KOHIMA — As Nagaland celebrated its 61st statehood day on Friday, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called for collective efforts to develop the state and highlighted the government’s commitment to resolving the Naga political issue peacefully.
Addressing the gathering at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima, Rio said that the six decades of statehood have been marked by challenges and triumphs.
“The obstacles and adversities we faced on the way had tested the indomitable spirit of the people, making us stronger, wiser and more united. It is our collective responsibility to carry this legacy forward, and to foster a sense of belonging and pride in being the citizens of our Nagaland state,” he said.
Pointing out that the collective journey as Nagas began almost a century ago with the formation of the Naga Club in 1918, Rio paid tribute to the pioneers and said that the prime need of the hour is unity, and to renew and strengthen bonds of brotherhood.
He asserted that the state government continues to give top most priority to the Naga political issue. Reiterating the government’s commitment to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the long pending issue, he called upon the Naga Political Groups, the Government of India, and other stakeholders to find ways to overcome differences, and to arrive at a peaceful and early resolution.
Discussing development initiatives, the chief minister acknowledged that there is a notable disparity in socio-economic and infrastructure development in eastern Nagaland region due to historical and geographical factors. To bridge this developmental gap, he said the Department of Under-Developed Areas (DUDA) was created in 2003.
In the past twenty years, the central and state government have been trying to remove developmental deficits in these regions. Accordingly, a special development package of INR 180 crore for Eastern Nagaland under Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) is currently under implementation, Rio said.
“Our aim is to uplift these backward regions at par with the rest of the State, and at the earliest possible time. Meanwhile, let us also commit ourselves to resolve any grievances through dialogue and understanding in the true spirit of Naga brotherhood,” he urged.
Rio also highlighted various developmental initiatives, including the establishment of the state’s first medical college, Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) which was inaugurated in October this year.
He informed that the state government is planning to expand and upgrade NIMSR, and include a 400-bedded hospital so that the institute will serve as the backbone of the state's health care system. Works on the Medical College in Mon is also progressing, he added.
The chief minister dwelled on the government's focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme as well as projects in agriculture, rural development and forests.
He highlighted the development and improvements made under the road and power sector and informed that the Department of Industries and Commerce is coming up with new institutional arrangements and policy formulations to align the State with PM Gati Shakti framework.
Rio also spoke about initiatives implemented under Smart City Projects, and said that elections in the state’s urban local bodies would soon be held, ensuring better and effective administration and development.
Rio also addressed concerns such as drug use, launching the ‘War on Drugs,’ and urged the involvement of the church and civil society organisations in the challenging fight against drugs.
He informed that an Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been set up in all the districts and concerted efforts have been made to disrupt the drug networks. The state police department has also launched an app, MADEIN (Movement against Drugs and Extortion in Nagaland) for people to report information on extortion, drug peddlers and traffickers.
For the safety of women and children, Rio highlighted the Women and Child Development (WCD) Control Room in Nagaland, which integrates the existing Women Helpline-181 and Child Helpline-1098, further unifying it with the Emergency Response Support System-112 (ERSS).
A National Cyber Helpline Number '1930' has also been made functional by Nagaland Police, he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to meritocracy and transparency in recruitment, referring to the first combined staff recruitment examination conducted by the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) where 587 appointments for ‘Group C posts’ were made in 45 departments.
The next cycle of recruitment by NSSB for the clerical and allied services is also in the final stages, he said.
He informed that a pilot project on e-Office is also being implemented in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, which will aid in making office functioning more transparent and accountable.
In the realm of youth and sports, Rio congratulated achievements in various fields at both the national and international levels. Stating that the youth from the state are experiencing a fair degree of exposure and success in fields, ranging from music and singing to various sports, he also emphasised the promotion of traditional games and sports, which are part and parcel of the rich cultural heritage.
Rio said the state is in the process of rapidly upgrading its sports infrastructure and mentioned that five 5 pre-fabricated multi discipline sports stadiums at Chümoukedima, Niuland, Tseminyu, Tuensang and Noklak, were commissioned and 11 more similar projects in the State are under construction, and nearing completion.
Noting the state’s growing soft power, Rio underscored the need to invest more in human resource development, to equip the youth with the latest skills and knowledge in the fast changing world.
He claimed that non-English speaking countries of South East and East Asia have shown huge interest in employing youths who are fluent in English, and have natural aptitude as care- givers.
“These are the potential areas that we need to explore, in order to open up new employment and livelihood opportunities for the youth,” he maintained.
Rio said that the government is fully aware of avenues for development that are yet to be exploited and called for a broad-based, multi-dimensional approach to economic growth for enhanced employment opportunities and a better quality of life.
On the occasion, Rio launched the Nagaland School Safety Policy Digital Training Platform and Nagaland Disaster Reduction Road Map, and inaugurated an exhibition on '60 years of Nagaland.' The event also featured a special presentation by the 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Band, a finalist of India's Got Talent 2023.