Scindia Joins Hornbill Festival Ritual, Unveils ₹645-Crore Boost for Northeast Development

Union Minister Scindia Joins Naga Stone-Pulling Ritual, Unveils ₹645-Crore Development Package for Nagaland

Union Minister for Communications and DoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia marked a significant day in Nagaland on Thursday as he took part in the traditional Naga stone-pulling ceremony at Tuophema Village during the Hornbill Festival and announced a major development package for the state. The visit included the inauguration of completed projects worth over ₹202 crore and the launch of new initiatives totalling ₹443 crore, pushing overall investment beyond ₹645 crore.

Participates in Iconic Stone-Pulling Ceremony

Wearing traditional Angami attire, Scindia joined local community members in the culturally significant stone-pulling ritual, symbolising unity and collective strength among the Angami people.

“This tradition is not merely a display of physical strength but a living reminder of how heritage binds communities together. Standing here among the people of Tuophema, I felt the deep wisdom of a society that safeguards its roots while embracing progress,” he said.

₹202 Crore Projects Inaugurated

As part of the Centre’s focus on strengthening connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast, Scindia inaugurated five key projects:

• 132 kV Sub-Station Upgrade, Nagarjan, Dimapur – ₹24.46 crore

• Teachers’ Training & Exam Centre with Residential Facilities – ₹20 crore

• ICT Infrastructure in 190 Schools – ₹18.95 crore

• Chendang Saddle–Kohima Road (Phase-II, 12.57 km) – ₹45.59 crore

• AT Road Upgrade, Tssurang to Impur (26.335 km with 3 bridges) – ₹93.98 crore

Foundation Stones Laid for 10 New Projects Worth ₹443 Crore

The Minister also laid foundation stones for a range of new initiatives across health, sports, innovation, energy, and road connectivity. Key projects include:

• Multispeciality Hospital, Chümoukedima (PM-DevINE) – ₹58.7 crore

• 50-Bed Hospital, Peren HQ (PM-DevINE) – ₹44.6 crore

• Kohima Sports Centre, IG Stadium (PM-DevINE) – ₹72.6 crore

• Nagaland Innovation Hub – ₹19.6 crore

• 11.5 MW Dzuza Small Hydro Project – ₹22.8 crore

• New DLC Complex, Peren Township – ₹21.9 crore

• Old Peren–Chalkot Road (16.50 km) – ₹46.3 crore

• Phomching–Longding Road (20.9 km) – ₹58 crore

• Thizama–Chiethu Airport Road (18.24 km) – ₹42.6 crore

• Khonomo–NH-29 Road via Dzudza River (9.15 km) – ₹26.5 crore

• Emloi–Ghukey Junction Road (13.70 km) – ₹29.8 crore

Push for Connectivity and Youth Empowerment Under Act East Policy

Reaffirming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, Scindia said the Northeast is witnessing rapid progress in connectivity, healthcare, innovation, and youth-centric development. He praised Nagaland’s “energetic and aspirational youth,” noting their potential to drive the state’s growth and contribute to India’s broader development goals.

He added that more projects are in the pipeline and will be taken forward in coordination with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

Scindia is slated to visit the main Hornbill Festival venue later in the evening to meet performers, cultural groups, and local entrepreneurs.