Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 17
Nagaland’s chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday stated that the state’s roads and the power sector need the immediate attention of the government, both in Nagaland and in New Delhi.
“In a resource strapped state like ours, the Government of India must appreciate the fact that the allocation of funds for new roads and infrastructure need to be backed up by grants for their maintenance and upkeep,” Rio said in his statement on the floor of the House on Saturday.
Also stating that the country is faced with an acute shortfall of energy, Rio said that the state has to look at all possible sources to meet the energy requirements. He put emphasis on avenues such as hydro-power, petroleum and natural gas and coal which are available in the state.
“The tourism and service sector have witnessed tremendous growth over the past ten years,” he said, adding that the government was of the view that tourism is a way to have a more meaningful and wider understanding of Nagaland and its people by the outside world.
On “the land of festivals,” Rio said the idea is not just a catchy slogan but it is indeed a vision for tourism development, for promotion of our culture, for the spre of a positive image of the Nagas to the world, and for a wider appreciation of our people by the outside world.
