Natha New Village under Zunheboto district inaugurated its new Village Council Panchayat Bhavan (Council Hall) on April 27. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | April 27
Natha New Village under Zunheboto district inaugurated its new Village Council Panchayat Bhavan (Council Hall) on April 27. The facility was formally inaugurated by K Tokugha Sukhalu, IAS (Retd), MLA and Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, and Chairman of the Urban Local Bodies & Village Council Committee.
Delivering the welcome address, Akükau Hetoho S Zhimomi, Village Chief of Natha New, expressed gratitude and pride in the village’s commitment to Clean Election. He emphasised that the development witnessed today is a direct outcome of the village’s principled stand during the 2023 elections. Recalling the contributions of the late GB Zhevukhu Zhimo, he noted that the Council Hall, constructed through the RD Department, would serve as a foundation for future generations.
He further stated that although the village is small, “its unity and adherence to Clean Election principles have brought meaningful progress,” urging all stakeholders to continue upholding these values for sustained development.
He highlighted the developments received and proposed development initiatives, including LADPF 2023–2024 (retaining wall for the church compound); SRDP 2024–2025 (repair of the village circular road); RKYY scheme (agriculture); RGSA (SASCI) RD Village Council Hall; LADPF 2025–2026 (Village Council Hall); and proposed works for 2025–2026 such as a horticulture link road and inclusion under the World Bank-supported five-year plan (2025–2030).
T Poishe Sema, Project Director, RD, Zunheboto, in his address, highlighted that the building was constructed under the RJSA scheme aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aimed at strengthening rural development. He informed that only three villages in Zunheboto district including Ghatashi, Sukhai, and Natha New have benefited from the initiative so far, describing it as a significant step and a potential success story for the Department.
Addressing the gathering, the MLA and Advisor K Tokugha Sukhalu described the inauguration as “not the end, but the beginning,” and urged Natha New to set an example for other villages. He acknowledged the contributions of Minister Metsub Jamir and the RD Department, noting improvements in governance systems with enhanced accountability measures such as biometric and iris-based attendance.
He further remarked that, as per the 16th Finance Commission observations, “Nagaland has a disproportionately high number of government employees relative to its population.” Reflecting on the district’s history, he said Zunheboto has progressed through the efforts of past leaders and called upon the present generation to carry forward their legacy. He encouraged villagers to prioritize education, discourage proxy teaching, and promote sincerity among educators. Emphasizing that Clean Election are rare yet impactful, he termed Natha New’s achievement a matter of pride for the entire state and urged the community to remain proactive in contributing to development.
The programme was chaired by Viki K Zhimo and began with a vibrant women’s folk dance by the Natha New Women Folk Group, followed by a folk song performed by the village’s men’s group. The dedicatory prayer for the new Council Hall was offered by Inoka Chophy, Pastor of Natha New Baptist Church (NNBC), while the programme concluded with a closing prayer by Kupuli T Yeptho, APW, NNBC.
