KOHIMA — Nagaland Minister for Higher
Education and Tourism Temjen Imna Along said on Thursday that the Union
Ministry of Tribal Affairs has released only 75% of the second installment of
scholarship funds meant for ST students.
During the inauguration of Central Plaza shopping
mall-cum-first Central Plaza carnival at PR Hill in Kohima, the minister
informed that he has received more than three thousand messages from students
enquiring about the second installment of scholarship. He said that the
government of the day has “no corruption in scholarship issue.”
Along explained that the state government is receiving
scholarship funds from the ministry for fiscal year 2023-2024, not 2024-2025.
He informed that the ministry gives the fund in two installments, and this
year, the state has received only 75% of the second installment.
“So what we received, we have given. More than forty to
fifty thousand students have received their scholarships. The state government
has never delayed its share, not even for a single week. The state government
puts its share without any commission, without any cutting, without any
pocketing," he said.
Speaking about Hornbill Festival, he said it is ‘not only a
festival of drinking and eating but also an opportunity for networking with the
rest of the world and showcasing the best of who Nagas are.’
Along expressed delight at noticing the growth of many Naga
entrepreneurs, mostly women, adding that “women empowerment is truly
happening.”
“If you want to do well in your work, be strong in your
networking. If you have a network, you will do well,” he said.
Medoze-u Rio, the Chairman of Central Plaza Management
Board, informed that the mall houses 70 stalls managed and owned by local
entrepreneurs who are mostly women.
