Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse during her visit to Noklak on March 22. (Photo Courtesy: PIB)
Noklak, March 22 (MExN): Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, made history as the first minister to visit Noklak district in Nagaland, “one of the most remote districts in the country.”
An update from PIB stated that during her visit, she reviewed the district’s development initiatives, interacted with local stakeholders and assessed the progress of the Thonoknyu Aspirational Block Programme.
The Minister was briefed by Noklak Deputy Commissioner Arikumba on the district’s achievements. She also reviewed the progress of the Thonoknyu Aspirational Block Programme, interacted with civil society representatives, and visited key sites, including Nokyan village, the District Hospital and the Multi-Discipline Sports Complex of Noklak.
Noklak, known as the “Frontier District,” is located in Nagaland's easternmost region. The district, which has a total population of 55,434 according to the 2011 Census, is roughly 1,152 square kilometers in size. With 14,630 households, it is mostly rural and home to the Khiamniungan Naga tribe. Low population density and an agrarian economy based on the production of millets, perilla seeds, maize, beans, yam, and Job's Tear are characteristics of Noklak. The district's cultural legacy has also been acknowledged in 2022 with Sustainable Development Award for Economic Sustainability for the Noklak Masterpieces.
Khadse highlighted the significant improvement in Thonoknyu Block’s performance, which rose from 465th place in March 2023 to 85th place in September 2024 among 500 aspirational blocks nationwide. This transformation was driven by the Sampoornata Abhiyan, a three-month campaign from July to September 2024, which achieved 100% saturation in five out of six key performance indicators.
“The remarkable progress we witnessed in Thonoknyu Block is a shining example that when dedication meets determination and coordination every milestone could be achieved,” Khadse said.
She emphasised the government’s commitment to inclusive development, stating that India’s growth depends on uplifting its most remote and underdeveloped regions.
During her visit, the Minister reiterated Government’s resolve to resolve to provide the necessary resources and opportunities to even the most geographically isolated regions, ensuring sustainable growth and development.
