Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Government of India, Kamlesh Paswan was on an official visit to Nagaland from 23rd to 24th January 2026, to review the implementation of key rural development schemes across the State. He was accompanied by Swapnil S. Patil, IRS, Private Secretary, and Vinay Kumar, Personal Assistant.
During the visit, the Union Minister held a comprehensive review meeting with district officials at Dimapur, where he interacted with beneficiaries of various rural development schemes. Addressing the gathering, Paswan emphasized the importance of effective implementation of Central Government programmes at the grassroots level to ensure inclusive growth and improved livelihoods in rural areas. He stressed that the success of rural development initiatives depends on transparency, timely execution, and active participation of local stakeholders, urging officials to work with dedication so that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries, particularly the poor and marginalized sections of the society.
The review highlighted notable progress under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in Dimapur district, especially in strengthening women-led livelihood initiatives and financial inclusion. Under the mission, 13,409 women have been mobilized into 1,665 Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the district. An amount of ₹3,985.72 lakh has been provided as capitalization support to facilitate access to institutional credit and promote income-generating activities.
The district has also developed 1,006 Community Resource Persons, ensuring effective last-mile delivery of livelihood and financial services. Under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, 425 women in Dimapur have achieved Lakhpati status, earning an annual income ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh through farm and non-farm livelihood activities.
At the State level, under the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), significant progress has been recorded under the Lakhpati Didi Initiative. Against a target of 30,000 Lakhpati Didis, the State Mission has identified over 33,000 SHG members as potential Lakhpati Didis. Of these, 5,483 women have been nurtured and strengthened into Lakhpatis, achieving annual incomes ranging between ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh till date. The majority of income has been generated through farm-based livelihood activities, with animal husbandry emerging as a key contributor. The DAY-NRLM and Lakhpati Didi initiatives continue to play a pivotal role in empowering rural women, promoting entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods, and economic self-reliance, thereby contributing significantly to rural transformation in Nagaland.
The review meeting was attended by Thavaseelan K., IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Rural Development Department, Nagaland; Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur; Polan John, Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima and M. Mongna Konyak, Director, Rural Development Department, along with other senior officials.
(Limatoshi, IA, Chumukidema)
