Guv outlines initiatives & achievements of the govt
Kohima: The fourth session of 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) commenced here this morning with Nagaland Governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar outlining some of the initiatives and achievements of the government during the last one year. He expressed optimism that the House, through its sincere and intense deliberations, will address the pressing issues and problems that are confronting the state and evolve appropriate policies to redress and resolve them.
Kohima: The fourth session of 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) commenced here this morning with Nagaland Governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar outlining some of the initiatives and achievements of the government during the last one year. He expressed optimism that the House, through its sincere and intense deliberations, will address the pressing issues and problems that are confronting the state and evolve appropriate policies to redress and resolve them.
Later, motion of thanks on the Governor’s address was moved by MLA Dr. Longrineken and seconded by MLA Namri Nchang.
NLA speaker Chotisuh Sazo said that discussion and adoption of motion of thanks to the Governor’s address will take place on March 21 and 22.
Earlier, Sazo made obituary reference to the passing away of Late Hentok Konyak, former deputy speaker and member of NLA. Hentok passed away on August 7, 2013 in Dimapur. The House observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
‘Continue to focus on our strengths, and move on to the future’
Governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar in the NLA session stated that the government has been effectively and efficiently promoting the state to move forward along with the rest of the world, despite the problems.
“The challenges are many and our resources are scarce, but despite the constraints, we know that we can achieve many things provided we are determined,” said Dr. Kumar. He affirmed that the last 50 years have been difficult years no doubt, yet “we” have come a long way and the progress and development is there for all to see. “Let us, therefore, continue to focus on our strengths, and move on to the future that is full of promises,” he advised.
Exploration and exploitation of mineral resources
The geology and mining department is actively engaged in exploration and exploitation of the rich mineral resources. As per the Nagaland Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulation, 2012, the Ministerial Group on Petroleum & Natural Gas has approved issue of permits to two companies for pre-production and production activities in Wokha, Peren and Mon districts, for which certain formalities and conditions are still in progress. The department has been issuing coal mining licenses.
186 MW Dikhu, 140 MW Tizu-Zungki power projects
In order to attain self sufficiency in power, the power department is actively pursuing implementation of the 186 MW Dikhu and 140 MW Tizu-Zungki power projects. Techno Economic Clearances have been already accorded in respect of the Dikhu project by Central Electricity Authority, and negotiations are underway with the landowners to start the project early.
Nagaland Special Development Zone
Governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar said the state is now launching a new project “Nagaland Special Development Zone” (NSDZ) along the foothills, to expedite the process of urbanization and industrialization. The government has decided to move a resolution of this House during this assembly session to set out the visions and goals of NSDZ.
Endeavour to provide quality education
Stating that it is the endeavor of the government to provide quality education for the students, the Governor said, the government has decided to rationalize teacher deployment in all government schools and the exercise is expected to be completed shortly. To improve the quality of higher education, the government has made accreditation mandatory for all higher educational institutions in the state.
Gainful employment of educated youth
The government has been taking several steps to see that the educated youths are gainfully employed, especially outside the government sector. A new program, “Impact 5000 by 18’, has been launched by the youth resources and sports department in partnership with YouthNet. This is a five year programme focusing on entrepreneurship and employment and aims to enhance work skills of 5000 youth by the year 2018.
Food-grain production shows results
In the agriculture and allied sectors, the efforts to push up food-grain production have shown results. The government has also come out with a vision “Food for all by 2025.” Horticulture has become a major activity in the state, for which, actions are being taken to develop Centre of Excellence for vegetables and flowers and Model Horticulture Centre.
Meat production
Governor said Nagaland is a major meat consuming state, and it is the endeavor of the government to attain self sufficiency in meat production. In this direction, the government has been able to raise internal production of meat to the extent of 67% of the total consumption.
Revival plan of Tuli Paper mill
The revival plan of Tuli Paper Mill was approved by the Government of India in June 2013. The revival of this mile is important not only in terms of employment and livelihood opportunities for the people but it will also help to pave the way for an industrial culture to emerge in the state. “It should, therefore, be the collective responsibility of all of us to ensure that this mil is revived, and made functional as soon as possible,” the Governor said.
Observance of Earth Hour 2014
Governor reminded the members of the House that Earth Hour 2014 will be observed worldwide on March 29 and appealed to them to encourage the people to take part by switching off non essential lights and equipments from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM on that day.
Nagaland medical college
The long awaited medical college has finally been sanctioned by the Government of India, and the foundation stone was laid on March 3 this year. Besides, a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre has also been sanctioned.
Mechanisation of developmental works
The Mechanical Engineering department is engaging in mechanisation of developmental works in the state through the development of its heavy machinery. An amount of Rs. 4000.00 lakh has been earmarked for this purpose during current year, the Governor said.
Special development package for Eastern Nagaland
The special development package for Eastern Nagaland, amounting to Rs. 300 crores, which was incorporated by the Government of India as part of the state plan during 2012-13 is yet to be sanctioned by the Government of India. However, the Governor said, the state government has decided to go ahead with the implementation of the projects.
Nagaland medical college
The long awaited medical college has finally been sanctioned by the Government of India, and the foundation stone was laid on March 3 this year. Besides, a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre has also been sanctioned.
Mechanisation of developmental works
The Mechanical Engineering department is engaging in mechanisation of developmental works in the state through the development of its heavy machinery. An amount of Rs. 4000.00 lakh has been earmarked for this purpose during current year, the Governor said.
Special development package for Eastern Nagaland
The special development package for Eastern Nagaland, amounting to Rs. 300 crores, which was incorporated by the Government of India as part of the state plan during 2012-13 is yet to be sanctioned by the Government of India. However, the Governor said, the state government has decided to go ahead with the implementation of the projects.
