Deputy CM TR Zeliang pushes for adoption of National Highway
Deputy CM TR Zeliang pushes for adoption of National Highways Act
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
TR Zeliang and other officials during the high-level meeting
at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat conference hall on Tuesday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
He also cautioned that non-adoption may lead to stalling of
critical highway projects, depriving the state of much-needed infrastructure
and central funding.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Commissioner & Secretary, Works & Housing, Kesonyu
Yhome, urged all stakeholders to expedite the process to avoid unnecessary
delays in infrastructure projects.
“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.
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.
