The first day of the Twelfth Session of the Thirteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) began today at the NLA Secretariat, Kohima.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio made the obituary reference on the passing away of Late K Sankaranarayanan, former Governor of Nagaland who expired on 24 April. Leader of NPF Legislature Party Kuzholuzo Nienu made the obituary reference on the passing away of Late Vejoyi Vero, former Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly who expired on 22 July.

The House observed a minute silence and paid homage to the former Governor and MLA.

As the assembly session went underway, enquiries were made by different MLAs to the ministers on the status of their respective departments.  The starred questions were on

• the status of waterways in Nagaland
• the works taken up by Tribal Affairs Department under Article 275 (1) within Phek district
• the policy of the Government to resolve the Adhoc and Contingency employees attaining retirement age
• the land encroachment problem in Dimapur Airport
• the amount of funds sanctioned under Smart City
• whether the State has a policy on child adoption
• whether any MoU has been signed between the government and the company/NHIDCL/ contractors for maintenance of the existing road till the completion of the four-lane road
• the work status of State Capital Kohima Railway Line

During the session, Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation & Railways Paiwang Konyak said the Nagaland Inland Waterways Board (NIWB) has been constituted as per the advice of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The NIWB is headed by the minister of transport as the chairperson and the chief secretary as the co-opted chairperson.

On the question of funds sanctioned under Smart City so far, the chief minister stated that the total amount sanctioned are: Government of India – Rs 245 Crore; State Share – Rs 30 Crore. The total amount utilized is Rs 234.42 Crore.

Following the round of starred questions, Secretary-in-Charge, NLA Secretariat reported on the assent of the Governor of Nagaland to three Bills. The session then turned to the laying of Reports/Rules/Regulations and presentation of Assembly Committee Reports.