Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh interacts with leaders and representatives of different civil society groups during a public outreach programme at Wokha, Nagaland on Monday

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh interacts with leaders and representatives of different civil society groups during a public outreach programme at Wokha, Nagaland on Monday

 In a key outreach effort aimed at deepening engagement with the Northeastern states, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday visited Wokha district of Nagaland, where he held wide-ranging interactions with tribal and local representatives.

During the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds charge of multiple portfolios including Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy, PMO and Space, emphasized the Modi Government’s commitment to inclusive development and the integration of tribal communities in the national growth narrative. The dialogue saw participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from tribal bodies, village councils, and local republic forums.

The Minister stated that the government’s outreach to the Northeast was not symbolic but structural in intent, backed by concrete schemes, infrastructure investments, and long-term planning. He noted that over the past decade, the region had witnessed an uptick in central support, ranging from road and rail connectivity to scientific and technological interventions aimed at rural livelihoods and sustainability.

“Prime Minister Modi has given special focus to the Northeast, treating it not as a periphery but as a growth engine. Every visit here is about listening, understanding and responding to local aspirations,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said during the interaction.

District Magistrate Vaneet Kumar and senior officials from the state administration were present at the engagements, facilitating discussions that covered grassroots governance challenges, youth employment opportunities, and the potential for scientific outreach in tribal areas. Community leaders welcomed the Minister’s visit, citing it as an opportunity to directly convey local concerns and aspirations.

The visit is part of the Centre’s broader push to maintain continuous dialogue with tribal and remote communities, particularly in states like Nagaland that have long cultural traditions and unique administrative systems. Dr. Jitendra Singh assured the attendees that their inputs would be taken into account while framing future development initiatives under relevant central ministries.

The Minister’s trip to Wokha comes at a time when the government is stepping up efforts to ensure last-mile delivery of services and schemes across the Northeast. With more such engagements planned, the Centre hopes to reinforce a governance model that is participatory, regionally sensitive, and aligned with the principles of cooperative federalism.