Key Takeaways
- AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling inaugurated in Dimapur
- Rs 3,577 crore allocated for 340 projects across Nagaland
- State capital expenditure tripled under SASCI scheme
- Major infrastructure improvements in roads, power, and sports facilities
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Nagaland on Saturday, marking a significant step toward boosting technical education and innovation in the northeastern state.
AI Centre and Infrastructure Projects Launched
During her three-day visit, Sitharaman inaugurated the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC) in Dimapur. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton.
The minister witnessed the exchange of MoUs between Cyient Tech and NTTC, with officials stating the center will enhance skill development using Artificial Intelligence.
Under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, she launched two additional projects: a Pre-Fab Multipurpose Hall in Phek district and a guest house for administrative officers in Zunheboto town.
Major Infrastructure Development
The Nagaland government has utilized Rs 3,577 crore for 340 projects across 17 districts under the SASCI scheme for 2020-25. Sector coverage expanded from three in 2020-21 to nine in 2024-25, reflecting diversified capital expenditure.
State capital expenditure tripled from Rs 1,677 crore in 2020–21 to Rs 4,593 crore in 2024-25 due to central support.
Completed Projects Include:
- 1,733 km of roads and bridges upgraded across 17 districts
- 15 MW solar power plants at Hovukhu, Zhadima, and Ganeshnagar
- 1 MW hydro project at Ponglefo
- 20,000+ smart meters being installed
- 29 sports infrastructure projects including stadiums
- 222 km of agri-link roads connecting rural markets
High-Level Review Meeting
The SASCI review meeting in Dimapur was attended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Ministers T.R. Zeliang and Yanthungo Patton. Chief Minister Rio hosted a state dinner for Sitharaman on Friday evening.
Financial Inclusion Progress
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen noted Sitharaman’s third visit to Nagaland, including her trip to remote Kiphire district, demonstrated her commitment to the state’s development.
Imchen highlighted significant financial inclusion progress: unbanked blocks reduced from 27 to 18 since her 2022 visit. The Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative has become one of the state’s most impactful programs, providing affordable credit to farmers, entrepreneurs and women-led Self-Help Groups.
The Chief Secretary requested extending the SASCI scheme’s one-year implementation timeframe to accommodate projects with longer gestation periods.
