Kohima Bureau
Kohima, March 23 (EMN): The People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) government has doubled the operational subsidy and ex-gratia for accredited journalists in Nagaland under the state's accredited private journalists operational assistance scheme.
This was announced by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while delivering his budget speech in the assembly at the ongoing budget session. Rio acknowledged that the press and media fraternity of the state has made significant contributions towards strengthening democratic foundations in Nagaland. He also lauded press persons and media institutions for having maintained a positive reputation for the fourth estate in this region of the country.
"Freedom of press and opinion, reflection of the people's voice, along with fair and truthful reportage represent the very essence of journalism. Though there is always room for improvement in every sector, I am sure this House will agree with me that the press and media in Nagaland have carried out their responsibilities in exemplary manner.
"I look forward to a positive engagement with my friends in the media and I call upon the members of the fourth estate to join hands with the House in serving the citizens in a responsible manner," the chief minister stated. The accredited journalists operational assistance scheme was first introduced in 2007 when Rio was chief minister during the then DAN-I government.
Pink buses and 24-hr helpline
The PDA government has asserted strong support for gender equality and women empowerment. It assured to make conscious efforts to empower women as a collective responsibility.
“While it is unfortunate that no woman could be elected to this House till date, we will make all possible efforts to bring women into leadership roles at different levels,” said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while delivering his budget speech.
Rio announced the introduction of ‘pink buses’ in Kohima and Dimapur on a pilot basis, which would have reserved seating for women passengers and run on subsidised rates. If the pilot programme was successful, it would be expanded to other areas of the state, he stated.
The government will also introduce a 24-hour ‘Women’s Helpline’ to assist and help women in distress and facing problems in emergency situations. The helpline will assist victims of domestic violence, women facing abuse and attacks, cheating etc., for quick and immediate reaction from the law enforcing agencies.
Another new initiative includes creation of ‘Centre for Women Entrepreneurs’, aimed at providing mentoring opportunities and enable financial linkages to build successful women-led enterprises. The government projects that the centre would engage with professional resource persons and reputed agencies; and become a centre of excellence in the long run.
Exorcise ghost employees
Also, Rio today assured of steps to combat the persistent problem of ‘proxy and bogus teachers’ and ‘ghost employees’ in the education sector.
He informed that special attention will be given to improve infrastructure and facilities of schools and colleges. The PDA government will strive to make quality education accessible to all students said Rio.
The chief minister also announced a new insurance scheme for students studying outside the state. “All students who are registered will be covered for a sum of rupees five lakh in the unfortunate event of death,” he said, adding that the scheme will also enable to collect data and information on the number of students who are undergoing academic courses all over the country. He said the government will release the modalities of the scheme at the earliest.
On higher and technical education, Rio stated that his government would accord top priority to provide better avenues for students in the area of higher and technical studies. For this purpose, he informed that steps will be taken to enhance technical and vocational skills as well as specialized studies. Acknowledging that several Naga youth have made a mark for themselves in the field of music, fashion, sports, filmmaking and business, he said such initiatives will be given a fillip by providing support to skill development and promotion of entrepreneurship.
Also assuring to strive to provide better avenues for job placements to students, Rio said the government will set up training and coaching centres to assist the youth to perform better in the common entrance exams and in the civil service exams.
“We will also finalise a scheme to provide financial incentives to Naga students who qualify for the interview of civil services examinations conducted by UPSC to enable them to avail of professional coaching,” he added.
