accompanied by Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, K. T. Sukhalu, Deputy Commissioner Chumoukedima, Polan John and senior officials from various departments.
During the visit, Verma inspected the construction site of the Unity Mall at Chümoukedima and reviewed the progress of the project. Interacting with contractors and officials, he stressed the importance of maintaining quality standards and ensuring timely completion of works. He also visited the Anganwadi Centre at Diphuphar, the Centre for Disease Control, and the Cancer Treatment Centre at the Referral Hospital, Chumoukedima to assess infrastructure, manpower and service delivery.
The Union Minister further inspected a Fair Price Shop in Chumoukedima, where he interacted with beneficiaries and officials, reiterating the Central Government’s commitment to strengthening the public distribution system and ensuring transparency and accountability in service delivery.
Later, Verma chaired a review meeting on the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Addressing the meeting, he reaffirmed the Government of India’s strong commitment to the development of the Northeastern region, stating that the region has received unprecedented focus under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of the Northeast as “Ashta Lakshmi”, he emphasised that the development of the region is vital for the country’s overall economic growth and progress.
Highlighting improvements in road, air and railway connectivity, the Minister said enhanced connectivity has significantly reduced isolation and opened new avenues for trade, tourism and employment in the region. He expressed satisfaction over the implementation of flagship schemes such as PM-DevINE and initiatives of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), and directed the officials to strictly adhere to the guidelines to ensure that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries in a time-bound manner.
Appreciating the efforts of the district administration led by the Deputy Commissioner, Verma called for coordinated teamwork to develop the newly created Chümoukedima district into a model of good governance. He further directed the departments to expedite delayed construction works and ensure efficient utilisation of central and state funds.
During the meeting, detailed PowerPoint presentations were made by the department of Medical, Rural Development, Social Welfare, Food and Civil Supplies, PHED, Land Resources, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sericulture, Water Resources, PWD (NH), PWD (Roads and Bridges), Horticulture, Power, Tourism, Agriculture, Urban Development and Transport, highlighting progress under various Central schemes.
Addressing the media during a press briefing, the Union Minister said that the Centre remains fully committed to strengthening infrastructure and improving the quality of public service delivery in Nagaland. He stressed that regular monitoring, transparency and people-centric governance are key to achieving inclusive development. Verma also urged officials to proactively address public grievances and ensure that benefits from welfare schemes effectively reach at the grassroots level.
He concluded by reiterating that inclusive growth and balanced regional development remain central to the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India, with special emphasis on empowering the people of the Northeast.
(Limatoshi, Samuel, IA Chumoukedima)
