Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary for the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and Prarthana Pawale, Central Prabhari Officer for the Aspirational District and Block Programme, NITI Aayog, conducted a three-day visit to Kiphire district from April 13 to 15 to review implementation of district development initiatives. The team was received by the district administration and heads of district offices at the helipad on April 13.

A consultative meeting took place on April 14 at the DPDB hall in Kiphire under the chairmanship of Temsuwati Longkumer, Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire, during which line departments presented progress reports on ongoing schemes. Officials reviewed innovation projects promoted by NITI Aayog and discussed the culmination of Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, with the joint secretary enquiring into departmental activities and urging heads to adopt more innovative approaches in implementing government projects and fulfilling assigned roles and responsibilities.

While interacting with self-help group (SHG) workers, the delegation advised members to organise exhibitions outside the district to showcase the best agricultural produce and various other products from the Kiphire Aspirational District and encouraged applications to relevant schemes, assuring availability of funding. The joint secretary also instructed heads of offices to prepare an annual development plan aimed at improving district performance and directed officers to submit the plan to the deputy commissioner for necessary follow-up and coordination.

The visit formed part of inspection and monitoring activities under the Kiphire Aspirational District programme, during which the team visited key villages including Amahator, Thethuyo and Phelungre to assess local implementation. Officials noted areas for further attention and reiterated the importance of coordinated planning and innovative execution to enhance outcomes under the district development agenda.