TR Zeliang recaps legislators’ ‘vigorous’ pursuit for early solution

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug 15 (EMN): Chief Minister TR Zeliang said the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, with the objective to play an instrumental role in resolving the political problem, has constituted the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) to vigorously pursue with the government of India for early settlement of the Naga political problem.
Speaking at the 71st Independence Day celebration at Nagaland Secretariat Plaza, Kohima, the chief minister, interestingly, did not mention that his predecessor, former chief minister, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu had constituted the ‘Political Affairs Mission’ to replace the PAC.
Nevertheless, the chief minister appreciated the ‘proactive steps’ taken on the matter in the recent consultations with apex Naga civil societies, including the Nagaland GBs Federation, and was optimistic that such broad-based consultations with all sections of society will facilitate resolution of ‘our political problem – one that is inclusive, honourable and acceptable to all.’
Addressing the gathering, Zeliang expressed delight that the people of Nagaland have embraced the challenges facing ‘the nation’ in the endeavour to move forward in achieving our goal for all round development and prosperity.
On the ‘unprecedented natural calamities’ caused by heavy rains in many parts of the state, Zeliang said his government was fully aware of the situation, and that all possible steps were being taken to restore normalcy. He also informed that necessary instructions have been issued to all departments concerned to begin restorative works on a war footing.
On agricultural sector, Zeliang informed that keeping in view the goal of achieving ‘Food for All’ by 2025, the agriculture department during 2017-18 aims to achieve 7.44 lakh metric tons of food-grain production with a growth rate target of 6.5% and a productivity level of 2,438kg per hectare, while the horticulture department aims to expand area of production by 2,480 hectares under various crops.
It was also informed that under Mission Organic Value Chain for North Eastern Region, three farmer producer companies are targeted for ginger, large cardamom and pineapple in Tuensang, Phek and Dimapur districts with a target area of 1,800 hectares.
Claiming that roads are the most critical infrastructure affecting the economic development of the state, Zeliang informed that the construction of 2-Lane Bridges at Tsüsangra and Doyang on NH-02 are expected to be completed by 2017 and 2018.
2-laning of NH-2 Botsa to Wokha (via Tseminyu) covering 32.4 kms and 2-laning of NH-2 from YImsenyung to Unger covering 17.0 kms will commence shortly and that 2-laning of NH-2 from Wokha to Doyang has been approved, he informed and added that improvement of NH 29 within Dimapur and Kohima city totalling to 28 kms have been sanctioned and works will be taken up soon.
‘The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has sanctioned Rs 323.15 crores for the proposed Capital by-pass road from Dimapur to Kohima via Niuland covering 34.17 kms’, he further informed.
On the outbreak of acute gastro enteritis that occurred at Wakching block, Mon district on August 2, 2017 affecting 425 people with 38 cases requiring hospitalisation and 3 deaths, he informed that the cause of outbreak was identified to be from the community water source which was contaminated and that no new cases were reported as on August 11.
Zeliang informed that the Border Area Development Programme aims at bridging the critical gaps for socio-economic upliftment in the Indo-Myanmar border areas under Mon, Tuensang and Phek districts with a budget allocation of Rs 25 crores.
‘Our state has made significant achievements under the centrally sponsored Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDGUGJY). All the villages enumerated in 2011 census are now electrified’ informed Zeliang.
While reiterating that the advent of the GST regime from July 1, 2017 is expected to improve the overall efficiency of the taxation system, he said the state government has taken a decision to remove all the taxation check posts in the state along with the rest of the country.
Highlighting the achievements in all the sectors and keeping in mind the Vision 2030, the chief minister has called upon all to make concerted efforts to spur steady growth of our economy and to bring the state at par with the rest of the country.
On his arrival, the chief minister took salute and inspected the parade, while he also gave away the awards.
The parade at Kohima was led by parade commander Khekali Zhimomi, deputy commandant, 1st NAP, Thizama and Tulakha, assistant commandant, 4th NAP.
The cultural presentation saw the participation of Surumi Cultural Society Kohima, Angami Cultural Troupe Jakham village, Sangtam Cultural Troupe Kohima, Yimchunger Women Cultural Society, Kohima and Ungma Senso Telongjem Kohima and arms drill display by 15th NAP Mahila Bn and dance display by Nagaland Adolescent Girls Club.’