Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, DGAR Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera and others during the CM’s visit to Capt N Kengurüse, MVC Centre of Excellence & Wellness at Chieswema (Tsiesema) on July 2. (Morung Photo)
Visits Capt N Kengurüse Centre of Excellence & Wellness
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 2
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today said the proposed Commission reviewing Nagaland's reservation policy has a “very detailed” task and cannot submit its report immediately, urging patience on the matter.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his visit to the Capt N Kengurüse, MVC Centre of Excellence & Wellness at Chieswema (Tsiesema), he referred to an earlier Cabinet decision that the reformation of administration, backward reservation, and delimitation should come after the conduct of the upcoming census.
“We do not want a temporary arrangement as the whole state has to go through this exercise,” CM Rio underscored, expressing optimism that the census process would start soon, as announced, by 2027.
Earlier, against the backdrop of the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP), the Cabinet on June 13 ‘in principle’ decided to constitute a Commission to review the reservation policy.
The five-member Commission is to be headed by two IAS officers, along with one representative each from the Central Nagaland Tribes Council, Tenyimi People’s Organisation, and Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), the Government Spokespersons had informed.
Accordingly, regarding the CoRRP’s demand on June 30 that civil society organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) be excluded from the proposed Commission, CM Rio assured that the matter would be looked into.
Meanwhile, the CoRRP, comprising the Angami, Ao, Rengma, Lotha, and Sumi tribes, has called for a joint consultative meeting on July 3 to discuss the issue. The presidents/chairpersons of the five apex tribal bodies and their youth and students’ unions have been invited to the meeting.
CM Rio lauds AR’s educational initiative
Meanwhile, during his visit to the Capt Kengurüse Centre, CM Rio lauded the vision and commitment of Assam Rifles for undertaking what he termed a “transformative educational initiative,” and described the Centre as a symbol of trust, empowerment, and progress for the state.
He also encouraged the students to stay focused and disciplined and to take pride in being part of a project that represents the aspirations of Nagaland’s youth.
Directorate General Assam Rifles (DGAR) Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera also reaffirmed the paramilitary force’s dedication to the development of the North-East, not only through security but also through meaningful outreach and capacity-building.
He commended the spirit of the students and the positive impact of the Centre’s holistic training model.
The Centre, a joint initiative by Assam Rifles and NIEDO (National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation), provides free residential coaching to talented underprivileged students of Nagaland for competitive exams, along with structured personality development and mentoring.
Earlier, the Chief Minister was received by Lt Gen Lakhera along with senior officers of Assam Rifles and members of the NIEDO team.
He also interacted with the students and faculty, witnessed cultural performances by the scholars, and toured the academic and residential infrastructure.
