Dimapur, June 30 (MExN): The NPF has clarified on certain counts in response to a statement made by Opposition Leader I Imkong in a section of the local media terming the Year of Farmers as for poll mileage.
The NPF stated that 80% of Nagaland’s population is made up of villagers/farmers and having felt “the pulses” of the farmers, the Year of Farmers 2006 was launched by the State Government to benefit the farming community. “Ours is a commitment that ensures fulfillment unlike Congress which is a party that commits but never to be fulfilled” NPF Press Secretary R Paphino stated in a release.
According to the NPF, several programmes were launched by the previous Congress Government but they put more emphasis on subsidies/financial assistance owing to which all the programmes and projects “fell flat.” However, the NPF-led DAN government approach on the Year of Farmers 2006 “is embarked upon a definite plan to secure substantial and tangible result” the release stated. “And keeping this in mind, the Government is giving impetus on creating awareness and education of the farmers as the priority approach and setting aside the culture of subsidy/financial help as the secondary approach” the party maintained.
On the issue of youth-welfare programmes the NPF queried on what was delivered to the people by the Congress party when in power. The party stated that contrary to the Congress party’s “lackadaisical altitude” (sic) towards the youths, the NPF-led DAN government has done “so much” for the youths with the declaration of 2004 as year of youth empowerment.
“Many young people have been trained in various fields and trades and subsequently many of them got placements in the country and abroad. This is no mean achievement!” the NPF asserted. It added that the youth empowerment initiative of the government is a continuous process and the said initiatives are still on “without interruption and the youths are getting benefits even now.”
“The magnificent initiatives and achievements is causing anxiety and uneasiness to Congress leaders like Mr I Imkong but he should know that the Congress people are also equally reaping the fruits of what DAN Government have provided to the people” the party maintained.
