Dharam Raj, IAS, Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman, DPDB Zunheboto, addresses the board members during the DPDB meeting on March 19. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | March 19
The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) of Zunheboto on Thursday deliberated on a comprehensive Model Village initiative aimed at holistic and sustainable rural development, while also clearing key proposals during its monthly meeting.
The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman, DPDB, Dharam Raj, IAS.
A major focus of the meeting was the Model Village concept, which aims to improve infrastructure, livelihoods, education, healthcare and social equity through a community-driven approach.
Officials said village selection will be based on criteria such as road connectivity, proximity to district headquarters, population size, community participation and development potential.
The plan includes formation of a nodal agency comprising government departments, banks, NGOs, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and self-help groups, along with a sub-committee for monitoring.
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as surveys and social mapping will be used to prepare Village Development Plans (VDPs).
The initiative, to be implemented from April 1, 2026 to March 2027, aims to achieve 100 per cent saturation of centrally sponsored schemes. Sectoral goals include improving school infrastructure, ensuring zero dropout rates, achieving full immunisation, strengthening sanitation, promoting integrated farming and enhancing road, water and digital connectivity.
Resource mobilisation will involve convergence of government schemes, CSR funds, NGOs and community contributions, with phased implementation and regular monitoring by district-level committees.
Reviewing earlier agendas, the board noted that proposals for name change and relocation of Eden Garden School, Alahuto, and for establishment of the Sumi Naga Museum by the Sumi Youth Organization have been forwarded to the government.
However, the proposal for registration of the Sumi Anthropology Research Union could not be forwarded due to insufficient documentation regarding members’ academic credentials.
The board recommended registration of Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu, Aizuto Society after deliberations on its objectives related to education, development and upliftment of marginalised sections.
It also discussed the proposed Sub-District Industries and Commerce Centre (SIDC) at Suruhuto, which will be forwarded after submission by the concerned General Manager.
Additionally, an internship programme for students of Zunheboto Government College was presented, under which fourth-semester students will undergo a two-week placement across 12 government departments to gain practical exposure.
Officials emphasised that the success of the Model Village initiative will depend on active community participation alongside government support, with the aim of creating self-reliant and inclusive rural ecosystems.
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