Dimapur, April 20 (EMN): Advisor of Information and Public Relations and Village Guards (VG), S Keoshu Yimkhiung, inaugurated the Village Guards rest house at Thizama in Kohima on April 20.
Addressing the gathering during the inaugural programme, Keoshu hoped that the rest house would benefit the VG personnel and the public by providing the much-needed accommodation during their visit to the state capital for official works. He mentioned that the rest house would not only be for VG personnel but for all the Nagas, a DIPR report stated.
After a few months of taking charge as the advisor of Village Guards, Keoshu observed that the VG organisation has many loopholes in its infrastructure and development, which need to be seriously worked out. He also suggested a separate directorate/ HoD for the Village Guards to maintain a proper system in its working and functioning.
Also speaking on the occasion, Health minister, S Pangnyu Phom, mentioned that with the removal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) the VG personnel have a responsibility toward the state and would play an important role in assisting the state government and the public especially in the border areas. He also advised the VG personnel in their respective districts to maintain discipline and carry out their duties sincerely.
Pangnyu also stressed on the need to frame the norms and guidelines of the VGs at the earliest. He informed that the 21 elected members working in the VG areas have submitted various representations for which the Nagaland chief minister has entrusted and endorsed to the concerned department/ authority to take up and expedite the matter.
Presenting the technical report, CAWD executive engineer, Sungti Amer, informed that the need for a rest house at the state capital was conceptualised in 2014-15 during the tenure of the then additional chief secretary and commissioner, Banuo Z Jamir.
He stated that the construction of the building, which is a (G+2) storied RCC structure with a total floor area of 525 sq.m/5651 sq. ft., was carried out by contractor KC Angami & Sons Consortium. The work commenced on October 4, 2016, and completed on October 16, 2017, at the estimated cost of INR 236.85 lakh.
The commissioner of Nagaland, Rovilatuo Mor, hoped that the construction of a VG rest house in Thizama would encourage and boost the morale of the VG personnel. Stating that no appointments could be made since there are no sanctioned posts for staff like caretakers, cooks etc., he stated that the rest house would be managed/ maintained initially from an internal adjustment of funds from the Commissioner’s office.
He requested the VIPs visiting the rest house to help and support the maintenance and also appealed to maintain hygiene. Rovilatuo mentioned that the income collected from the room rent, food and lodging etc. would not go to the government exchequer but be accounted and utilised judiciously for the upkeep and maintenance of the rest house.
Commandant of Village Guards, Tuensang, Mongkoyanchu Chang, requested to set aside the VG rest house particularly for the VG officials and not leased out to a third party or used for any other purposes. He also appealed to the VG personnel visiting the rest house to pay the rate as fixed by the concerned department and to maintain it as their own. He further expressed gratitude to the government for taking care of the needs and priorities of the VG personnel.
The programme was also attended by MLA Yitachu, MLA CL John, MLA EshakKonyak, VG personnel and a host of government officials.