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Dimapur, Feb. 27 (EMN): A government minister believes that the church and the government can consult with each other when working for the welfare of the people considering they ‘both’ work and guide the people ‘in the right direction.’
Minister Neiba Kronu is of the opinion that ‘The time has also come for our state to consult each other in policy matters.’
He was addressing the inauguration of a residence for Nagaland’s state chaplain. The minister for Planning & Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs Neiba Kronu inaugurated on February 27 the newly constructed residence of the chaplain near the NBCC Hall in Kohima.
Among those who attended the event included Kaisa Rio, wife of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The State Chaplain Rev. Kuzierang Thou offered the dedicatory prayer, the updates stated.
The department of Information and Public Relations (IPR) gave updates on Thursday informing about the inauguration.
Addressing the gathering, Neiba Kronu said that in many places around the world, church and government institutions work closely and even consult with each other sometimes even in policy making.
‘The time has also come for our state to consult each other in policy matters,’ the IPR quoted him as having said.
The minister stated that the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the legislators’ role are ‘almost the same as both strive to work and guide the people in the right direction.’
Also, he urged the NBCC to ‘work towards accomplishing the promise made many years back of sending out ten thousand Naga missionaries across the world to spread the Gospel.’
The minister expressed gratitude to the NBCC’s ministry for ‘lending them a full time chaplain for the legislators and their families for their spiritual growth.’
A residence for the state chaplain was long overdue, he remarked, and the residence is a ‘token from the state government for the tireless service rendered by the chaplain ministry.’ He lauded the departments in concern and the contractor for completing the building before schedule. He added that the work can be an example for contractors to emulate.
A church leader, Rev. Mechiehol Savi also said there is a unique ministry called chaplain ministry in Nagaland, meant for members of the legislative assembly and their families irrespective of their political affiliations. He remarked that although the state and the church are different entities, both work for the welfare of the people and ‘make every effort’ to make Nagaland a growing state in all aspect.
He expressed gratitude to the legislators and the Public Works department for their generosity and for completing the project. He added that for many years since the inception of the ministry, various people had worked in the chaplain's ministry, but without a quarter. He hoped that the chaplain ministry would grow and meet the spiritual needs of the leaders, the IPR reported him as having said.
The additional chief engineer for the Public Works department Lopongol Angami gave the technical report of the project. The official said that that foundation for construction of the chaplain’s quarter was laid on December 7 2016, with an estimated cost of INR 102.89 lakh. The work order was issued to M/s Atoulie Mepfuo.
However, during the process of site development, the location had to be changed due to the existing loose soil condition and the original project cost was increased to INR 183.00 lakh, the IPR quoted him as having said. He indicated that the project was completed two months ahead of the scheduled date, the IPR stated.