Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, on the second day of his
visit to Namsai district today, praised the transformative growth of the region
under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aspirational District Programme (ADP). He
stressed that PM Modi has made the Northeast an integral part of India’s
mainstream development narrative, encouraging development and national
integration. Dr. Singh stressed Namsai's meteoric climb in developmental
rankings, moving from the 97th position in 2018 to 12th in 2024 among 112
aspirational districts. The district’s combined score has improved by 37.64%,
showcasing considerable improvement across the health, education, and
infrastructure sectors.
Namsai's healthcare sector has experienced a revolution. All
sub-centers and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been transformed into Health
and Wellness Centres (HWCs), with 75% of PHCs satisfying Indian Public Health
Standards (IPHS). The availability of specialist assistance in district
hospitals has increased to 70%, though challenges still remain, including a
shortage of medical officers and radiologists.
Maternal and child health indicators have seen great
progress. The share of pregnant women receiving four or more antenatal
check-ups has swelled from 35.46% in 2018 to 81.3% in 2024, while institutional
deliveries have risen by 117%. The district also boasts a 119% immunization
rate for children aged 9-11 months, echoing visionary healthcare endeavors such
as the 'Pehli Sawari' ambulance service for newborns, supported by Indian Oil
Corporation Limited (IOCL).
The education sector in Namsai has seen notable strides,
especially in rural areas, which house 76% of the district’s population.
Renovations of 27 old school buildings, construction of extra classrooms, and
the opening of computer labs in five higher secondary schools have upgraded
infrastructure.
Further, 81% of schools now have functional toilets, and 98%
have access to drinking water. The district has also implemented an ingenious
e-fencing software to monitor student attendance and decrease absenteeism.
However, while the literacy rate has improved, it still languishes behind state
and national averages.
Namsai has completed 100% household electrification,
improved road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY),
and better access to potable water and sanitation. In agriculture, which
engages 74% of the population, challenges such as insufficient livestock
productivity and inadequate irrigation prevail. However, fertile plains and
excellent road networks offer prospects for agro-based industries and
agricultural diversification.
Key industries contributing to Namsai's development include
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes for laboratory and OPD
facilities, the establishment of model Anganwadi Centres, and the provision of
modern diagnostic equipment for hospitals. Dr. Singh praised these joint
efforts, which have helped Namsai to emerge as a benchmark for other
aspirational districts.
Dr Singh emphasized that Namsai's success story demonstrates
the transformative potential of targeted development schemes. “Namsai's journey
illustrates how cooperation, convergence, and competition can overcome
challenges and drive inclusive development,” he stated.
As the district continues to manage its challenges and
leverage its potential, it stands as a testament to the success of the
Aspirational District Programme and a source of inspiration for other regions
aiming for equitable development. (PR)