Students get the opportunity to witness NLA proceedings

"It was a privilege to witness the functioning of the House LIVE"

Our Correspondent Kohima, Feb. 27 (EMN):The just concluded third session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) was not limited to the legislators, media and government officials. Some students from the state got the opportunity to witness the proceedings of the House at close quarters and some of them shared their experience with Eastern Mirror. On the second day of the budget session, it was the semester IV political science honours students from Sazolie College, Phezhu, Jotsoma in Kohima district, who experienced the proceedings of the House for the first time. “It was a privilege to witness such a political event along with the students as they were passionate about it,” Political Science lecturer of Sazolie College, Kevi U Yalie, who also led a team of students to the Assembly on Feb. 22, told this newspaper. “The mention about constructive criticism by a legislator and the debate over Article 371(A) and CAB was worth listening.” She said that the experience helped her clear some of her doubts “regarding certain issues affecting our state and politics post our statehood.” She added that the experience was “stimulating for all of us, with the Assembly being the domain of politics.” Kewizulungbo Nrak said that the experience gave him “appetite to be more patriotic, nationalistic as a Naga.” For Makrota Venuh, witnessing the assembly session was like a blessing. “However, we also expect clear vision and greater responsibility from our leaders. We hope common sense prevailed among our leaders so that they accept a spade a spade instead of sticking to their ‘political correctness’ for the betterment of all,” he said. “As anticipated, the Assembly Session was up to the mark. The debate on various social issues pertaining to the Nagas was stiff and fruitful,” Venuh added. While Limachan Kikon considered the experience as a “lifetime opportunity,” Kehenguzeule Esther Ndang said that the opportunity offered her an “insight on the capabilities and concern of our political leaders and the significance of a strong opposition in a democratic system.” “Their (legislators) pool of resources and insight of certain delicate matters was impressive. It gave me a clearer picture on the working of the Government and the crucial role of the opposition,” said Shirakho Krichena. To Kevilenuo Zao, “it was an experience which not only changed my outlook but also pondered upon me for more critical thinking.” Kohima College, political science lecturer Rose Rolnu said that the “proceedings” were in the syllabus and this time “we got to know about the proceedings; how bills are being introduced; how questions are being asked, such as, starred and supplementary. The way the opposition asked questions to the government and so on.” She added that the students also witnessed the opposition staging a walk out on Feb. 22. Kumuzio Tetseo said that it was a “privilege to witness the functioning of the house, live.” “Witnessing the actual working of the House was quite enlightening; for instance, the announcement made by the Marshal on entry of the deputy speaker,” said Tetseo. The one thing that caught him unaware was the security surveillance that went through at all nooks and corner of the assembly hall. He also felt that the second session was “more interesting” than the first, owing to the debate on CAB. “We were all intrigued by the way speakers presented their views and opinions. Particularly, MLA Yitachu, whom according to me is so well-versed with the subject and is argumentative. Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along is another very good speaker, whose fluency at English language is enviable” he observed.

Nagaland Appropriation Bill, 2019 passed

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) unanimously passed the Nagaland Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2019 on the last day of the budget session, authorising payment and appropriation of INR 18026.10 crore from and out of the consolidated fund of the state for the fiscal 2019-20. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also the minister-in-charge of Finance, moved the motion of the bill in the house, which was subsequently passed through voice vote.