Deputy CM TR Zeliang pushes for adoption of National Highways Act

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• TR Zeliang and other officials during the high-level meeting at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat conference hall on Tuesday.

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• DIMAPUR — Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang chaired a high-level meeting at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat conference hall on Tuesday to discuss the adoption of the National Highways Act, 1956, for the construction and development of National Highways in the state.
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• In his opening remark, Zeliang informed that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has emphasised the uniform applicability of the National Highways Act, 1956, across all National Highways in India, including Nagaland, the deputy CMO stated in a press release.
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• He stressed that NH Act should be adopted and compensation determined under Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013.
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• The deputy chief minister also maintained that adoption of NH Act will immensely benefit the people as there are many provisions in matters of compensation, including land rates and solatium, compared to the existing Nagaland Land Requisition and Acquisition Act, 1965.

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• He also cautioned that non-adoption may lead to stalling of critical highway projects, depriving the state of much-needed infrastructure and central funding.
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• While recognising the immense benefits of adopting the NH Act for accelerated road connectivity and economic growth, the meeting also deliberated on safeguarding Nagaland’s special provisions under Article 371A, which protects land and customary rights.
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• Additionally, Zeliang remarked that, “should we continue to stall and delay adoption of NH Act, it would meet a similar fate like of Women Reservation Act, where prolonged resistance ultimately led to delayed development benefits and state had no option but to adopt and implement the Act.”
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• After extensive discussions, it was resolved that the Works & Housing department, in consultation with the Law & Justice department and Land Revenue department, will prepare a Cabinet Memo for further deliberation.
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• The matter will be presented before the state Cabinet for a final decision, followed by necessary legislative processes in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, if required.
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• Commissioner & Secretary, Works & Housing, Kesonyu Yhome, urged all stakeholders to expedite the process to avoid unnecessary delays in infrastructure projects.
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• “The Government of Nagaland remains committed to ensuring sustainable development while protecting the rights and interests of its citizens. The adoption of the NH Act 1956, if carefully implemented with necessary safeguards, will pave the way for better road connectivity, economic growth, and improved livelihoods across the state,” the release stated.
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• Among others, the meeting was attended by senior officials including Sentiyanger, Additional Chief Secretary & Finance Commissioner; Kikheto Sema, Principal Secretary, Law & Justice Department; Dr. Zase Chusi, Commissioner & Secretary, Land Revenue Department; Chief Engineer, PWD (National Highways), three Additional Advocate Generals of Nagaland; district administration representatives and other key officers.