KOHIMA, AUG 16 : Discussing on the various issues confronting the state, Governor PB Acharya in a press conference held this evening at Raj Bhavan called for the concerted support and cooperation of the people of the state.
Acharya asked for immediate enactment of Lokayukta and setting up of Nagaland State Human Rights Commission to check corruption.
The State Vigilance Commission was also asked to be more transparent and fair, while also recommending for more power be given to the commission as per complaint received from Nagaland Tribes Council for restoring legal powers of the State Anti-Corruption Agency within two weeks time.
On the implementation of 33% women reservation in the Urban Local bodies, Acharya said he had asked the chief minister to look into the demands of the people and implement the same at the earliest time possible, stating that it is the constitutional rights of the people.
Appreciating the peace talk between the Government of India and NSCN-IM resulting in the signing of a ‘Framework Agreement’, Acharya while optimistic that a solution would soon happen, appealed all the other groups to join in the peace talk.
Underscoring on the importance of education as the only way to empower the people, Acharya also expressed serious concern on the poor results of the government schools in the state that has got the ‘most qualified and the best teachers’. Presently there are 1854 government schools in Nagaland.
Though the School Education department has the biggest budget earmarked for education, Acharya maintained that the stakeholders need to rethink on improving the present system of education, and find out the possibilities of increasing students in the government schools.
He also suggested on the exchange of teachers and scholars in order to strengthen the education system, and also enhance the knowledge of both the students and the teachers. He also informed that e-learning sponsored by Wockhardt Foundation will be soon implemented across the state.
On the law and order situation, especially referring to the lynching of a man at Dimapur on March 5, 2015 and murder of late Ritika Mehta, owner of Apna Hotel, Dimapur, Acharya said he is dismayed with the present working team for failing to come out with a report till now.
In this regard, he has asked the government to appoint new team, and that the report be made publicly, while strongly asserting against any manipulation and discrimination of any kind.
He also asserted that strong action should be taken against the accused in order to see that the credibility of the government does not go down.
On the establishment of Medical College at Kohima, which is at a standstill due to the land compensation problem, Acharya said though the land has already been purchase, the government is unable to do anything, as the people concerned are not willing to go by the existing compensation rate.
In this regard, the Governor has appealed the public, especially the Angami community to have a big heart, while stating that the project is for the cause and welfare of the general public.
Acharya also maintained that when any opportunity for development comes, which is for the welfare of the public, it should not be hindered by petty differences. Therefore, he has appealed for the support and cooperation, taking into consideration of the project which is for a public cause, and come to a settlement, so that the project can start at the earliest.
He also put forth his idea for a vibrant Kohima- ‘night life’ that is enjoyable and entertaining. Acharya has proposed for entertainment programmes to be arranged by the department concerned (Art and Culture) for vibrant life in the form of food parks, magic shows, cultural shows etc in various public places, halls and schools daily.
Also noting with regret the lack of proper monitoring of central projects and schemes which, in many cases does not reach the targeted beneficiaries, Acharya said though money is being sanction, some few people are siphoning off the money, who according to him are becoming the ‘icons’ in the society.
Citing lack of the government’s failure in monitoring and the many anomalies in its functioning, Acharya said the services of the ‘hidden/dormant energy’ of the society i.e. the voluntary agencies should be utilized to check, monitor and deliver services to the targeted beneficiaries.
Acharya also expressed his deep concern of discrimination faced by the people living in the border areas, and therefore, he maintained that emphasize should be made to establish schools, colleges, health institutions etc to give equal opportunity to all section of the society. He suggested for Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the government as the facilitator towards education, health sector etc.
