Dimapur, June 8 (MExN): State Resource Centre-cum-Hostel for Rural Functionaries was inaugurated at Naga United Village, Dimapur on June 7 by Advisor for SIRD, Fire & Emergency Services, Relief & Rehabilitation, Nagaland, Pohwang Konyak. The Centre was constructed by the Department of State, Institute of Rural Development with an objective to impart training for rural functionaries.
On the occasion, Pohwang expressed hope and optimism that the Centre would not only train the village functionaries and educated unemployed youth in honing their skills but also impart training on how to earn their livelihoods. He hoped and prayed that the Centre would be the ‘Centre of learning new things and serve the department for the welfare and wellbeing of the people domiciled in rural areas'.
Director SIRD, Limasenla Jamir in her brief account of the project mentioned that the Department of SIRD was established in 1990. The department being the apex training institute for rural functionaries in the state endeavours to act as a bridge between the majority rural population with its state functionaries by formulating and conducting need based training programmes for the rural poor as well as creating awareness of the government’s flagship programmes, she mentioned.
She said the department works under the guidance and directives of the National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) Hyderabad and Regional Centre, Guwahati. Since the department is involved with training activities of all Rural Development programmes at the State, Block and grassroots level, the institute has been constantly interacting with the officials at the national level, she said.
Dimapur is the only commercial town in Nagaland connected with the rest of the country having facilities for conducting expos, exhibitions, workshops, seminars and trainings where the department is involved directly or indirectly. As such, a centre was required in order to provide an infrastructure oriented for rural education and exchange of cultural ideas not only within the state but also the neighbouring states. Such cultural exchanges and success stories between farmers and rural functionaries of different states would only enhance the performance of our rural people, she stated. Keeping this concern in mind, the department submitted proposal during the financial year 2015-16 for construction of Resource Centre-cum-Hostel at Naga United Village, Dimapur.
Foundation stone was laid by Er Picto Shohe on March 27, 2017. The work was allotted to M/s Dozo Construction and Joint Director, SIRD, Vesato was appointed as the Supervisor to supervise the work in coordination with the Engineering Wing, Rural Development. The project was funded by HUDCO.
President United College of Theology & Missions (UCTM) Dimapur, Rev Dr P Dozo offered the dedicatory prayer. Chairman Village Council, Naga United Village, Kiithoku Shijo gave a short speech while Ziive Cultural Club, NUV, Dimapur presented a special number.
The programme was chaired by Additional Director SIRD, Dr Veluo Shijo and Sr Lecturer SIRD, Suohienuo Keyho proposed vote of thanks.
