Principal Correspondent
Kohima, November 20
Director for Rural Development (RD) Department, Metsübo Jamir today called upon the people of Kohima Village to come forward in parting with their land to connect the Kohima circular road.
In address during the inauguration of Village Development Board (VDB) building of Kohima Village at Ziekezou (near DBHSS) here, Jamir said that if the Villagers come forward, the Department would extend financial help to connect the circular road from Kohima Village to Lerie. He said that all the roads constructed as Agri Link roads under Kohima Village add to the service of Kohima Town.
Calling upon Kohima Village VDB to reform its activities, RD Director suggested that they should take VDB Multipurpose Society so as to initiate various economic upliftment programmes such as Piggery, Fishery, Dairy projects within the available land of the village.
He also expressed instead of leaving the fields barren without any activities after the harvest, VDB should rent the fields and cultivate vegetables.Expressing that the present land of Kohima village cannot grow further, but the population will keep on increasing, he discouraged the villagers from selling their land to outsiders. “Don’t sale land, but use it to make it sustainable and generate income to enhance economy,” he encouraged.
Further, while lamenting that out of the 1174 villages in the State, around 50% villages have problems of political appointment of VDB officials and misuse of funds, Jamir was appreciative that Kohima Village VDB has matured, sincere and dedicated leaders, who have been projecting RD Department in the right perspective.
He therefore asserted that the Department would fully cooperate with Kohima Village VDB to the possible extent in taking up sustainable works.
In his welcome address, Kohima Village Council Chairman, Neivor Rutsa expressed the hope that RD Department would be the glory of the villagers.
He also expressed that RD Department should not only confine to construction of Agri Link Roads but also provide the fundamental requirements of the villages. Maintaining that rural villages and RD Department are meant for each other, he appealed the Department officials not to divert the funds meant for rural area to urban areas.
Kohima Village VDB member Pelhousenyü Linyü chaired the programme while Pastor of Khedi Baptist Church, Neivizolie Chielie pronounced the dedicatory prayer. VDB secretary John Sote presented brief report of the building stating that its purpose is to generate income for the village. VDB member Ketseiu Solo tendered the vote of thanks.
