KOHIMA, Nov 15: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the Northeast has been given “top priority” by the Central government, especially in areas such as infrastructure development, investments, skill enhancement and digital expansion. Addressing students and young professionals at the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) in Kohima, she highlighted the region’s growing role in national policy and its potential in strengthening India’s outreach to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy.
Responding to queries on innovation, trade, women’s economic empowerment and digital inclusion, Sitharaman noted that the Northeast is now benefiting from improved connectivity, modernized highways, upgraded airports and rapidly expanding digital infrastructure. “Capacities have been ramped up, and digital capabilities are catching up very fast,” she said, adding that the region is witnessing significant transformation after years of infrastructural challenges.
Sitharaman also reviewed various Central schemes and welfare initiatives in the Aspirational district of Kiphire during her ongoing three-day visit to Nagaland. She interacted with Anganwadi workers, helpers and children at Anganwadi Centre ‘A’, where she handed over a cheque extended by the SBI under its CSR support. The Finance Minister, accompanied by Nagaland ministers Temjen Imna Along and Bashangmongba Chang, later visited the district hospital and distributed medical equipment, including blood bank machinery worth ₹5.81 lakh, hospital equipment worth ₹59 lakh, and five bike ambulances for primary health centres.
Emphasizing that each of her visits aims to bring tangible benefits to the State, Sitharaman said she ensures substantial CSR projects are directed to Nagaland to bridge developmental gaps. She concluded the visit by flagging off the bike ambulances, expressing gratitude to SBI for supporting critical healthcare needs in the district.
