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Neiphiu Rio (second from right) realeasing the Nagaland Police Uniform Code in Kohima on Sunday. (Caisii Mao/EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Dec. 1 (EMN): The emergence of hope, and availing the opportunities expected to arrive at the doorstep sooner than later vis-à-vis the Indo-Naga talks, formed the central message of Chief Minister Niephiu Rio’s Statehood Day address on Sunday.
Delivering the customary speech at Kohima local ground, the chief minister said that ‘negotiations between various Naga political groups and the government of India have concluded and we are poised on the verge of history being made, as we could be very close to the final solution.’
Referring to the Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on Naga political issue meeting that was held on November 13, he maintained that the JLF had welcomed the proactive roles played by the mass-based organisations, tribe hohos, civil society and churches to ensure that negotiations were headed in a positive direction.
“An appeal has also been made by the JLF to the people of the neighbouring states to extend all possible cooperation so that the peace process can conclude in a successful manner which will enable peace and stability in the entire region,” he added.
Rio also acknowledged and appreciated the determination and commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Home Minister Amit Shah; Governor of Nagaland and the Centre’s interlocutor, RN Ravi for carrying forward the peace process, in bringing consensus among all the negotiating parties for successful conclusion of the negotiations.
Milestone and development
Asserting the state government’s commitment to infrastructure development, he said, “In 2019-20, under several schemes, more than INR 850 crore has been sanctioned for 24 roads covering more than 400 km and five bridges.”
Rio also added that significant initiatives have been taken in Power sector. Power supply capacity has been doubled in Kohima from 24 MVA to 48 MVA; and in Dimapur from 100 MVA to 200 MVA, which has seen a significant reduction in load shedding with considerable improvement in Power supply.
On Health sector, the chief minister said that more than 2.37 lakh eCards, covering more than 84,000 households till now under Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, has brought quality healthcare services within easy reach of the vulnerable sections of the society.
Rio informed that under PM-KISAN, more than 1,42,603 names of small and marginal farmers have been uploaded and an amount of about INR 54.60 crore has been directly deposited to the individual accounts of the farmers.
He also highlighted the efforts of the government in Information Technology sector and its success and said, “A constant endeavour of my government has been towards e-Governance in all the fields as this not only brings transparency, improves governance but also promotes ease of living.”
According to the chief minister, “changes create challenges, it also brings opportunities.” He also asserted that the youths need to continuously update their skills and knowledge in order to reap the benefits arising out of the evolving situation.
On the occasion, the chief minister also launched the ‘Nagaland Police Uniform Code’ and released the book ‘Winning the Lost battle - Assam Rifles in Battle of Kohima’. Rio also gave away prizes to the winners of the 2nd Gordon Graham Prize for Naga Literature. A sign language interpreter was used throughout the programme.
