Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): A day ahead of Statehood Day celebrated every December 1, Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar has pointed out that the creation of Nagaland State was a “major event as it acknowledged the unique character of our people and gave us an opportunity to realise our genius”. The Governor in his Statehood speech also spelled out his vision for the future of Nagaland.
“My vision is of Nagaland as one of the most developed states of the country”, the Governor stated while adding that for this, we need good roads, we need power; we need a healthcare system that takes care of our people.
He stated that the State government proposed to provide proper infrastructure to our hospitals, and especially our Primary Health Centres. “The State government is committed to making full utilization of the NRHM. This is expected to benefit all sections of our people”, he stated.
The Governor also stated that the government was keen to have a system that enables children to exercise their right to education. To ensure quality education, the existing 8 District Institutes of Educational Training (DIETs) will be expanded to Peren, Kiphire and Longleng. Also, Block Institutes of Teachers Education will be opened in 8 districts, during the next five years, the Governor stated.
Also pointing out that serious attention ought to be given to agriculture, the Governor stated that farmers must be provided with the required irrigation facilities, fertilizers, good seeds and timely loans and adopt modern methods of rainfed farming. “It is such attention to agriculture that will strengthen our rural sector and discourage migration to urban areas”.
At the same time, the Governor also stated that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme should be continued and implemented. “I have seen works that have been executed under this scheme and they give us satisfaction that our rural sector is getting due attention”.
Stating that our roots lie in our rural areas, he pointed out that it was these roots that give us the strength to preserve our heritage and our culture. “It is our common heritage that is the basis of our overall strength and it gives me much pleasure to see our people remember their roots”. The Governor also expressed happiness that the younger generation was keen to stay connected with its roots.
Besides the Governor stated that emphasis should be on the development of industry and profitable exploitation of our rich resources. “Only then will we be able to realise our vision of a developed Nagaland”. The Governor also stated that conditions have to be created to attract investment from outside the state. In this regard, he informed that the State Government has drawn up a policy for this and informed that it was a well crafted policy that holds much promise to attract investments which will increase our growth rate and put Nagaland on the road to development and prosperity.
The Governor was also mindful that there can be no investment and the accompanying development and progress without peace. “Peace is utterly essential for an investment friendly environment”. Though there has been peace in the state for the past decade and a half, the Governor stated that this has to be sustained. “It has to be permanent. Nagaland deserves this. I can with assurance say that with the blessings of the Lord Almighty we will be able to enter an era of permanent peace”.
