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Chief Minister, TR Zeliang speaking on the occassion.[/caption]
Dimapur, Nov. 10 (EMN): State chief minister, TR Zeliang, has sought collective effort of all the Nagas particularly the youth and students to bring about solution to the seven decades old Naga political issue, adding it is a golden opportunity for the Nagas and Government of India to resolve the issue amicably by understanding each other’s difficulties.
Addressing the 18th biennial conference of All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) in Mokokchung on November 8, Zeliang said the common aspiration to bring about solution to the protracted Naga political problem does not concern only the NNPGs, politicians and the elders of the society alone.
Zeliang said the solution is important as the scope of economic growth in the State has been retarded under the prevailing situation. He said there is hue and cry amongst young Naga entrepreneurs not able to take off small business enterprises due to intimidation and heavy taxation. Besides, he said the unemployed youth are deprived of the opportunity as big companies are reluctant to invest in the State due to heavy taxation problems.
He, therefore, said the answer to these problems lie in finding an honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the vexed Naga political problem.
On corruption which has become the most talked about issue in the State today, Zeliang said efforts put in by successive governments have not been able to tackle the menace effectively. While reassuring his government’s continued effort to vigorously pursue the set goal in addressing the problem, Zeliang said everyone should understand that corruption is an all pervasive evil and not just confined to the government alone. Stating that it is a collective problem, he said urged every individual to first change and be upright in what they do.
On the much debated fuel adulteration and the Public Distribution System (PDS) scams Zeliang said those malpractices were prevalent from long before and no tangible action could be taken against the perpetrators. To tackle the matter, he said the government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the accused persons were charge-sheeted and the matter is now in the Judicial Magistrate’s Court. Also stating that the government has issued stringent orders on petrol pumps, he said any dealer found selling adulterated fuel in contravention to the order would be punished according to the law and also leads to cancellation of dealership license.
Zeliang also stated that his government is fully committed to ensure implementation of National Food Security Act 2013 (NFSA) in letter and spirit. He cautioned that erring officials would be taken to task against any reports on shortage receipts of the district quotas.
Stating that Nagaland has the highest number of government employees vis-a-vis the population, he said major amount of money is spent on salary as a result the State is barely left with any funds for taking up even routine maintenance work apart from other development activities. Elaborating his point, Zeliang said the State government generates revenue just a little over Rs 780 crore annually whereas Rs 5,501 is spent on salary and pension alone.
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Without adequate resources, he said it is impossible to develop the infrastructure of the State, particularly the roads. However, he said the face of the roads of Nagaland would soon change as the Government of India has approved many proposals in principle for sanction while some important roads have already been accorded sanction, which combined together, amounts to over Rs 30,000 crore for road sector alone.
Zeliang Stated that one major vision of the State government is to make Nagaland a hub of connectivity with the South East Asian countries. He was confident that the initiative would open up new opportunities for the youth to actively participate in the growth and progress of the State. He urged the youth to be prepared to make use of the new openings when it comes to their door steps.
On the influx of illegal immigrants, he said the government is putting in every effort to contain the menace. In this regard, he urged upon the people to play their role. He stated that unless the people are able to play their respective roles, it would be difficult for the government alone to contain illegal immigrants. He appealed to all the young people to seriously introspect and contribute towards solving the common problem.
Commenting on the theme “Synergising young mind,” Zeliang said it was aptly chosen at a time when the youth are struggling hard to find proper directions. Stating that artificial intelligence and synthetic knowledge have come to play dominant role in moulding the mindset, he said it has become very difficult for all, especially young people to put things into right perspective without the intervention of divine wisdom. He, therefore, said invocation of divine wisdom among the people should be not be lost sight of. He concluded his speech with an appeal to commit working together for the betterment of the future.
The three-day long biennial conference of All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANSCU) concluded with Merentoshi R Jamir, Parliamentary Secretary of Social Welfare, as the guest of honour at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung.
Emphasising on inculcating work culture, Merentoshi said Nagas have become famous for the term educated unemployed. He said unemployment was a reality but it is a choice whether to remain unemployed or not. He also asked them not to look to the government as a source of employment as there are many better avenues other than government jobs as long as a person has set goals and visions.
Merentoshi also asked them to encourage and promote local economy by employing local youth instead of depending on IBIs. He requested the students to spread the awareness of using social media wisely as there are lots of negativity and frustrations amongst the youth especially in social media.
He added that criticism was appreciated for change as long as it was positive and not destructive.
Newly elected president of ANCSU, Katho P Awomi, in his speech, thanked the electoral college for reposing faith on him to lead the union. He looked forward to work for the uplift of the college students in the State.
The valedictory session was chaired by O Wati Jamir.
Meanwhile, ANCSU has elected new officers for the tenure of 2017-19 headed by Katho P Awomi as president, Benjongakum Longchar as vice president, Vimeyikho Vitso as general secretary, Imnameren N Jamir as assistant general secretary, Kruto Tetse-o as education secretary, Keneitsetuo Kense as social and culture secretary, Inato Y Chosho as finance secretary, Tongpangmayang Kichu as information secretary, Bopito Sumi as magazine secretary, Khekivi H Yeptho as games and sports secretary, Pithungo Shitio as speaker, Imnayachet as deputy speaker, Toito D Chishi as assembly secretary, Temsumongba as auditor general, and Meyitila, Khrievonuo, Aloholi Y Murrumi, and Huli Yepthomi as secretaries of women affairs.
