The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Wokha convened its September 2026 meeting at the DC’s Conference Hall on 10th September 2026 under the chairmanship of Advisor and DPDB Chairman Mhathung Yanthan, with Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman, K. Mhathung Tsanglao co‑chairing the proceedings.
The session began with an address by Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, Limawapang Jamir (IAS), highlighting on the upcoming Reform Utsav. He sought active interventions and support from all line departments and tribal bodies including the Lotha Hoho, Women Hoho (Eloe), and councillors to ensure its successful implementation.
A comprehensive presentation by the Joint Secretary of the department outlined the objectives, aims, and directives of Reform Utsav, which is scheduled to be implemented from October to December 2026. Reform Utsav, a nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is designed to strengthen social welfare delivery systems, promote inclusivity, and ensure effective outreach to marginalized communities. It emphasizes convergence of departmental efforts, grassroots participation, and awareness campaigns to achieve sustainable reforms in welfare schemes.
The Deputy Commissioner assured full cooperation across the district and subdivisions, while the Secretary urged elected members to contribute their suggestions in policy formation. The meeting also deliberated on the creation of a District Sports Fund to support various disciplines, provide financial assistance, and encourage participation of athletes from Wokha in State level events.
Another highlight was the launching of a toll‑free wildlife helpline 1800‑202‑0878 by Divisional Forest Officer, Suman Shivashankar. This will serve as a dedicated control room network to respond to emergencies such as elephants entering villages, damage to crops, livestock or property, injured wildlife, and compensation queries.
The initiative is sponsored under the Forest & Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project by the Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Nagaland. Further presentations were made by the Land Resources Department, which highlighted ongoing schemes and projects. The Principal of Mount Tiyi College Wokha, shared the institution’s historical background, academic programmes, enrollment figures, performance records, and the proposal to introduce a Science stream at the undergraduate level.
District Programme Officer of DAPCU, Lichumo Odyuo, also presented the current status of HIV/AIDS and infection rates in Wokha district. As part of the institutional visit, the DPDB Chairman and members toured Fernbrook School, Wokha, interacting with faculty and students while reviewing the school’s progress and challenges.
(DPRO and IA, Wokha)
