FM launches ITI, SAMARTH portal, boosts outreach in Nagaland

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman continued her official tour of Nagaland on Friday, unveiling a series of development initiatives aimed at strengthening skill training, digital empowerment and financial inclusion across the state.In Kiphire, the Finance Minister inaugurated a newly established Industrial Training Institute (ITI), marking a key step toward expanding vocational education in one of Nagaland’s remotest districts. As part of the State Bank of India’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, she also handed over Rs9 lakh to support skill-development efforts at the institute.

Live: Smt @nsitharaman interacts with students at NIELIT Kohima (@KHM_NIELIT), Nagaland. https://t.co/7iWKPuiTtN

— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) November 14, 2025

According to information,at a Credit Outreach Programme later in the day,Sitharaman virtually inaugurated nine new bank branches across the Northeast, enhancing access to banking services in underserved regions. During the event, sanction letters under various Central Government schemes were distributed to beneficiaries, and loans worth Rs28.02 crore were disbursed to 350 individuals.Addressing the gathering, the Minister underlined the Centre’s continued focus on the development of the Northeast and highlighted the significant progress made in financial inclusion. Sitharaman noted that the number of unbanked villages in Nagaland has fallen sharply from 1,143 in 2019 to just 15 today, calling it a testament to the effectiveness of government-led initiatives.Earlier, Sitharaman flagged off vehicles sanctioned under the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative and launched a mobile ATM van of Nagaland Rural Bank to expand last-mile banking access. She also interacted with Lakhpati Didis, encouraging them to continue inspiring women across India through entrepreneurship and self-help initiatives.Later in Kohima, the Finance Minister inaugurated the SAMARTH (Students Advancing Mindsets in AI, Robotics Technology and Digital Hardware) portal at NIELIT, aiming to equip youth with emerging technology skills essential for the digital economy.

(Asstt.Editor)