Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addressing the House during the Assembly session on March 21. (DIPR Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 21
With the 11th session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly resuming on Monday, the members exhibited the spirit of an opposition-less government, as they endorsed the Governor’s address during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address which was delivered on March 19.
A member described it as ‘one of the best address without much discrimination,’ while another remarked that he could “only see the goodness of the Governor’s address.”
“During the last four budget sessions, we, the NPF legislators participated as opposition benchers. Our duty then, was to fish our areas that seemingly required amendments. However, today as member of the opposition-less government, my mind moves me to only see the goodness of the Governor’s address.”
Creation of more districts
Initiating the debate, MLA Imkong L Imchen appreciated the government for creating four new districts, and put forth that Tobu and Meluri sub-divisions should be upgraded into full-fledged districts.
While noting that the government may have enough rational reasons for creation of district in the state, Imchen said creation of Meluri district should have been done long time ago. “I feel and am convinced that the creation of further district is immediately imperative on the part of the government particularly Meluri,” he said.
With immense mineral deposit in the area, Imchen viewed that creation of the Meluri district can derive many economic benefits for the entire state.
In this connection, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that demands for new districts including Meluri have been denied based on the government’s principle ‘not to divide a tribal district.’
Rio said that delimitation has taken place all over the country, except for a few states including Nagaland. “If we take delimitation, and try to rearrange the constituencies, then more justice can be made and then we can also met the demand and desire of the people,” he said.
He informed that Meluri constituency has 13,466 population and 9,202 voters while few Chakhesang villages have 5,743 voters. “To me, if delimitation comes, they deserve a separate constituency, but that is yet to happen, and the population is only about 30,000,” observed Rio.
However, he expressed hope that in a short while, delimitation will come and 'justice' can be delivered to all concerned. While assuring to abide by the principle, he appealed all to have patience for some time.
On the interstate boundary disputes
Raising concerns on the state’s border issues with Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar where problems have sporadically cropped up, MLA Yitachu Fithu requested the government to take serious note and evolve a policy to engage with its counterpart states. He also suggested that the state may engage at its own level and further take it to the national level.
To this, Rio responded that the government is ‘dealing with the sisters states.’
Referring to a recent bandh called by the Southern Angami people, he said that it was ‘unfortunate and matter of concern.’ He hoped that the leaders would come together and resolve the issue.
He informed that house that the border issues have been taken up with the Home Ministry, and also with the states of Manipur and Assam, claiming: ‘We are coming to a good understanding.’
Despite the Assam-Nagaland border issue case pending in the Court, Rio said there had been positive developments as both the parties have communicated and decided on the need to settle the issue outside the court with mutual understanding among stakeholders on both sides. Also, he informed that house that it was agreed that ‘the indigenous local leaders from both side should sit together and not some third person who doesn’t know about the land and the boundaries.’ He also assured the house to continue to pursue the matter.
Oil, natural gas and power
Although the department of geology & mining has issued mining leases to various firms, MLA Imtiwapang Aier said the situation is quite different at ground zero.
Stating that there are many illegal mining and exploration going on leading to environmental hazards, he requested the department to take more responsibility to check illegal mining and that the laid down guidelines are being strictly followed by the firms.
According to Rio, the Assam Chief Minister has positively responded to his letter on February 7, 2022 on the issue of oil and natural gas exploration. He also said that sharing of royalties was also discussed during his meeting with the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri on October 11, 2021 along with others. He was optimistic that things would gradually work out.
While appreciating concerns raised by members over the matter of power generation and consumption, Rio said that the government is on the same page on the issue of self-generation of power in the state.
He informed that the government is trying to complete the ongoing small projects, and that it will be taking up new projects so that in no time the state can become self-sufficient on power, as well as sell the surplus power too.
DUDA funds, regularisation of teachers
Noting that the funds for the Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) has shrunk over the years, MLA Yitachu requested that proper funding should be allotted from the state as well as the centre. “Unless it is unlocked and open for developmental activities, it may become a centre point for creating problems,” he stated.
He also raised concerns on the regularisation of Assistant Professors to secure the services of the teaching faculty.
In response, Rio acknowledged that due to financial crunch, the budget allocation for DUDA was reduced for some time.
However, he maintained that the state government is also giving its sufficient share and that this year; it is extending some more funds.
Some hostels in favour of ENPO area will be taken up so that problems of students outside the ENPO areas can be addressed, he said.
Regarding regularisation of teachers in the higher education sector, Rio said the matter was of great concern as without qualified teachers, students cannot get quality education.
Towards this end, he said the government also thought of regularising their services but as the matter has been taken to court by NSF and other activists, regularisation of those appointed under contract has been banned. Though it may take some time, the government will try its best to address the issue, he said.
Further, appreciation the participation of the members, Rio said today’s discussion was very ‘cordial’ all comments and suggestions were taken note of, and the government will apply the same in the best possible way.
The motion of thanks to the Governor’s address was taken for adoption without any amendments.
