Presenting the motion of thanks at the fourth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on February 27, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to equitable development in Nagaland.
Responding to MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu’s remarks on equitable distribution of resources in the districts, and in all the constituencies, Rio assured that the Government is committed to equitable development and spreading of resources equally in every part of the State. “All our plans and programmes are so designed for ensuring that every area or region needs are addressed. Further, for backward regions or areas, we strive to come up with even more resources and support so that they are able to catch up with the others at the soonest possible. A case in point are the additional programmes being carried out in the backward areas of the State,” mentioned the Chief Minister.
On Advisor K. T. Sukhalu’s statement on the need to have well structured trainings for enabling the government officers, particularly teachers, to seamlessly move into administrative posts in the later part of the career, Rio stated, “Training/capacity building programmes and School Leadership programmes are conducted at regular intervals to capacitate our teachers to function as educational managers and administrators and this is as mandated in the National education policy 2020. We will continue to look into for further strengthening our training programmes for ensuring that the concerns as flagged by the Hon’ble Member is comprehensively redressed.”
With regard to equitable road projects across the State, the Chief Minister reaffirmed that the government is making concerted efforts on improving road connectivity in every part through various State and Central funding such as Annual Maintenance; State Road Development Program (SRDP) and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment ( SASCI).
Addressing MLA Achumbemo Kikon statement on the low level of development in the bordering areas and of low presence of security personnel, Rio said, “In this regard, as you are all aware, we have been opening police outposts and increasing their presence in the bordering areas of ours in the past many years. We are also fully alive to developmental needs of our people and the department concerned are trying to fill up the critical gaps in infrastructure and help bring rapid development in our bordering areas. As regards, the human animal conflict which was brought up by the Hon’ble Member in the last session , especially the conflict with elephant, as a matter of serious concern of the State; a comprehensive action plan to ameliorate the situation has been prepared, which is under active consideration of the State government.”
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On matters concerning certain roads in the State raised by Advisor Imkong L. Imchen, Rio mentioned that the road from Doyang to Izheto Village (in VK area), the Department has recently issued LOA and work will commence soon. Regarding the Mariani-Mokokchung road ( from Sewak Gate to 63 KM Longtho valley), LOA for STMC (Short Term Maintenance Contract) was issued in Feb 2024. Further, diversion of highway from Changki village, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways ( MoRTH) has engaged a Project Management consultancy which is doing survey works and the alignment will be decided as per technical feasibility.
During the session, MLA Nyamnyei Konyak drew attention to the need for taking further measures for improving the productivity of our agriculture and for strengthening the marketing of our produce. To this, Rio reminded the Governor’s address which mentioned that the Department of Agriculture is is taking all steps to take agriculture increasingly to higher levels, and the recent execution of MOUs by Farmers Producer Companies for supplying ‘Organic Foxtail Millets’ is a good step in that direction. “As regards Dikhu Hydro Power Project, the Department is actively working for resolving all the land issues and we are also seeking the active assistance and support from the Villages concerned and tribal bodies so that we are in a position to initiate this project at an early date. As regards, the ‘War on Drugs’, the Police and all the departments concerned are taking action to make the State free of the scourge of drugs and narcotics. Going forward we intend to further intensify our efforts in this direction,” stated Rio.
On the issue of advance GST collection raised by MLA Jwenga Seb, the CM informed that the Finance Department discussed with all the stakeholders including the Contractors’ Union in the month of June 2023 where it was agreed that the arrangement of Tax Clearance Certificate will continue with suitable modifications to simplify the process. “However, we will get the matter further examined and appropriate measures will be taken if required. As regards, identifying villages in certain districts as economically backwards, we will get the matter examined,” stated Rio. On the issue of improving power connectivity in Tseminyu district, the CM assured that the Department will take further action in this regard.
