KOHIMA, June 17; Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, chaired a high-level review meeting in Wokha, Nagaland, on Tuesday to assess the progress of science and technology initiatives across the Northeastern region. The meeting brought together representatives from central science and tech institutes and departments of the Nagaland government.
During the session, Dr. Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to extending scientific advancement beyond metropolitan centers to remote and peripheral regions like the Northeast, which he described as rich in biodiversity and untapped innovation potential. He stressed that science and technology should be tools of empowerment, fostering development in agriculture, tourism, and even creative sectors like film production.
Highlighting Wokha’s success under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme with banana cultivation, Dr. Singh said, “Wokha has demonstrated how local strengths can gain national recognition. This model can be scaled for larger economic gains and serve as an example for other districts.”
He also announced the launch of a 15-day nationwide saturation campaign aimed at ensuring widespread coverage of flagship government schemes, focusing on inclusion and grassroots impact.
Reflecting on changing times, Dr. Singh noted the increasing presence of youth from Nagaland and Manipur in industries like aviation and hospitality. He recalled the tragic air crash in Ahmedabad, which involved two young girls from Manipur, as a poignant symbol of how far the region has progressed in mainstream participation.
Dr. Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sustained focus on the Northeast, revealing that the PM has visited the region more than 70 times since 2014. “These visits are not just symbolic — they represent a conscious effort to break physical and mental barriers that once kept the region isolated,” he said.
Encouraging greater participation of women and youth in leadership, entrepreneurship, and science, Dr. Singh said, “In the Northeast, women already lead in households and local economies. It’s time to scale that leadership into self-help groups and innovation-driven enterprises.”
He concluded by stating that the Northeast will be a key driver in India’s journey toward becoming one of the top three global economies, aligning with the national vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
