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Neiphiu Rio inspecting the contingents during the 73rd Independence Day celebration in Kohima on Thursday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 15 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep appreciation to the government of India for reiterating the uniqueness of Naga history and for the assurance that Article 371 (A) is a solemn and sacred commitment to the people of Nagaland.
Speaking at the 73rd Independence Day celebration held at Secretariat Plaza in Kohima on Thursday, Rio said, “I would like to reiterate the longstanding desire of the Naga people for the integration of all the contiguous Naga inhabited areas.”
He appealed to the ‘neighbours’ to recognise the history, the yearning and democratic rights of the Naga people so that they could live together in the ‘truest traditions of harmony and friendship.’
Rio also voiced concerns over the precarious situation existing in Dimapur because of the large influx of illegal immigrants, as well as the visible deterioration of Dimapur owing to inroads made by anti-social elements of various shades over the years. “We have hence decided to extend the ILP regime to Dimapur,” he added.
The chief minister informed that under Ayushman Bharat Scheme, 55 public hospitals and five private hospitals have been empanelled; 76,663 e-cards issued and benefits worth over INR 1 crore have already been availed by the beneficiaries till the end of June.
He also said that the Municipal Affairs department has resumed three major unfinished projects in Kohima namely, the multi-level vehicle parking at Old Medical Directorate and at Old NST, and construction of Cultural Hall under the Kohima Smart City Project .
Rio also said that the Power department has achieved 100% rural household electrification under the ‘Saubhagya’ programme.
According to him, the department of Food and Civil Supplies has completed 100% digitisation of beneficiaries under National Food Security Act. The Integrated Management Public Distribution System (IM-PDS) has been implemented in the state from March 15. Rio announced that the State Project Management Unit and District Project Management Units have started operating under IM-PDS.
The chief minister informed that the state government, with focus on sustainable development, has announced the ‘Plastic-free Nagaland’ project wherein entrepreneurs will be provided funds under Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund to produce alternatives like bamboo, jute and paper products to replace plastic.
He updated that funds have been allocated to all the 11 districts of Nagaland to initiate this programme. Rio said the state government, in order to promote self-employment, has also provided financial assistance to 129 beneficiaries to set up self-employment projects. He stated that during 2019-20, funds under LADP have been enhanced to INR 90 crore, at the rate of INR 1.50 crore per assembly constituency. He said that the enhanced amount will be utilised to take up one iconic project in each district headquarters.
Asserting that the state government is giving adequate thrust towards development of sport and youth activities in Nagaland, he said the state’s first astroturf at IG Stadium in Kohima was inaugurated on January 28.
“In an endeavour to expand the scope of promoting the music and art industry, the nomenclature of the erstwhile Music Task Force has been changed to Task Force For Music and Arts,” he said.
The chief minister also launched the first phase of Common Scholarship Portal on the occasion.
Upon arrival, he inspected the 26 contingents taking part in the parade and presented the Governor’s Gold Medal and citations.
For the first time in the history of Independence Day celebration in Nagaland, a sign language interpreter was assigned to translate the chief minister’s speech.
Also, differently-able children from Cherry Blossoms School, Kohima presented the National Anthem using gestures and signs as the capacity crowd stood to witness what was an emotional performance.