Newly sworn in Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan on Monday underscored the need to ensure the highest standards of governance built on the principles of transparency and accountability.
The Governor in his message to the people of Nagaland on assumption of office said the interests of the people, particularly the poor, should be supreme.
“We must ensure that every section of our society – particularly the weak and the disadvantaged - are equal partners in, and beneficiaries of, the development process. We must also ensure that every region of the country participates in and derive benefits from the process of economic growth,” Ganesan said.
Ganesan said he was honoured and privileged to be the First Citizen of a ‘fascinating state,’ a state with tremendous potential.
He said Nagaland with its green cover, water resources, mineral wealth, bracing climate, together with the capabilities of its people, can energise the dynamics of the state economy.
“It also puts an onus on me to live up to your expectations, an onus that is both inspiring and challenging. It shall, therefore, be my endeavour at all times to fulfill this onus to your utmost satisfaction,” he said.
As the people of Nagaland look back with pride to the “tremendous achievements” made during the 60 years of statehood in all spheres of life, the Governor said that “more than anything else we have demonstrated to the world that a developing state of over lakhs people, each aspiring for a better quality of life, can live harmoniously and move forward within the framework of a secular democracy.”
“Peace is essential for growth and prosperity. We need to facilitate a conducive social environment, to enable the willing participation of all sections of society, for inclusive development,” Ganesan said.
He also said that to realise the full potential of the people, the state must invest in their capabilities and empower them with modern education and comprehensive health care. “We must banish malnutrition, social evils infant mortality and female feticide,” he added.
“I am deeply committed to the cause of education and would like to see every person, man and woman, boy and girl, be touched by the light of modern education. Empowerment of women is particularly important to me as I believe this leads to the empowerment of the nation,” the Governor said.
Ganesan also stressed on protection of child rights and the urgency to wage a relentless campaign against poverty, ignorance and disease to seek a better future for the children.
“We must show wisdom and foresightness in protecting our planet and our environment, for the good of all living species and future generations,” he said.
“We must ensure that science and technology serve our needs better, and help us develop a scientific temper that will unleash the full potential of our people, of our farmers, our workers, our professionals and our entrepreneurs,” he added.
The Governor further called upon all citizens to stand united in the fight against divisive and destructive tendencies such as communalism, casteism, extremism and terrorism.
Ganesan also thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for the latter’s warm welcome and said he looked forward to working with Rio him and his council of ministers.
“Finally, I call upon all the citizens of Nagaland to proudly exercise their franchise on 27th February, 2023, and participate in the world's largest festival of Democracy,” the Governor stated in his message.