Metsubo Jamir said in Nagaland, 21 out of 76 Blocks remain unbanked, and some districts have only one banking facility. He pointed out that Kiphire, an “aspirational district,” has only two banks—the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NSCB).
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland’s Minister for Rural Development (RD) and State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) Metsubo Jamir on Wednesday highlighted the state’s infrastructural deficiencies, limited resource base, and lack of technical expertise as major hindrances to development in Nagaland and the Northeast region. He noted that these challenges have significantly slowed progress, particularly in rural areas.
Speaking as the guest of honour at the regional workshop on public health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) under the “A NeVolution Initiative” at Niathu Resort, Chumoukedima, Nagaland, Jamir emphasized that the state lags behind more developed regions due to these persistent issues. The workshop was attended by delegates from all eight Northeastern states, including Sikkim.
Jamir cited the example of the PFMS (Public Financial Management System) regime, where Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is now mandatory for wage payments and subsidy benefits. However, in Nagaland, 21 out of 76 Blocks remain unbanked, and some districts have only one banking facility. He pointed out that Kiphire, an “aspirational district,” has only two banks—the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NSCB).
He acknowledged that while Nagaland cannot directly compare itself to more developed states, a major thrust should be given to rural development. This would not only bridge the development gap but also create employment opportunities for educated but unemployed youth, discouraging migration to urban areas and reducing the risk of insurgency recruitment.
Jamir highlighted that decentralized planning in Nagaland was first adopted three decades ago, integrating traditional village institutions. The Village Development Boards (VDBs), which play a crucial role in implementing rural development programs, have proven their effectiveness as grassroots governance mechanisms.
However, he pointed out that financial constraints have led to irregular and inadequate state matching funds, attracting penalties and deductions from central allocations. He urged for a more flexible approach for Northeastern states, emphasizing that rural development projects primarily commence during non-monsoon months, from October to March, when farming activities are minimal.
He further explained that Nagaland is exempt from the 73rd Constitutional Amendment due to the presence of traditional self-governing institutions like Village Councils and VDBs. He argued that this unique governance structure necessitates a distinct set of development parameters for the state and the region.
Public Health and WASH Initiatives
Delivering his keynote address, Nagaland’s Minister for Public Health Engineering and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, provided an update on the state’s WASH initiatives. He stated that out of 3,63,829 rural households, 3,37,498 (92.76%) have been provided with Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC). The remaining 26,331 households are expected to receive water supply by March 2025.
He also noted that 643 villages (62.25%) have been certified under the Har Ghar Jal program, with certification for the remaining villages underway. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is being implemented in convergence with the Rural Development Department under the 15th Finance Commission (15FC) Tied Grant award, with all funds managed by the RD department.
Looking ahead, the state aims to implement Solid Waste Management in 549 villages, Grey Water Management in 518 villages, Plastic Waste Management Units in 16 Blocks, and Faecal Sludge Management systems in six Blocks by 2025-26. The proposed Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2025-26 includes a budget of Rs. 5566.27 lakh for the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBMG), Rs. 3581.866 lakh for FFC Tied Grants, and Rs. 5111.40 lakh for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The AIP has been submitted to the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Workshop Highlights
Commissioner and Secretary of RD, Nagaland, Thavaseelan K, delivered the welcome address and moderated the first technical session on “Swachh North East: Sanitation, Solid & Liquid Waste Management.” Yugal Joshi, Program Director at NITI Aayog, discussed the need for accelerating public health outcomes in aspirational districts and blocks.
Prior to the workshop, Ministers Zhimomi and Jamir inaugurated exhibition stalls set up by delegates from the eight Northeastern states, including Sikkim, which attracted significant interest from participants and visitors.