On Statehood Day, CM says development and peace remain cornerstone of governance
KOHIMA — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday said that even as resolving the Naga political issue remains a top priority, the formation of new Naga political groups and their internal divisions pose a significant challenge.
The chief minister expressed this concern while addressing the 62nd Statehood Day celebration at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima.
Currently, the number of factions stands at 26.
Earlier in November, Rio, along with his Cabinet colleagues, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah “to reiterate our urgency and discuss issues including the recent press statements by the chief political negotiator of NSCN (IM).”
Th. Muivah had recently threatened to revive ‘armed resistance’ if the Centre fails to introduce a third party to break the deadlock in Indo-Naga talks.
Rio recalled that Nagaland government had constituted a Political Affairs Committee (PAC) — comprising all 60 MLAs, representatives of eight political parties, and Members of Parliament — and held a meeting on August 28. In the meeting, the committee authorised the state government to hold consultations with apex tribal bodies and civil society organisations regarding the Naga political issue.
“Following this mandate, a consultative meeting was held on September 12, 2024, in Kohima. It concluded with four resolutions, including an appeal to the government of India to elevate the ongoing peace process by appointing a political-level or ministerial-level interlocutor,” Rio said.
On the occasion, the chief minister invoked the wisdom of former President S Radhakrishnan.
“When Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963, the then President of India, Shri S Radhakrishnan, stated, ‘Understanding and friendship help to build a society where hatred and violence tend to disrupt it. Let us avoid the latter and adopt the former.’ These words remain profoundly relevant today. ‘Peace for Development and Development for Peace,’ our governance cornerstone, reflects this enduring sentiment,” he asserted.
With regard to the ENPO issue, he said that comments on the Draft Memorandum of Settlement-III were submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 6, emphasising shared economic progress for all citizens.
“My government remains committed to inclusivity, especially in addressing the ENPO issue,” he said.
Schemes and achievements
Also, the chief minister highlighted some of the major welfare schemes and projects for the people of the state along with the achievements of government departments and agencies.
Underscoring the importance of education and skill development for the youth of Nagaland, he informed that under the PM-USHA scheme, the Ministry of Education has approved projects worth INR 25 crore for the construction of academic buildings and skill hubs in Dimapur and Mokokchung.
“The department of Youth Resources and Sports, under PMKVY, will be imparting skill training to 1050 youths in three job roles. The department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has established nine Industrial Training Institutes in the state, offering training in 15 trades, consisting of nine engineering and six non-engineering disciplines. Till date, 11,092 trainees have completed the All-India Trade Test,” he said.
On women empowerment and social security initiatives, the chief minister announced that 186 women have been trained in various trades, with 85 beneficiaries undergoing training in handloom weaving.
He also informed that the Women Resource Development department is in the process of handing over a turmeric processing unit in Jalukie to a self-help group run by women.
“To realise our full potential, our people must remain healthy. Under the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), that was launched in October 2022, 11,899 beneficiaries have benefitted with 18,428 treatments, amounting to INR 67.80 crore,” he informed.
Further, Rio highlighted two key initiatives: the Chief Minister's Universal Life Insurance Scheme (CMLIS), which has already enrolled nearly 4 lakh beneficiaries, and the pioneering Digital Piggery Insurance Scheme, aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by farmers in the state.
He urged more families across Nagaland to come forward and enrol in the ‘life-changing’ CMLIS.
The CM outlined several infrastructural projects aimed at boosting connectivity in the state, including the construction of heliports and helipads, a focus on inland water transport, and the completion of several electricity infrastructure upgrades.
The state also made significant progress in improving water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with over 92% of households now having functional tap connections, he said.
The state government has focused on promoting rural livelihoods, with several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for rural communities, he said, adding that the Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana has already selected 530 villages for developmental projects, with 208 villages covered so far.
Rio appealed to all the citizens to work together to take the state to greater heights and realise the shared dream of a developed and prosperous Nagaland.